With you every step of the way.
MARATHON PACERS
When available, two pacers will run each time slot. At the present time, Pace Group Leaders have been assigned to the following time slots.
- 3:30, 8:00 pace per mile
- 3:45, 8:35 pace per mile
- 4:00, 9:10 pace per mile
- 4:15, 9:44 pace per mile
- 4:30, 10:18 pace per mile
- 4:45, 10:52 pace per mile
- 5:00, 11:27 pace per mile
- 5:15, 12:00 pace per mile
- 5:30, 12:35 pace per mile
HALF MARATHON PACERS
When available, two pacers will run each time slot. At the present time, Pace Group Leaders have been assigned to the following time slots.
- 1:30, 6:53 pace per mile
- 1:45, 8:00 pace per mile
- 2:00, 9:10 pace per mile
- 2:15, 10:18 pace per mile
- 2:30, 11:27 pace per mile
- 2:45, 12:36 pace per mile
- 3:00, 13:44 pace per mile
- 3:15, 14:53 pace per mile
Meet Your 2025 Marathon Pacers
Forrest Kievit
Marathon, 3:30
Forrest has paced this marathon three times previously as well as paced friends during their ultramarathon attempts. He says he keeps coming back because he enjoys helping folks reach their goals, but really it's because he enjoys being part of the suffering at the end of a race without needing to suffer himself! Outside of running, cycling, and work at UNL, Forrest enjoys spending time backpacking and climbing in the mountains, which sadly is tough to do in the great plains.
Carl Mather
Marathon, 3:30
Carl has been active in the Colorado running community for 35 years. He has run over 35 marathons - pacing six of them. He has completed the grueling Leadville 100 Trail race. His pacing strategy for the Omaha marathon is to run the first few miles conservatively, maintain a steady pace through mile 20 so runners can finish the last 6+ miles with enough energy to finish strong.
Kaci Lickteig
Marathon, 3:45
I have been running since 2002 and it’s my biggest passion. I have paced several races and it fills my heart seeing and helping others accomplish their goals. My plan is to keep an even pace and help cheer and keep our group moving. Random fact is that my nickname is Pixie Ninja!
Riley Johnson
Marathon, 3:45
Riley has been an avid runner since Covid shut things down in 2020, and found it to be a good way to get out of the house. Since then, he's raced distances from 5k up through 50-milers, but his favorite is the marathon distance. This will be his third time as a marathon pacer, and he enjoys being able to run with people and help them meet their goals. Lately, he's traded in his solo runs for the added challenge of pushing a stroller. You can often find him and his 1-year old son running through Memorial Park and Elmwood Park!
Miguel Ordorica
Marathon, 4:00
Miguel has been running for about 15 years, and has paced many races, from 10k to ultramarathons. His pacing strategy is to keep the effort steady - slower uphill, into the wind, finish 30 seconds under goal time. The Omaha Marathon was Miguel's first well run marathon (on my third try), and the first marathon he paced.
Jade Hughes
Marathon, 4:00
Jade Hughes, a 2nd grade teacher in Millard Public Schools, has been a dedicated runner since high school. He is active member of several Omaha running groups and regularly competes and paces in a variety of events across the United States. With a strong passion for the sport and a goal of one day competing in the Boston Marathon, Jade is honored to serve as a pacer for the Omaha Marathon and is committed to supporting fellow runners in achieving their personal bests.
Marty Ertz
Marathon, 4:00
Marty's been running the streets of Omaha for years! When he's not cruising for miles in a training segment at lake Zorinsky you can see him standing in line patiently for ice cream at Coneflower in Blackstone.
Jodi Semonell
Marathon, 4:15
Jodi has paced the Omaha marathon and several other races of all distances over the last 10 years. She has run over 50 marathons, 24 100 milers, and 6 200+ milers. She has even run over 500 miles across the state of Nebraska. She enjoys encouraging and motivating others to help achieve their goals.
Adam Kost
Marathon, 4:15
Adam returns for his fourth year pacing the Omaha Marathon, dating back to 2019 (yes, the year weather cut the race short). He has been running distance races for as long as he can remember, working his way up from one mile fun runs to high school cross country 5Ks to collegiate 10Ks and most recently a 100-mile finish at Crown of the Crest this May. His running resume includes 16 marathons and 13 ultramarathons. When he is not running, you will probably find Adam at a local concert venue--especially if you are a rock fan. He confidently claims to have attended somewhere between 200 and 250 concerts in his lifetime. Adam's race mornings typically consist of a wake up call about 3 hours before the start, a cup of black coffee and some water, and a light breakfast. He is excited to help the 4:15 pace group reach their goals and hopes everyone has an epic race day. See you out on the course!
