Laurie Bilovesky

Originally from New York, Laurie has made Columbus her home and is an active member of the community. She is an Experience Columbus Insider, volunteer with CAPA, and an active member of MIT, where she serves as both a pace coach and a member of the Fleet Feet Pacing Team.

The Columbus Marathon holds a special place in her heart, as it was the site of both her first half marathon in 2009 full marathon in 2012.

The support of her running community became especially meaningful after Laurie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.

Tony Jones

Tony took up marathon running with the Chicago Marathon in 1997. Since then, he has run one Ironman, 9 full marathons and numerous half marathons – most of which have been the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and 1/2 Marathon.

Tony has German heritage and is excited to travel to Germany to represent Columbus in the marathon exchange program. He has been logging extra hours with Duolingo and You Tube videos to learn the German language.

Rachel Marrison

Rachel celebrated her 12-year anniversary at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in 2026. She ran cross country and track in high school as a way to stay active and connect with friends. When she pursued a career in nursing at The Ohio State University, she began running longer distances as an outlet for stress and a way to challenge herself.

Rachel has run the Columbus Half Marathon six times – she even ran once and then went to work night shift the same day. Rachel started what is now the NCH Running and Walking Club where employees gather weekly to train together and build connections.

Marisa Myers

Marisa is a statehouse lobbyist, traveler and runner. A former field hockey player, Marisa had a complicated relationship with running. It took a friend teaching her proper training to really start appreciating the sport on its own. She’s run five half marathons and the Columbus Marathon.

Marisa also likes to read (her favorite local spots are Storyline Bookshop and Birdie Books), attend Columbus sporting events and summertime country concerts, play a round of golf, take a ride on her horse, Barbie, and enjoy a wine tasting. She’s a member of Tri-Village Rotary.

Brian Williams

Brian Williams is a lifelong runner who did his first marathon while attending The Ohio State University. Since then, he has completed more than 20 marathons along with several ultramarathons in recent years.

Brian is a technology consultant and an avid drummer, soccer player and book lover. Although this will be his first trip to Germany, he is looking forward to learning more about German culture, meeting fellow runners, and, of course, sampling as much authentic German food as possible.