About Us
About Us
A bond that unites all ages and paces together. Runners set out to achieve their own personal goals.
We want runners of all types! No matter if you are a beginner, weekend warrior, road runner, trail runner, or a Boston Marathoner...we would love to have you!
Come join the fun and earn some miles.
About Us
President - Kevin Buff
Kevin has been an active runner for most of his life and has completed 26 road races, to include the Air Force marathon being his first 26.2 mile race in 2012. After retiring from United Sates Air Force in 2015, Kevin met other trail runners at Abilene Runner's Club and found a new passion for trail running. He has completed trail races up to 50K distance, to include the Leadville Marathon at 13K feet. Kevin continues to challenge himself with races this year to include J&J 100K ultra, TransRockies (3day, 60mile) and Trans Pecos Ultra 162 mile, 6 day race.
Vice President - Brooklyn Gillit
Brooklyn started running originally as a way to get into shape after having her first baby in 2018 and quickly found out the mental benefits that came with running. Her biggest personal accomplishment so far is her first marathon- BMW marathon in 4:40. Prior to her first marathon, she ran close to a dozen half marathons and now has plans to secure an ultra finish in 2023. She attributes most of her success and consistency to the members of the Abilene Runners Club who show up daily in a big way. Outside of running, Brooklyn has two beautiful kids and her high school sweetheart that keep her on her toes. As a family, they attend Beltway Church and enjoy all things sports. She works as an NP in Cardiology and has found a wonderful balance between work and play.
Secretary - Laura Thomas
Laura has been running for over 15 years and has competed competitively in 6 marathons as well as countless half marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, etc. She has several races planned for the year, including the Cowtown Marathon in February 2022 and the Chicago Marathon in October 2022. Her ultimate running goal is to qualify and run the Boston Marathon. Laura is also a UESCA certified running coach who currently trains and consults multiple clients ranging from beginner to elite. She also coaches a Jr. Roadrunner’s group that meets twice a week.
Treasurer - Marla Bunnell
Marla Bunnell began running over 15 years ago. She started long distance running during Covid and fell in love with pushing herself all over again. She’s a busy mom of two and a nurse who loves the mental and physical benefits running provides. She ran her first two half marathons in 2022 and is hungry for more!
Media Coordinator - Jessica Robirds
Jessica Robirds was raised in Abilene TX. Married with 2 kids! She just recently started running back in May 2022 and it has become a passion of hers. She likes supporting local races but also traveling for races! She recently just finished her first half marathon at BMW Dallas. She’s excited to try new races and explore more with running!
Membership Coordinator - Britt Willis
Britt Willis has been active for most her life but never thought running was for her. Boy was she wrong! Being a wife and mom to three helps drive the time to get out and experience her love for running. One half marathon under her belt and more to come. You don’t need to doubt your ability to do something, you just have to get out and try.
Race Coordinator - Joe Cook
Joe Cook, owner of Abilene Running/Angelo Running Co and Jostens of Abilene. Joe is married to Sara and has a young daughter, Claire. He began running in 2005, training and finishing the OKC Memorial Half Marathon in just under 2 hours. He has since run many other half marathons, 10ks, 5ks, and 2 Full Marathons. Joe has been a familiar face around the big country for a majority of the races as the race director and timer. He absolutely loves the running community, how they are always there to support other runners, and how hard they are willing to work to accomplish their goals. When Joe is not running, you may also see him around playing french horn, trumpet, or other instruments with the Abilene Community Band.
Technology Coordinator - Mark Kiser
Mark has been running since 2016. After running several road half marathons he transitioned to trail racing and completed his first ultra-marathon in 2019. He ran the Leadville trail marathon in 2021 and completed his first road marathon during the Disney Dopey challenge in 2023. Mark’s goals include running more road marathons as well as a trail 50 mile race.
Member at Large - Erica Diann
Erica started running in 2022 when her mom signed her up for her first half marathon! Since then, she’s fallen in love with endurance running — completing several halfs, a full, and two 50ks, and is currently training for her first 50 mile race. Erica is working up to 100-milers and beyond, with hopes of one day attempting dream races such as the Leadville 100, Badwater 135, and Moab 240. Erica is also an avid hiker and has visited trails in more than 90 locations across the US. If you catch Erica on a run, you’ll likely meet her best friend Mika - a cattle dog/Aussie shepherd who runs more than 40 miles a week!