Alice Spence
Marathon, 4:30
Alice is a busy mental health therapist, wife, and mom to 2 teenage girls. She's been running for her own mental and physical health for almost 20 years. Her past running achievements include a 100k ultramarathon through the forests of Wisconsin (part of which was on the Ice Age trail), several marathons, and various shorter distance/relay races. This is her first pacing gig and she is excited to be pacing with one of her best running pals. She hopes to continue running and helping others reach their goals for as many years as her body will allow. On race day, feel free to tell me what you need and how I can help you with the Omaha marathon. It's going to be a really great race!
Aaron Stevens
Marathon, 4:45
I live in Natick, Massachusetts, along the Boston Marathon route. I regularly organize group runs with my local Natick Runners club. I am not a competitive runner, but rather a collaborative runner — I especially love pacing, and helping other runners reach their goals. I have run 96 marathons (including 53 as a pacer), I am an aspiring 50-state marathon runner (completed 42 states), and a member of the Marathon Maniacs (Level 6). And I have raised over $140,000 for cancer research as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team for the Boston Marathon (10 seasons).
Ty Reimers
Marathon, 4:45
Ty is a guy who woke up one day, started running 12 mile days and never really bothered to stop. His first experience pacing was the 2021 Good Life Halfsy (the one that got called off mid-race for lightning) and has been in love with it ever since.
Julia Khvasechko
Marathon, 5:00
Julia has completed over 300 marathons in the 20 years she has been running marathons. Julia loves pacing because she loves to help people achieve their goals and dreams. Pacing is Julia's way of giving back to the community and the sport that nourishes her soul.
Dan Donnelly
Marathon, 5:00
Dan is excited to pace the marathon for his 2nd year. He has been an avid runner since high school and competed in college. Dan enjoys distances from the track up to the marathon. Stick with Dan for a consistent pace, some encouragement and any help with grabbing and carrying drinks or Gu. Dan has four kiddos and a dog named Pretzel.
Stacy McCowan
Marathon, 5:15
It is hard to believe Stacy is running her 38th marathon and pacing because she used to hate running. In middle school, she would complain to her phys. ed. teacher when they had to run the mile run! Now, 26.2 miles is an outlet for her. She was going to be a one and done marathoner, but a colleague convinced her to run in all 50 states! Her husband, who is legally blind, is trying to run a half marathon in all fifty states! Their young son also likes to run, which makes sense since Stacy "ran" four marathons while pregnant with him, one when he was 4.5 months old, and got him in the jogging stroller as soon as he was ready. When he is not running with her, he is riding his bike alongside Stacy! Stacy is excited to pace and help other runners accomplish their goals.
Michelle Sabelhaus ( Chelle Lee )
Marathon, 5:30
While she doesn’t have a single favorite race, the 2016 St. Jude Marathon stands out as the toughest. Running through an injury—a choice she wouldn’t recommend—she was determined to finish. Her comeback came in 2017, and crossing that finish line was an unforgettable, emotional high. It sparked a desire to be part of the celebration for others completing their first races.
That’s when she discovered pacers and their unique role in events. The experience was transformative. Even now, crossing the finish line alongside someone reaching that milestone still gives her goosebumps.
She began pacing in 2017 at the Navy Nautical Mile and took on her first full pacing job in 2021 at the Little Rock Marathon. Her pacing style focuses on keeping intervals low-effort to accommodate a range of training styles. On hilly courses, she encourages runners to take on each incline steadily—conserving energy—and to use the downhills to their advantage, riding the momentum without overexertion.
Keeping the mood upbeat is key to her approach. She engages runners with light conversation, singing, or even short sound bites played from a speaker to provide a boost. A favorite reminder to the group is: “Forward is forward, and it’s just miles. We’re doing hard things!” She also believes in allowing yourself to feel the ground beneath you and letting things happen as they come—something she learned during the 50-miler she recently completed.
For her, showing up is the most important step. And her parting encouragement is always the same: “It’s going to be the best 26.2 miles of your life—so bring the smiles… we’ve got miles to cover!"
Meet Your 2025 Half Marathon Pacers
Stephen Mohring
Half Marathon, 1:30
Stephen is a dedicated runner for the past dozen years or so, running marathons in 33 states and pacing half and full marathons year-round. He is excited to help you achieve your goal! Fun fact, he is an internal medicine physician here in Nebraska.
Brock Johnson
Half Marathon, 1:30
Brock's occupation is an Elementary Physical Education Teacher, HS Cross Country Coach, JH Girls Basketball Coach and HS Boys Track Coach. Brock has paced the 1:30 group in the half marathon over a dozen times and is also on the Nike pace team as a 3:30 pacer for the Chicago Marathon.
Christopher Whitney
Half Marathon, 1:45
Chris has been running off and on since high school, but really got into it again about six years ago. His first marathon was the Lincoln Marathon in 2021 and has run seven to date, mixing in various half marathons and other races. He has also been a part of the MS Run the US relay in 2021 and 2023, each time running from Wray, CO to Holdrege, NE with each segment taking 6 days and a total of 165 miles to raise awareness and funds for people living with multiple sclerosis. He goes by the mantra, "The hard is what makes it great!" when it comes to running. He is a Lincoln native and proud member of the Aksarben Athletic Club and Old Wood Run Club. Chris is also excited to pace for the very first time and help make this race a memorable one for everyone running!
