Pacers

Pacers are experienced runners who help you stay on track and reach your goal, whether that’s a personal best or just enjoying the race! Our incredible half marathon pacers will keep you motivated, set a steady pace, and make race day even more fun.

We’ll have pacers for the following race paces: 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, and 12:00 minutes per mile.

If you’re looking to run our half marathon with a pacer, find them before the start, they’ll be holding signs with their race paces. Keep reading to meet some of our pacers!

    7:30 PACERS

      Scott Akker

      Seven years ago Scott started running to lose weight, and it turned into something much bigger. He’s now in his 3rd year pacing the Seaway Run, drawn back each time by the local feel and the familiar faces. Scott loves long, slow miles and the half marathon distance, and completing the Dopey Challenge at Disney ranks among his best running memories. Boston is still on the bucket list. You’ll recognize him by the hat and the pink shoes, and if you’re close enough to hear his headphones, it’s probably “Party in the USA.” He runs best in hot morning weather, does his best miles with friends around, and finishes strong with a vanilla Core Power. His training philosophy: a 10-miler is a perfectly reasonable 5k warm-up.

      Matt Jones

      Matt is heading into his 5th year pacing the Seaway Run, and his enthusiasm for race day hasn’t dimmed a bit. The people and the course keep him coming back year after year. With 15 years of running under his belt, he’s equally at home grinding out long, slow miles in training as he is helping runners chase negative splits on race day. One of his standout accomplishments is finishing the Barkley Fall Classic, and he’s still dreaming of tackling the Run Through the Giants Marathon. Matt rotates between Hoka and Saucony, prefers warm morning runs, and counts on Jelly Roll’s “Son of a Sinner” to keep him moving. Fuel of choice: a banana at the finish line. His best piece of running wisdom: he’s never once regretted going for a run.

      Mike Resterhouse

      Mike started running for freshman science extra credit 41 years ago and never really stopped. He’s in his second year pacing the Seaway Run, a race he considers a true Muskegon tradition, and he coaches track and cross country at Muskegon High School when he’s not logging miles himself. Boston stands out as his most memorable race, and Iceland is next on the bucket list. Mike favors speed work over long slow miles, prefers the half marathon distance, and runs in Brooks Glycerin. He’s a no-headphones runner, an evening miles guy, and does his best work in the heat. Post-race recovery is a Core Power in any flavor. His mindset is straightforward: someone else is always out there training harder than you.

      8:00 PACERS

        Ross Bartlett

        Ross has been running for over 10 years and has spent the past two pacing the Seaway Run, where he loves soaking in the views and steady miles. He prefers long, easy runs over speed work and enjoys the half marathon distance most. His favorite race so far has been the Marine Corps Marathon, and he’s still dreaming of running the Honolulu Marathon someday. You’ll usually find Ross training in the mornings, especially in cooler weather, with “Semi-Charmed Life” keeping him motivated. Running has taught him patience and the importance of trusting the process—because for Ross, it’s as much mental as it is physical.

        Jared Alderink

        Jared has been running for nine years. He got his start when his sister Shanna convinced him to join Run Muskegon in its early days, and he is back for his 5th year pacing the Seaway Run. He loves the course for its unique route from downtown all the way to the waterfront. His favorite race memory is the 2025 Trail Ragnar, where he captained his team through 93-degree heat only to finish in a torrential downpour and flooding. Jared’s favorite training day is his long run, his preferred distance is the half marathon, and he races in Saucony Endorphin Speeds. His go-to song is “Remember” by The Movement. He prefers hot mornings and has the Bayshore Marathon on his running bucket list. His best runner logic moment: signing up for the 2017 Seaway Run half marathon the night before, two months into running, with a longest run of 6 or 7 miles. What has running taught him? How to be mentally strong when he wants to quit.

        8:30 PACERS

          Sidney Long

          Sidney has been running for 23 years and is back for her third year pacing the Seaway Run. She loves race day, and the stretch along the beach and boardwalk is her favorite part of the course. One of her most memorable race experiences was her first Riverbank Run 25k, where she started not knowing a soul and felt like part of the Run Muskegon crew by mile 15. Sidney gravitates toward speed work, favors the half marathon distance, and runs in Sauconys. Her go-to song is “One in a Million Girl” by The Tubes, and you’ll find her reaching for pretzels at the finish.

