02.25

Justin Ward

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2025

PRs: 

5k: 18:00, Half Marathon: 1:23:50, Marathon: 2:49:43

Social Handles:

IG: @jbward8

Long-Term Running Goals:

Eventually, achieve a sub 2:30 marathon!

Most Memorable Race:

The 2023 Chicago Marathon was my first marathon. I ran the marathon with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It was one year after my wife was diagnosed with Lymphoma (and eight months after being declared cancer-free!). It was an emotional day for my family as we celebrated my wife beating cancer. The energy of the crowd, energy of the other runners, and pushing my body to the limit got me hooked on long-distance running.

Fun Facts:

  • I grew up playing midfielder in soccer. However, I think running was always my true calling.

  • I moved to Chicago from Utah after I graduated college with a degree in Chemical Engineering.

  • I can't cook but love to watch cooking competitions.

Track or Trails?:

Track

Morning or Afternoon?:

Afternoon

Solo or With Friends?:

With Friends

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Kiarri Kershaw

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in December 2024

PRs: 

5k: 20:22, 10M: 1:08:57, Half Marathon: 1:34:36, Marathon: 3:12:41

Social Handles:

IG: @kspice789

Long-term Running goals:

I would love to run a sub-3 hour marathon, but I am happy to keep pushing myself and seeing how close I can get.

Running Start:

My parents made me run cross country in middle school because my aunt was the coach. I had a habit of walking most of the race and sprinting to the finish, but I managed to run the whole time my last race of the season by singing "Alice the Camel" in my head. I can't say I started loving running after that, but it is a core memory and I still use songs and lots of self talk to get through a race.

Fun Facts:

  • I love to travel.

  • I am a huge women's volleyball fan.

  • I have three girls.

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Solo

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.

Jan Struhar

DWRunning Tenure:

Joined in February 2025

PRs: 

Marathon: 2:44:48, Half Marathon: 1:16:20, 8k: 27:28

Social Handles:

Instagram: @dad_runs_chi, Strava: Jan Struhar

Long-Term Running Goals:

Running a 2:30 marathon!

Most Memorable Race:

My most memorable race was my first BQ because it was totally unexpected. I went into the race with no cares and ended up running one of my best races. I still wonder if the McDonalds I had the day before was the secret ingredient to a great race.

Fun Facts:

  • I have a 2 year old named Sadie and another daughter due in March.

  • I’ve guided two blind runners through marathons.

  • My favorite band is Blink 182!

Track or Trails?:

Trails

Morning or Afternoon?:

Morning

Solo or With Friends?:

Combo

Summer or Winter?:

Summer

Bolded PRs are PRs run while training with DWRunning.