Seth Marek
Half Marathon, 1:45
Seth is passionate about helping others reach their race days goals. With 15 full marathons under his belt, he knows first hand how steady pacing and mental toughness come together to get you over the finish line. He loves to talk with other runners about fueling and training also you may have heard him doing so on a few local podcasts. When Seth's not running, you can find him on his mountain bike. He's cycled some pretty epic races including the Leadville 100 and the Lutsen 99er. Seth is unique in that he splits his time training between running and cycling each week.
Eric Thompson
Half Marathon, 2:00
Eric has been running since 2017, running all distances from 5k to 50k. His first pacing experience was the 2024 Heartland Half, and excited to come back to help again this year for the Omaha Half. When not running, Eric can usually be found at a concert venue, ice rink, or spending time with family & friends.
Adam Osher
Half Marathon, 2:00
Adam has been running for over 25 years and has completed numerous half and full marathons. This will be his 7th time pacing the Omaha/Heartland Half, where his goal is steady pacing, encouragement, and keeping the group motivated when the miles get tough. Adam aims to run even splits and guide his pace group across the finish line right on target. On race day, Adam goal is to help keep everyone relaxed in the early miles, focused through the middle, and energized for a strong finish. He loves meeting new runners, sharing tips along the way, and celebrating together at the finish line. Outside of running, Adam coaches youth cross country and track and is a registered USATF track and field official. He enjoys spending time with his family—wife Dee, son Jacob (UNMC), and daughter Sadie (Millard West). When he can't run he goes to work as a HR Director.
Keiko Andersen
Half Marathon, 2:15
Keiko started running in 2008 . She finished marathon, half and ultra over 100 times. She completed 7 Abbot World marathon majors (Tokyo, Boston, London, Sydney, Berlin Chicago and New York City.
Jenn Hummel
Half Marathon, 2:15
Jenn lives in Nebraska with her husband and 3 kids. From an early age Jenn enjoyed playing organized sports in high school. In college she got into running as a way to stay in shape and take a break from college work. She ran her first full marathon in 2005 and every since has running half and full marathons. She enjoys encouraging others to be active and strive for their best.
Sarah Laferla
Half Marathon, 2:30
Sarah works in insurance, is a mom and currently training for the Chicago Marathon. This is her second time pacing this event and she's so excited to be here! Sarah will try to maintain a steady pace for all 13.1 with a slight kick in the pants as soon as we hit the end of the Bob Bridge to head to the finish. The Bob CAN be challenging so the up is always a bit slower than the down but I promise you can do it! Random facts, when I'm not running I'm a quilter and love to play Mah Jong.
Felix Salamin
Half Marathon, 2:30
Felix started running in 2018 and moved to Omaha in 2019. He has been running the Heartland Marathon for 5 years in a row, improving his pace each year. Race plans for 2025 include the Omaha Half and Good Life Halfsy. His motivation is his family and health. He is originally from Panama City, Panama.
Jo Stephens
Half Marathon, 2:45
Hello I have been running about 20 years now. I help train at Fleet Feet Omaha and also Pace races with Beast pacing all around the country. My goal is to run a marathon or half marathon in every state. I have accomplished 36 of those states. I like to make every runner with me feel at ease and I try to help them accomplish whatever goal they have either a or or to just finish
Jennifer Andrews
Half Marathon, 3:00
Jennifer has been running since 2013 when she decided a 5k was a good goal for turning 40, and a great way to stay active. She now loves all the running events on roads and trails. She has completed 2 50ks, 2 full marathons and countless halfs. Jennifer has been pacing for five years, most often incorporating run/walk intervals. Pacing is especially fun for Jennifer to meet new people and help them reach their goals.
Sara Jones
Half Marathon, 3:15
Sara has run dozens of half marathons, a couple of full marathons and last fall completed her first ultra marathon. This will be her first time pacing, she plans to do run/walk intervals from the start of the half marathon to get everyone to the finish line on pace. The best part of intervals is you just need to get through that 30 seconds or one minute of running then you get a break. Sara's motto is that she runs far, not fast and has decided her midlife crisis will be to complete a 100 mile race the year she turns 50.
Eryn Lemcke
Half Marathon, 3:15
Eryn has been running for fun for years but has recently switched to distant running. She truly enjoys pushing herself to see what she is capable of. Running has become a part of her daily life. Completing her first half marathon was such a monumental moment for her and she was so thankful to the pacer that helped her do it. That was that moment she realized she wanted to help others meet their goals as well. The training is the hard work and race day should be the celebration of that work. You will find Eryn cheesing it along the course for race photos, cheering those around her on, and honestly just having a good time. Eryn describes her pace as party pace. Come join the party!
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