Marathon & Half Ambassadors
Cheryl Lentz: Cheryl started running in 2012 after joining Weight Watchers. Never having been athletic, she was surprised to find herself actually enjoying running! Since then, Cheryl has run 6 ultras, 18 full marathons, 50 half marathons, and a load of shorter distance races. Cheryl volunteers for a running program at Lansing Correctional Facility 2 days a week, she runs for a sweet girl named Ruby with the Who I Run 4 organization (an organization that matches runners with individuals with disabilities – whoirun4.com), and is a member of Streak Runners International. “I appreciate the opportunity to be a Gobbler Grind Ambassador and can’t wait to participate again!”
Rich Benjes: Rich Benjes has been an avid runner since 2006 and has completed 20 marathons, including the 3 Boston Marathons and the New York Marathon. Having participated in the Gobbler Grind marathon 5 times, Rich is excited to be to be part of the ambassador program and give back to the race and the sport. His goal for this year is to encourage as many people as possible to join him in having a great time. “Generally, my goal every year is to be better than the prior year. There always seems to be something I would do differently or improve upon. Running has been a continual learning process. It’s a puzzle and I am still finding pieces”. A busy father of three, Rich enjoys the portability of running. “Provided even a little window of opportunity, it’s something I can do wherever I am in the world.”
Vinur Wells: Vinur was inspired to run her first half marathon in 2013 after volunteering at the finish line of a local half marathon. She’s enjoyed growing with the sport by participating in numerous 5ks, 10ks, half marathons, sprint triathlons, Olympic triathlons, 2 marathons and 2 half Ironmans. She enjoys traveling to different states to race and loves the people she’s met through the sport. By being an ambassador for Gobbler Grind, Vinur hopes to support great local races to keep them going strong, encourage more people to continue to stay active and hold herself accountable to run even when it gets cold! She can’t wait to run Gobbler Grind again and is looking forward to seeing you all out there!
Jeremy Vrentas: Jeremy is 38 years old from Lee’s Summit. He is a father of two amazing kids, Lily and Ian, and has been married to his best friend for 14 years. Jeremy started running in late 2013 and since then has raced many half marathons, 10ks, and 5ks. This past March he finished his 11th Full Marathon. Jeremy loves connecting with the running community in Kansas City and helping drive everyone to their own personal goals and PRs.
Alex Busche: Alex has been running since 2018. His now wife bribed him with beer at the end of The Brew to Brew run and that started his journey into running. Since starting, Alex has competed in many 5ks, 3 half marathons, and 2 triathlons. Alex is a member of KCR Max team. Alex loves group runs and meeting new people through running!
Scott Green: Scott Green, the Bearded Runner, began his running journey in 2016 and may be the most prolific group runner in town. He enjoys running with his different running “families” in the Northland, Midtown and on the south side of town. His job often requires odd shifts, so you never know if he is running after work with a morning group, or on his way to work with an evening group! Over the past four years he has run in more than 400 group runs and over 150 races, (90-5Ks, 15-10Ks, 3-15Ks, 24-Halfs 1-Marathon, 2-Duathlons, and 1-Triathlon.) His favorite is distance is a Half marathon, “Half’s are a different type of challenge and require actual training. I Can’t say I love them during, but am always happy after completing them.” Scott completed a run streak goal by running outside every day in 2018 and has enjoyed volunteering at many races the last couple of years.