Marathon Sports Ambassador Program

Sophia Petrillo

I’m 24 years old, and I’m a retired NCAA athlete turned running enthusiast! I spent the first 22 years of my life as a competitive gymnast, including 4 years as a Division 1 NCAA gymnast. When I retired from gymnastics, I took up running as a new way to stay active and challenge myself. Although it was difficult at first, I stuck with it, and I quickly developed a passion for running because I found it to be very rewarding, and I enjoyed both the physical and mental challenges that it presented. I ran my first race in May 2023 which was a half marathon, and I hope to run more races in 2024! Outside of the fitness realm, I love to cook, travel, and play with my dog!

Favorite running shoe?

“Saucony Ride 15“

Lindsey Thorne-Bingham

Lindsey Thorne-Bingham is a LeadHer with TrailblazHers Run Co. Her running and wellness journey is motivated by the power of the “get to” – We “get” to do this, we do not have to; do it now because one day we might not be able to. In March 2024, she became a six-star finisher upon finishing the Tokyo Marathon! Lindsey loves family, friends, good food, and adventure. Outside of running, she is a talent acquisition and recruiting professional. She is passionate about building strong teams and communities professionally and personally and is currently chair of the board at the Cambridge Community Center.

Favorite running shoe?

“Saucony Ride

Alyssa Fanucci

Hi, my name is Alyssa. I started running in high school when the coach recommended I join the team after finding out I was a former gymnast. I was a sprinter / long jumper and continued throughout college at Boston University. I only took up distance running after graduating and never ran more than one mile consecutively before that! I’m excited to join Marathon Sports as an ambassador! I love the Boston running community and can’t wait to get more involved and meet some new people. You’ll typically catch me running around Castle Island or the Esplanade, and I’m always getting back in shape.

Favorite running shoe?

“On Cloudmonster“

Jaclyn Ford

I’m a biracial woman who didn’t believe she could ever run. It wasn’t until my cousin asked me to do a Color Run in 2013 that I realized I could actually run. I took a break from running for about 5 years since I lost my joy for running, but I have been running again for about 2 1/2 years! Because of this experience, I have learned to run because I truly want to. I belong to some amazing running/workout groups: Boston Bulldogs Running Club, November Project Boston, TrailBlazHers, and Waltham Trail Runners. I truly believe that everyone should be included in the running community and do my best to welcome others. I’m excited to be a Marathon Sports Ambassador, and I hope to meet more members of the Marathon Sports community this year!

Favorite running shoe?

“My current favorite pair of running shoes is New Balance Fresh Foam 860s, but my first favorite pair that helped me fall in love with running was the Brooks Adrenaline.”

Renee Quinn

My name is Renee Quinn, mom of four-year-old twins Molly and Rory, wife and partner in crime to Garrett, technology sales professional, and runner since ‘10 following my collegiate field hockey days. As a self-proclaimed back-of-the-pack runner, I launched a run club in Holliston, MA (where I live!) specifically geared towards welcoming that community of runners. We’re almost two years old and we’ve only just gotten started! In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, being active, and exploring all that MetroWest Boston has to offer.

Favorite running shoe?

“New Balance 880“

Serghino René

Serghino René is an avid runner, lgbtq+ sports league athlete, alumni engagement professional, and community volunteer. Running became an active and inseparable part of his life when he joined the New Bedford High School track team as a sprinter, competing in the 100m to the 400m, as well as in the 4×100, 200, and 400m relays. His running journey unexpectedly continued at the then newly co-ed Emmanuel College in Boston, where he became the first male track recruit and served as captain all four years. There, he did cross country, the 200m, 400m, and 4x400m relay.

Running remained an active part of his early adulthood. Fast forward to the earlier days of COVID in September 2020. Racial sentiments were being triggered across the country, like with the tragedy of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. An old college friend introduced him to Black Men Boston (@bmrboston). Gyms were closed and Serghino needed a space not only to maintain his health but to unpack and make sense of his sentiments around the nation’s awakening. Serghino joined BMR Boston on the second week of its start and the run crew has remained a staple to his Saturday mornings since. He presently serves as Vice-Captain for the chapter and can be found training with Boston’s broader running community during the week.

Favorite running shoe?

“Hoka Clifton“

Daunielle Ricardi

I was born along the Boston Marathon route in Newton and grew up watching bandit runners prepare for Heartbreak on the notorious hill. A former high school track athlete and social soccer player who got into running in 2013 after a life-threatening infection and the marathon bombings, I’ve been moving forward on these roads and never look back. I am an Oncology Nurse, motivated by my patients. I have run 11 marathons – 6 of which were Boston. I am a proud charity runner who can turn any vacation into a runcation. As a member of local community running teams, I look forward to completing my 6 majors as much as the weekend Saturday run on the Newton hills or the next holiday-themed 5K.

Favorite running shoe?

“Brooks Ghost”

Rochelle Solomon

Rochelle started her run journey after heartbreak. She didn’t want to come home to the couch. Since being on the journey, she has learned to embrace her running style and found her voice and community. She is committed to volunteering and using her voice to speak up for others. She serves her community in many different capacities with one of her favorites being a coach with Girls on the Run Greater Boston. Each season she gets to see the program’s GOTR girls complete a 5K and share in their excitement in accomplishing their goals.

Favorite running shoe?

“Saucony Ride“

Brian Wilson

I’m Brian, a former tech professional turned hopeful sports photographer. I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, but have spent just about half of my life here in Boston now. As one of the leadership crew at Midnight Runners Boston, I’m extremely passionate about (and addicted to) running and the running community. I spend most of my time marathon training, eating, and editing photos. If you’ve ever looked at any of the photo albums of Midnight Runners Boston on Instagram, you’ve probably seen some of my work!

Favorite running shoe?

“Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro“