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 2025 pacers!

    7:30 PACERS

      Scott Akker

      Scott has been running for six years and loves The Trinity Health Seaway Run for its hometown feel. On race day, you’ll spot him with a water bottle in hand and a bright pair of pink running shoes! While he doesn’t run with music, he keeps the energy high—especially after his go-to banana and protein bar breakfast. His most memorable race? The magical miles of the Disney World Marathon! He loves training in the heat but prefers a cool race day.

      Matt Jones

      Matt has been running for 14 years and has always enjoyed the scenic course at the Trinity Health Seaway Run, especially the stretch by Lake Michigan. He’s excited to return to the race this year, drawn to the beauty and challenge of the course. His go-to shoes are Hoka Arahi and Saucony Shifts, and when he’s not pacing, you’ll likely hear him running to Shinedown’s “Monster.” A fan of hot weather running, Matt never hits the pavement without his hat, and his pre-race breakfast is always a bagel. One of his most memorable races was the Barkley Fall Classic. Matt enjoys running with family and pacing others, always looking to inspire and support those around him.

      8:00 PACERS

        Ross Bartlett

        Ross has been running for over eight years and is excited for his first Trinity Health Seaway Run—especially the race-day energy and beautiful course. A fan of cushioned shoes, you’ll likely see him rocking his Asics Superblast 2 or New Balance SC Trainer V3. He never runs without music, and if his playlist is on shuffle, you might hear Call on Me by Starley (Ryan Riback Remix). His most memorable race moment? Crossing the finish line at the Chicago Marathon. It was his first marathon and he’s been hooked ever since! Ross is a firm believer in the “runner’s high” and hopes you’ll experience it too.

        Rich Cater

        Rich has been a serious runner for nine years and loves that the Trinity Health Seaway Run has been a community tradition since 1981. A dedicated member of the running scene, he’s the Vice President of Run Muskegon and helps organize races year-round. His most memorable race experience? Conquering both the Boston and Chicago Marathons in 2024! When it comes to gear, Rich swears by Saucony shoes and never runs without arch support. He fuels up with oatmeal and protein before a race and prefers cold-weather running—just without the snow!

        8:30 PACERS

          Alana Matyas-Brower

          Alana has been running since 2009 and loves the Trinity Health Seaway Run for the chance to show off Muskegon—her favorite place to run! As the founder of Run Muskegon, she’s been a big part of the local running community for over a decade. She trains in Brooks Ghost shoes, fuels up with a protein shake blended with coffee and banana, and can’t run without snacks! Her most memorable race? Tackling the grueling Black Canyon 100K in Arizona—where a nasty fall at mile 24 didn’t stop her from pushing through another 38 miles to the finish. Alana prefers perfect running weather (65 and sunny, please!), but no matter the conditions, she’ll be out there pacing you to the finish.

          Heather TerLouw

          Heather has been running for 35 years—ever since she completed the Trinity Health Seaway Run 5k with her parents and older sister at just six years old! She loves the Seaway Run’s strong community feel and the way the course highlights some of Muskegon’s best views. Heather runs in Karhu Fusion 4 shoes, usually alongside her two vizslas, and fuels up on greek yogurt with raspberries and an iced coffee before race day. Her most memorable race experience was finishing Ironman California, which she jokes she “literally thought she was going to die” during. Heather is happy running in almost any weather, always with a trusty ponytail holder in hand. Fun fact: she met her husband, Ryan, on the Hope College cross country team 22 years ago—and she’s been trying to keep up with him ever since!

          9:00 PACERS

            Sidney Long

            Sidney has been running since she was 10 and loves that the Trinity Health Seaway Run brings electric race-day energy to the same Muskegon routes she runs every week. She’s all about warm-weather running and never hits the road without her Shokz headphones—probably blasting She’s a Beauty by The Tubes! Her most memorable race? The NYC Marathon, where the energy was off the charts! On race morning, she fuels up with peanut butter toast before hitting the pavement.