          Heather TerLouw

          Heather’s first race was the Seaway Run 5k back in 1989, so coming back as a pacer for her 5th year feels pretty fitting. With over 35 years of running, four full Ironmans, and 25+ marathons, she knows a thing or two about stacking up miles. Long and slow is her preferred approach, and the marathon distance is where she thrives. She runs in New Balance, starts her mornings with Janet Jackson, and heads straight for the watermelon at the finish. Hot weather and early mornings are her ideal conditions, and on low-motivation days her two vizslas make sure she gets out the door anyway. London is still on the bucket list. What has running taught her? That she’s capable of doing really hard things.

          9:00 PACERS

            Alana Matyas-Brower

            Alana has been running since 2006 and has been pacing the Seaway Run since 2018, welcoming runners to Muskegon with energy and local pride. Known for her love of the lakeshore and scenic routes near Lake Michigan, she enjoys sharing the best views and hidden gems along the way. One of her favorite race memories is the North Country Trail Run Half Marathon, a challenging run with an unforgettable community feel. Alana loves long, easy miles on warm mornings and keeps things fun with “Hey Ya!” by Outkast. Fueled by donuts or bananas, she believes in smart planning and never regrets a run. She dreams of tackling the Camino de Santiago someday and brings her passion for community to her work with Pigeon Hill Brewing Company and Run Muskegon. Running with Alana means steady pacing, scenic views, and just the right amount of motivation to keep you going strong.

            Rory Closz

            Rory started running nine years ago trying to keep up with his partner, and it clearly stuck. He now coaches middle school cross country. In his 4th year pacing the Seaway Run, the boardwalk stretch along Lake Michigan remains his favorite part of the course. He’s a long slow miles guy who favors the half marathon distance and races in Saucony Endorphin Speeds. One of his best running memories is his first Ragnar Relay with the Run Muskegon crew. On race day you’ll find him running to “Party Hard” by Andrew W.K. and grabbing a banana at the finish. He prefers cold mornings and his runner logic is simple: once you start adding miles, you might as well keep going until it’s basically a half marathon. Western States is still on the list.

            9:30 PACERS

              Courtney Abernathy

              Courtney has been running for seven years and is back for her 3rd year pacing the Seaway Run. She loves the course scenery and looks forward to the Hawaiian luau aid station every time. Long slow miles are her thing, but some of her favorite race memories are simpler than that: spotting her family cheering along marathon courses around the world. She runs in ASICS Metaspeed Edge shoes, prefers cool evening runs, and reaches for “Not Afraid” by Eminem when she needs a boost. Finish line priorities are potato chips and a cold beer. Her runner logic: sign up for a 5k, somehow end up in a 24-hour looped event. Antarctica is on the bucket list. On tough days her approach is straightforward: just get dressed and trust the rest will follow.

              Tracy Zylstra

              Tracy started running 28 years ago to quit smoking, and the habit stuck in the best way. She’s in her 4th year pacing the Seaway Run and loves the course and the scenery that comes with it. A nurse who works 12.5-hour shifts, she fits her miles in early before heading to work. Long slow miles are her preference, the 15k is her favorite distance, and qualifying for Boston at the Bayshore Marathon is one of her proudest running moments. She runs in Sauconys, prefers cold mornings, and keeps things moving with “Sexy Chick” by David Guetta. She loves watermelon at the finish. Her runner logic: 8 miles is really just 10 miles with a little convincing.

              Ken DeBack

              Ken brings an incredible 48 years of running experience to the Seaway Run and is in his fifth year as a pacer. After getting his start in high school, his passion for running was reignited on Boston Marathon Day—and he’s been going strong ever since. He loves the Seaway course, the post-race food, and the fun after-party atmosphere. Ken’s favorite distance is the half marathon, he’s a loyal Saucony runner, and nothing beats chocolate milk at the finish line. A true morning runner, Ken brings calm, consistency, and a lifelong love of the sport to every mile.

