In accordance with Article XIV(B)(2) of the By-Laws of the Road Runners Club of America, The RRCA’s Board Development Committee* unanimously presents the following slate of recommended candidates for election to the RRCA Board of Directors in April 2025:
Western Region Director:Tim Bentley – Tucson, AZ
Tim Bentley is a passionate run coach, mentor, and community organizer with a unique perspective on the sport. With two distinct running careers – one in high school and college and one following an 18-year ‘retirement, he has a unique perspective on running. Tim has served as the Arizona State Representative since 2017 and was the Chair of the Board Development Committee in 2023-24 and committee member 2022-2023. As a Stage IV cancer survivor, Tim firmly believes that running provides the tools necessary to overcome life’s greatest challenges. His personal triumph over adversity has fueled his dedication to inspiring others through the power of running. Tim resides in Tucson with his wife.
Southern Region Director – Sarah Kozul – Lakeland, FL
After running her first half marathon and moving to a new city, Sarah got involved in her local running community. She joined the Galloway run/walk/run program, and after her first training cycle, she became a pace group leader. In 2013, she was selected as the program director, organizing the weekly group runs and growing the program. She became active with the Lakeland Runners Club (LRC) middle school cross-country team in 2015 and became head coach in 2016. In 2017, she was elected to the LRC Board of Directors where she has served as: Vice-President, President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Sarah is an RRCA Certified Coach and Certified Race Director. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from the University of Missouri and worked as an engineer with Anheuser Busch for 10 years.
At-Large Director – Gabriella Garza – Pensacola, FL
Gabriella serves as the RRCA Representative in Florida – North and she is an ambassador of the RRCA Championship Event series having recruited a variety of races as hosts along with running in RRCA Championship Events and representing RRCA. She served on the Board Development Committee in 2024. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Pensacola Runners Association as Vice President and Race Director. She directs several races for the club. She is an RRCA Certified Race Director and Coach. Gaby has run over 70 marathons and is a World Marathon Majors Six Star Finisher. Locally she leads a Boston Marathon training program, and she has completed the race 8 times. She regularly paces events around the US.
At-Large Director – Bertrand Newson – San Jose, CA
Bertrand “Coach B” Newson is a dedicated and accomplished running coach and community leader based in San Jose, California. As the founder of Too Legit Fitness, Bertrand has built a supportive and enthusiastic running community. He also serves as the Community Engagement Manager for the Big Sur Marathon Foundation. Bertrand holds certifications from RRCA, USATF, and 80/20 Endurance. With a personal record of over 400 timed events, including more than 75 marathons, Bertrand’s experience and passion for running inspire and guide athletes of all levels.
At-Large Director – Marcus Grunewald – Dallas, TX
Marcus has been associated with the Dallas White Rock Marathon for over 25 years, starting as a volunteer on the course and working his way up to his current position as the paid Executive Race Director. He’s been active with the Dallas Running Club for decades, having served on their Board of Directors from 2015 – 2020 as head of their Race Director team. He was instrumental in the local management of the 2016 RRCA National Convention in Dallas, and he’s served as the North Texas RRCA Rep from 2015 to the current date. While Marcus’s passion is running, he has a background is financial management, having been a Wall Street investment bank contractor/consultant from 1986 – 2007.
The RRCA thanks the members of the *Board Development Committee for their service to the organization:
- Nikkia Young (President Richmond Road Runners Club)
- Betsy Boudreaux (Past RRCA Board Member)
- Ndegwa Kaumu (RRCA Rep – MD)
- Sue Brown-Nickerson (Past RRCA Board Member)
We also thank everyone that submitted nominations. We value and appreciate the high-level of interest and willingness for people to serve the organization.
In accordance with the RRCA Bylaws, candidates may email [email protected] requesting to request to be placed on the ballot as non-slate candidates. The deadline for non-slate candidate submission is April 10, 2025. Online voting instructions will be emailed to eligible voting members on April 11, 2025.