            Rory Closz

            Rory has been running for nearly 9 years and loves the Trinity Health Seaway Run for its scenic lake views and energizing course. He laces up in Saucony Endorphins and never runs without good socks. His most memorable race? Conquering Ironman Wisconsin in a relentless downpour, pushing through over 13 hours of racing to an unforgettable finish. On race morning, he fuels up with protein oatmeal, coffee, and a banana, then gets pumped up with Time to Party by Andrew WK.

            9:30 PACERS

              Courtney Abernathy

              Courtney has been running for six years and loves the variety of terrain on the Trinity Health Seaway Run course, especially the scenic waterfront stretches. She trains in ASICS Gel Cumulus shoes and races in ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, fueling up with a toasted bagel and peanut butter before each race. Her most memorable race experience was during the 2024 Berlin Marathon, where despite battling severe calf cramps near the end, she finished with a PR and another Boston Qualifier, proving the power of mindset. A fan of cold weather running, Courtney is also passionate about container gardening and organizing with spreadsheets. Fun fact: she’s applied three times for astronaut training, hoping one day to reach the stars!

              10:00 PACERS

                Ryan “Ryno” Wasson

                Ryan has been running for around 12 years and loves the Trinity Health Seaway Run, especially the course and the joy of pacing others. His most memorable race experience? Either finishing 50 miles at North Country or heading to Tennessee for the Barcley Fall Classic. When it comes to fueling up, he’s all about a Kind bar with peanut butter or a Cliff bar and a banana. For tunes, his playlist ranges from jam bands like Goose or Grateful Dead to old-school hip hop and nerdcore for an energy boost. Ryan prefers cooler temps for running (he’ll take 20s over 80s any day) and works for a brewery—so feel free to ask him about it while you’re out on the course!

                Amanda Lacy

                Amanda has been running for 20 years and is returning for her 8th time pacing the Trinity Health Seaway Run. She loves the breathtaking views, especially when running alongside Lake Michigan. Her go-to running shoe is the Saucony Endorphin Speed, perfect for keeping pace! For music, Amanda enjoys a mix of fast and fun tunes to keep her energized. Her pre-race breakfast includes peanut butter on toast or a bagel, Skittles gummies, and coffee. Amanda is always ready to run in any weather and can’t wait to pace you through this amazing race!

                Kaitlin Bundt

                Kaitlin started running four years ago with a New Year’s resolution to complete a 5k—and she’s been going strong ever since! This will be her third time pacing the Trinity Health Seaway Run, and she loves the energy and encouragement from the Beachwood and Bluffton neighborhoods along the course. Kaitlin laces up in her Brooks Launch 11s, gets pumped with early 2000s club hits (especially Pitbull), and fuels up raccoon-style with either ramen noodles or a PB&J. She prefers cool-weather runs and never heads out without her headphones. Originally from Ohio, Kaitlin now embraces the lake life with her two kids and works at a local nonprofit supporting infants and toddlers.

                10:30 PACERS

                  Jared Bush

                  Jared has been running for 12 years and loves the Trinity Health Seaway Run, especially the beautiful course along the lake. His go-to running shoe is the Brooks Glycerin. For shorter runs, Jared tunes into upbeat music, but when it’s time for a long run, he switches to podcasts. His pre-race breakfast is a couple of donuts, a banana, and a coffee. Jared’s most memorable race experience? Setting his half marathon PR at the Trinity Health Seaway Run! He can’t run without a great pair of socks and prefers to run in the cold.

                  Rachel Kent

                  Rachel has been running for three years since joining Run Muskegon, though she was a sprinter in high school track. This year will be her third Trinity Health Seaway Run. She loves the event’s energy and how it showcases Muskegon. Her go-to running shoe is the Altra Vanish Carbon 2, and she fuels up with a banana and chocolate shake with PB powder before a race. Her most memorable race? Taking 3rd in her age group at her first half marathon, the Hot Cider Hustle! Rachel can’t run without chewing gum and prefers running in the heat. Off the course, she’s a lifelong athlete and coach, has a passion for gardening and canning, and has been married for 25 years with two kids.

