Previous Ambassadors
Michael Barnett, 2023
A former avid biker who once rode from Boston to New York City, Michael credits his wife for converting him into a runner. Since their first date in 1997, he has completed the Richmond Marathon (3 times), New York City Marathon, Philadelphia Marathon, Shamrock Marathon, 13 half marathons, and more 5Ks and 10Ks than he can recall. A native of Richmond, Michael is active with the Richmond Roadrunners Club and the Sportsbackers Marathon Training Team. He runs to keep healthy and have fun, often with his training partner and older brother, Tim. Together, they conquered their first Sheetz-to-Sheetz Trail Run in 2022 during the arctic super storm. “I was mentally preparing to endure an awful experience,” he said, “but it turned out to be one of the most fun runs I’ve ever done!” Michael’s other interests include cross-training, cooking, concerts, and travel.
Anastasia Card, 2022
A member of the Stafford Moms Run This Town and Fredericksburg Team RWB (Red, White, and Blue) run groups, Anastasia fell in love with running 12 years ago when her husband convinced her to run a 5K with him. She was hooked and never looked back, even completing 50 miles recently as part of the Virginia 24-Hour Run for Cancer! She runs for both physical and emotional health. With two Sheetz-to-Sheetz finishes to her credit, she quickly earned the title of “Top Fan” thanks to her enthusiasm and positive energy. Her favorite part of the Sheetz-to-Sheetz Trail Run is the relaxing campsite aid station where she says volunteers “deserve the highest of fives!” When not running, Anastasia enjoys hiking, trying new tea houses, visiting family, seeking new adventures, and lunch dates with the girls. By day, she’s a payroll and accounting professional supporting our nation’s warfighters.
Staci Rogge, 2023
Originally from Texas, Staci completed her first marathon in 2015 in her hometown – the Houston Marathon. Since then, she moved to Richmond and has used her love of running to travel to destination races – the Tahoe Rim Endurance Run 55K, Antelope Canyon 50-Miler, and Pistol Ultra Run 100K, to name a few. You can bet she’ll be traveling with her favorite road trip snack, Sheetz cold brew and pork rinds! When not traveling, she routinely runs with the Richmond East End Trail Running Group and the Final Gravity Run Club. Staci is a 3-time finisher of the Sheetz-to-Sheetz Trail Run, often accompanied by her dog, Kimber. She loves that it’s for a great cause and “perfect for beginner trail runners!” When not running, you can find Staci hiking in the mountains with Kimber, hanging out on the James River, and checking out local breweries with friends.
Brian Pessolano, 2022
Since becoming a serious runner in 2016, Brian has completed dozens of races including the Marine Corps Marathon. Among his proudest running accomplishments was teaming up with his daughter to conquer West Virginia’s Ragnar Black Loop. He credits running with introducing him to great organizations and amazing people. It has also afforded many opportunities to give back, which he does by volunteering for Ainsley’s Angels and by serving as president of the Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC). A three-time veteran of the Sheetz-to-Sheetz Trail Run (twice pushing for Ainsley’s Angels and once running with his daughter), he loves how it’s a fun community event that supports great causes. Besides running and organizing popular events like Fredericksburg’s Great Train Race, he enjoys local breweries with his wife and taking his dogs on adventures. In his real job, he supports the US Marine Corps as a systems engineer.
Ainsilie Hibbard, 2023
Ainsilie cites many motivations for running – to feel free, to enjoy nature, to keep her mind and body healthy, and ultimately because she gets to and wants to set a good example for her kids. Originally from Richmond and now a resident of King George, her first Sheetz-to-Sheetz Trail Run in 2019 was her longest run at the time (14 miles). Since then, she conquered her first marathon, Rock N Roll Nashville, in 2021. She learned enough from that experience to want a redo with a focus on fun. She’ll have that opportunity this fall as she’s currently training for the Richmond Marathon. She added a second Sheetz-to-Sheetz finish in the snow storm of 2022 and loves the hometown race because “it’s friendly & non-competitive, encourages dogs, ends with free coffee, and is FUN!” Ainsilie is a member of the Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC) and Stafford Moms Run This Town.
John Calabrese, 2022
Despite only running since 2017, John has logged thousands of miles – often in chunks of 50, 100, or more miles at a time! He has conquered the Barkley Fall Classic 50K, Badwater Cape Fear, Burning River 100, and many others. His bucket list includes the Capital Backyard Ultra and the Badwater 135. A resident of Richardsville, Virginia, he trains with the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club (VHTRC), Fredericksburg Area Running Club (FARC), and the Culpeper Running Club (CRC). He gives back by running with Ainsley’s Angels and being a caregiver for one of their rider athletes. When not running, the Navy veteran shares quality time with his daughter and her hobbies. John has completed Sheetz-to-Sheetz twice, finishing at the front and the very back. He likes the fact that regardless of your pace or your place, you’ll have fun doing it and will have great swag and snacks waiting for you at the end!
Want to be a Sheetz-to-Sheetz Trail Run Ambassador? Check our Ambassador Program page for details on the benefits, selection criteria, schedule and application process.
