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 - Aspen Egbert
Aspen picked up running as a great hobby after having her 3rd baby in 2011 as a means to getting back into shape. She accepted an invitation from a family member to join their 12 person team for a 200 mile relay with only 7 weeks to train. It was a huge undertaking at first and was very discouraging that she couldn't even run 1 minute before getting winded and had to stop. She stuck with it and little by little started building endurance and over time was able to run a half marathon, then a marathon. It's been one adventure after another ever since. She has run countless half marathons and relays, 28 marathons (PR 3:40:14), is a RRCA Certified Running Coach and loves seeing people improve their performance and ultimately their lives. Her goals for 2022 is to run a 50k and qualify for Boston. Her and her husband have six children and enjoy being outdoors together whether it's running, cycling, rock-climbing, hiking, kayaking, rafting, etc. We love God, our family and our community!
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 - Janet Batiste
Janet Batiste started running when she was in the Air Force over 40 years ago. She has ran over 100 half Marathons and completed 4 Full Marathons. Her running goal is to run a Sub 2 Hour Half Marathon. Janet is married to James JB Batiste, an avid Runner and a Boston Marathoner. They have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. The running duo are members of the Minda Street Church if Christ and they love God first, Family and friends.
Media Coordinator - Tamatha (TJ) Dayberry
TJ has been a runner off and on for 17 years. She started running long miles in 2018, finishing her first marathon at BMW in Dallas. She found a love for trail running and does a mix of trail and road, but mainly trail. She has completed 15 ultras (milage greater than a marathon) since 2018, to include several 100K and a 100 miler. She completed TransRockies 6-day, 120 mile race Aug 2021. TJ loves a challenge and has plans to complete the Tejas Trails J&J 100K in March, TransRockies 3 day, 60mile in Aug. and TransPecos 6-day, 164 mile in Oct.
Membership Coordinator - Kelly Hall
I’m Kelly Hall, member of the Abilene Runner’s Club since 2019 and currently the membership coordinator. I am 39 and have been running for about eight or nine years now. I starting running as part of an Air Force fitness requirement, but got bit by the bug and ended up loving it. I ran my first races while living overseas, usually to benefit a local animal rescue organization or a Girl Scout troop I was involved with. When my husband and I moved here to Abilene in late 2018 I decided to get involved with the running club start training for longer distances. I ran my first half (my favorite distance) in Dec of 2019. I have since ran three marathons and many more half marathons. I love all types of running: road, trail, team events and like to push myself with new distances and challenges. My current running goal is to complete my first 50k before I turn 40. I truly believe you can do just about anything as long as you just don’t give up.
Race Coordinator - Joe Cook
Joe Cook, owner of Abilene and Angelo Running Co., started running at the age of 25. He is currently the representative for Jostens in the Big Country since 2004. His favorite event is the Oklahoma City Marathon, where he has run the half marathon over a dozen times and the full twice. Served as President of the Abilene Runners Club for 5 years.
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 - Liz Patterson
My love for running started 5 years ago at the age of 51. I've completed 6 half marathon, 1 marathon with another full marathon scheduled this year.
My goal is to push myself beyond my comfort zone and try new races and distances. If you're looking for a great group of people to run with then the Abilene Runners Club is for you!