                  Amber Smith

                  Amber has been running since 7th grade and loves the Trinity Health Seaway Run for its beautiful beachside course. She’s a fan of Saucony shoes and always starts race day with a banana and almond butter. One of her most memorable running experiences was the Labor Day Bridge Run across the Mackinac Bridge—an early morning start, incredible energy, and a thrilling downhill finish made it unforgettable. She prefers cold-weather running (it’s better for her hair!) and never runs without arch support. When she’s not running, she enjoys reading, kayaking, hiking, and spending time with her cats, Zazzles and Abby.

                  11:00 PACERS

                    Carrie Wayt

                    Carrie has been running consistently for about seven years and logs anywhere from 20 to 70 miles a week, depending on her training block. She loves the Trinity Health Seaway Half Marathon for its neighborhood cheer stations and the beautiful stretch along the lake, which she looks forward to every year. Her go-to shoes are the Brooks Ghost for road runs, Saucony 22s for recovery days, and Salomon for trails. While she prefers podcasts or audiobooks over music, you might catch her with an upbeat playlist during speed work. Carrie’s most memorable race experience was finishing four marathons in four days across four states with friends—a trip she’ll never forget. She’s happily married to her best friend, Ken, and they enjoy traveling together. With several ultras under her belt, she’s now setting her sights on her first 100-miler!

                    Bonnie Gessler

                    Bonnie has been running since elementary school, competing in track and cross country through high school. She loves the Trinity Health Seaway Run for its beautiful scenery and incredible people. A dedicated Saucony runner, she fuels up on a bagel before races and never runs without her trusty run belt for snacks and her phone. One of her most memorable races was the Grand Rapids Marathon—where she got stopped by the train mid-run! Bonnie runs year-round, training in all conditions, and is on an impressive run streak that will hit five years in April. She loves pacing, meeting new friends, traveling, and helping other runners reach their goals.

                    12:00 PACERS

                      Cathy Capy-Cantu

                      Cathy didn’t start running until her late 20s, never seeing herself as an athlete—she was a self-proclaimed band geek and former smoker. Now, with 20 years of running under her belt, she’s a dedicated ASICS GT 2000 runner who loves the Trinity Health Seaway Run’s stunning course and strong sense of community. She’s been involved for years, first as a Muskegon YMCA board member, then on the Seaway Committee, and has run the race multiple times. Her most memorable race experience? The Chicago Marathon—where she trained through brutal summer heat, raised $2,500 for the Van Andel Institute, and unknowingly ran 26.2 miles with COVID! Cathy fuels up with an everything bagel and whipped cream cheese and turns to Eminem’s Lose Yourself when she needs an extra push. She prefers cold-weather running (because, as she says, there are only so many layers you can shed in public) and never runs without a good sports bra.

                      Lindsey Helsen

                      Lindsey’s running journey began at the 2023 Seaway Run, where she completed her first 5K—and she hasn’t stopped since! In just two years, she’s gone from a first-time racer to finishing her first half marathon in 2024 and now taking on her next challenge: pacing. She loves how the Seaway Run brings together runners of all experience levels and holds a special place in her heart for marking so many milestones. Her most memorable race moment? When seasoned runner Rich Cater unexpectedly paced and encouraged her through the last five miles of the Grand Rapids Half Marathon. Lindsey is an Altra devotee, never runs without her trusty toe socks, and fuels up with a granola bar before race day. She prefers hot-weather running, roller skates in her free time, and has the unique talent of curling her tongue into a three-leaf clover!

                      Nicole Bush

                      Nicole has been running for 20 years and is excited to return to the Trinity Health Seaway Run—she loves the course and the beautiful lake views! Her go-to shoe is the Brooks Glycerin, and while she usually runs without music, hard rock is her pick when she needs a boost. Her favorite race memory? Sleeping in the middle of a field during Ragnar! Nicole can’t run without fruit snacks and prefers cold weather for hitting the pavement. Outside of running, she loves to read, bake, and craft. She and her husband are both pacing this year—just don’t ask her to share a good race photo… she swears one doesn’t exist!