              10:00 PACERS

                Brenda Penland

                Brenda brings 40 years of running experience to the Seaway Run and is in her third year as a pacer. She started running in college and never looked back, and this race holds special meaning for her as one of her very first 5ks. One of her most memorable moments was crossing the finish line at the Boston Marathon, an experience she describes as unforgettable. Brenda enjoys racing everything from a 5k to a marathon and finds motivation in “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. A morning runner who prefers warm-weather training, she’s fueled by chocolate milk and a belief that she can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Running with Brenda means experience, encouragement, and inspiration every step of the way.

                Amanda Lacy

                If you’ve run the Seaway Run in the last decade, you’ve probably seen Amanda out front. She’s been running for 23 years and has paced the Seaway Run for nine or ten of them, making her one of the most familiar faces on the course. The Lake Michigan views are a big part of what keeps her coming back. Amanda has found her sweet spot in the half marathon distance and has completed around 80 of them, more than half as a pacer. She runs in Saucony Endorphin Speeds, prefers cold mornings, and finishes with chocolate milk. A Disney Half Marathon is still on her bucket list.

                Kaitlin Bundt

                Five years ago Kaitlin made herself a plan: 5k by 31, half marathon by 32, full marathon by 33. She pulled it off, and now she’s heading into her 5th year pacing the Seaway Run. Originally from Pittsburgh, she moved to Michigan in 2021 with her family and has fully embraced lake life. Her first race was the Pittsburgh Half Marathon, and Berlin is coming up this fall with London after that. Kaitlin favors speed work, loves the half marathon distance, and runs best on cold mornings. She’s a Run Muskegon member and works at Catholic Charities in the Healthy Families program. On race day she runs to Pitbull or a 2000s club hit, finishes with a banana, and makes a Taco Bell stop on the way home. Her runner logic: questionable route planning has a way of turning easy runs into accidental long runs. On tough days she thinks about disappointing David Goggins.

                10:30 PACERS

                  Amber Smith

                  Amber’s mom signed her up for track in 7th grade to help her make friends. She didn’t necessarily make friends, but she found something better: a love for running. She’s now in her 3rd year pacing the Seaway Run and looks forward to the middle stretch along the beach every time. Speed work is her preference, the half marathon is her distance, and breaking two hours at the 2017 Grand Rapids Half Marathon is one of her proudest moments. She runs in Sauconys, prefers cold mornings, and turns to “My Shot” from the Hamilton soundtrack when she needs a lift. Post-run snack motivation is real for her. Niagara Falls is on the bucket list, and at home two cats named Zazzles and Abby are waiting.

                  Rachel Kent

                  Rachel found her stride six years ago when she discovered the Run Muskegon community, and she’s in her 2nd year pacing the Seaway Run. She loves the community support along the course and thrives on speed work and the half marathon distance. One of her best race memories is the Key West Big Pecker Challenge: a 5k and 10k back to back on Saturday, then a half marathon on Sunday. She runs in Altras, prefers hot mornings, and keeps “The Champion” by Carrie Underwood in her ears. Finish line fuel is a Hammer Nutrition bar. Off the course she lives on ten acres with her husband and two kids, and summers mean biking and time outdoors.

                  Cathy Capy-Cantu

                  Cathy has been running for nearly 20 years, beginning with a personal promise to prove she could do something hard—and do it well. Now in her second year as a Seaway Run pacer, she loves the race’s strong sense of community and beautiful course. One of her most meaningful memories is running her first marathon at the Detroit International Marathon alongside family, including the unforgettable crossing of the Ambassador Bridge. Cathy enjoys long, easy training runs and prefers the half marathon distance on race day. You’ll often find her running to “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk the Moon, fueled by chocolate milk at the finish. A morning runner who loves cooler weather, Cathy believes in sticking to a plan and doing hard things. She’s proud to call Muskegon home and credits the support of Run Muskegon for helping shape her running journey. Running with Cathy means heart, grit, and steady encouragement all the way to the finish.

                  11:00 PACERS

                    Bonnie Gessler

                    Bonnie has been running since elementary school and loves staying active while making new friends along the way. Now in her fourth year as a Seaway Run pacer, she thrives on the race’s energy and beautiful scenery. One of her most memorable accomplishments was completing her first 100-mile race at the Ghost Train Ultra, a true test of grit and determination. Bonnie enjoys long, easy miles and the half marathon distance, and keeps spirits high with “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston. An evening runner who loves warm weather, she’s fueled by donuts, chips, and Coke and lives by one simple rule: never quit. Her dream race is the Marine Corps Marathon, and running with her means steady miles, strong encouragement, and plenty of positive energy.

                    Lindsey Helsen

                    Lindsey has been running for three years and discovered the sport while looking for a sustainable way to stay active. Now in her second year as a Seaway Run pacer, she loves that it’s a local race with a beautiful course and a strong sense of community. Her favorite distance is the half marathon, and one of her most meaningful memories comes from the Grand Rapids Half Marathon, where a fellow runner helped pace her through the final miles. Lindsey enjoys morning runs, thrives in warm weather, and keeps moving with “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige or music from Sammy Rae & The Friends. Fueled by protein milk and positive goals, Lindsey brings steady pacing and good vibes to every mile.

                    Marcos Valim

                    Marcos started running 25 years ago to clear his head and never stopped. In his 4th year pacing the Seaway Run, he loves the scenic route, the atmosphere, the people, and the fact that it’s close to home. Long slow miles are his comfort zone and he’s equally at home in the marathon and half marathon distances. The New York City Marathon stands out as a favorite race memory, and Tokyo is still on the list. He runs in Sauconys, prefers hot mornings, and keeps Pink Floyd and Dire Straits in his ears. His runner logic: head out for 8 miles, come back having run 15. What has running taught him? Discipline, above everything else.

                    12:00 PACERS

                      Amy Hayes

                      Amy has been running for over 15 years, after starting with a simple goal of running or walking one mile a day—and never looking back. Now in her second year as a Seaway Run pacer, she keeps coming back for the beautiful course and strong community. One of her favorite memories is completing a 100-mile race in Virginia, a challenge she loved from start to finish. Amy enjoys speed work, prefers the half marathon distance, and powers her runs with “Distance” by Cake. A morning runner who thrives in warm weather, she’s fueled by bananas and determination. Her dream race is the Western States Endurance Run, and running has taught her to endure every challenge with heart and grit.

                      Kate Merrill

                      Kate has been running consistently for about a year and a half and quickly fell in love with the sport as part of her fitness journey. This year marks her first time pacing the Seaway Run, and she’s excited to lead runners along the beautiful lakeshore course and supportive community. One of her favorite memories is finishing her first half marathon at the 2025 Seaway Run and celebrating with her family at the finish line. Kate loves the half marathon distance and stays motivated with “Remember the Name” by Fort Minor. An evening runner who enjoys cooler weather, she’s fueled by chocolate milk and breaks long runs into manageable pieces. Her dream race is the Tokyo Marathon, and running has taught her dedication and perseverance. With steady pacing, positive energy, and a background as a trained opera singer, Kate brings both heart and inspiration to every mile.

                      Ali Brogan

                      Ali has been running for years but found her real groove over the last two, building consistency and turning it into her favorite way to reset and clear her head. This is her first year pacing the Seaway Run, and she’s excited to be part of an event she loves for its atmosphere and community. Originally from Port Huron, she’s called Muskegon home for six years and is a regular with Run Muskegon. Long slow miles are her thing, the half marathon is her distance, and she runs in Topos. Her go-to soundtrack is Taylor Swift, and she finishes with a banana. Her runner logic: she has an 11-mile long run on the schedule, so she might as well sign up for a half marathon and get a medal. Cold mornings are her sweet spot, and the Eugene Marathon and all six World Marathon Majors are on the bucket list. What has running taught her? That she’s capable of far more than she thinks, as long as she pushes through the mental blocks.