Meet the 2026 Amway River Bank Run Road Warrior Team
Previous Amway River Bank Run Road Warriors (2025)
Coach – Amanda VanBennekom:
Amanda VanBennekom serves as the running coach for the Road Warrior Ambassadors. Her passion for the Amway River Bank Run stems from her personal journey, as it was her first 5K many years ago. Since then, she has completed every race distance multiple times, gaining a deep appreciation for the event. Amanda is dedicated to coaching runners of all experience levels, fostering confidence and enthusiasm in each participant. She is excited to guide the Road Warriors through their training journey, preparing them to reach the start line of the 25K and cross the finish line with pride.
Anna Felgenauer:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
Hi, I’m Anna Felgenauer. I have been an active runner for 15 years.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?As I continue recovering from a running injury, my goal for the Amway River Bank 25K is to simply make it across the finish line. My secondary goal is to average a 10-minute pace.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?I am so excited to support and encourage other runners along the course. I hope to inspire those who are returning to running post injury or new to their running journey!
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
My favorite post run snack is a cold glass of water and a banana. Basic, but perfect. See you on the course!
Bonnie Vankampen:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
About 40 years. Started running once and just forgot to stop.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
My goals for the 2026 race is to finish with a smile, grow my running circle beyond my single running partner who tolerates my pace, and most importantly- bring more awareness to my amazing Charity partner Brave the Shave.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
I want to inspire others by cheering on walkers, runners, and every level in between. No elite status required- if you can show up, you’re part of the team. This race is for everyone… even those who “run mostly for the finisher race shirt”,
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Both I don’t discriminate–I’m an equal -opportunity eater.
Brittany Flowers:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
On and off since high school, but started seriously distance running in Oct 2024.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
To beat my time from last year!! (2:50:06)
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
I want others to know that they are capable of so much more than they might think. I never would have imagined I’d be able to run this distance, but through discipline, accountability, and the right training program I believe anything is possible. Some of my proudest moments in life have been crossing the finish line of various races and I want everyone to feel that same sense of accomplishment no matter which distance they run!! I hope to inspire others about the power of the running community as well!
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Fries LOL! I know I need to work on this…..
Carol Johnson:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
I have been road running on and off for many years, which includes running in the very first River Bank race! I started running and training within structured running groups in 2016.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
I love to challenge myself so this year I plan on running the 5K, 10K and 25K!
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
As a Road Warrior Ambassador I hope to inspire others to not to give up, and to set a goal for themselves and take the necessary steps to achieve that goal
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
My favorite post run snack is chocolate milk. After a race such as the 25K or a marathon, I also love a thin crust, margarita pizza.
Charlee Vargas:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
While I’ve always enjoyed walking and staying active through other fitness routines, running is a newer adventure for me. I started training in November 2025 as part of my journey toward the 2026 River Bank Run, and I’m excited to grow stronger with each step.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
My ultimate goal is to cross that finish line with pride! As a new runner, I’m aiming to complete the 25K in under 4 hours. More than anything, I want to challenge myself, stay consistent in training, and celebrate the progress along the way.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
I want to show that you don’t have to be a seasoned runner to take on a big goal. Whether you’re a walker, jogger, or just curious about starting, I hope my journey encourages others to step outside their comfort zone and give it a try. Progress is personal—and every mile counts.
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
I’m all about a good protein smoothie after a run! My go-to is chocolate, peanut butter, and banana—but I also love mixing it up with strawberries, bananas, and vanilla for a fruity twist. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and helps me refuel.
Grayson Barbot:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
Although I love being active, I just started running consistently this year
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
My personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K are to 1) complete the race 2) push myself outside of my comfort zone and 3) to prepare myself for future races, hopefully a marathon!
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
As a Road Warrior Ambassador, I hope to inspire others to challenge themselves through physical activity. It’s not just about improving physical health, but also about building confidence, discovering new interests, and connecting with people who share the same passion.
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Chocolate milk and a banana
Jacob Siegwald:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
2 months, I started when I decided to join the Road Warriors!
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
Complete the 25k with an 11:00 minute pace.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
I hope to show you don’t need to be a lifelong runner to get out there and do the 25k!
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
A chocolate and peanut butter flavored protein shake blended with a banana and Greek yogurt!
Jonathan Jespersen:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
I was previously active in running from 2005 – 2018. I started again in 2023 through the Amway Running Club and was motivated by the 2025 RBR Triple Crown.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
My primary goal is to return to the 2-hour club. My secondary goal is to complete the Triple Crown (while still attaining goal #1).
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
By showing that it’s about more than running; it’s about community, supporting each other on and off the road.
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
For post-run snacks, I like oranges, bananas, and nuts. I don’t really have a favorite post-run meal, though I really like steak, so if there’s an opportunity, I’m there!
Josh Nyman:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
I’ve been running since 2002—ever since my first 5K lit a spark. Since then, I’ve raced everything from fun-run miles to the full marathon, and I’ve loved every mile of the journey.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
My personal goal for the 2026 River Bank Run is simple: show up stronger than ever and push for my best finish yet—right around that 2-hour mark.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
I hope to inspire others to start their own running story. I used to weigh 230 pounds and was considered obese. Running helped me take back my health and keep the weight off—even as a guy who still loves great food and is definitely addicted to sugar. If I can do it, anyone can.
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
My routine is simple and real:
- Pre-long run: a big plate of spaghetti for the carb boost.
- Post-run: a protein smoothie to recover and refuel.
Kate Stiltner:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
I have been running for the past four years. I started with a 5k back then, and could barely run a quarter mile before walking some. But I kept at it, gradually working up to half marathons, the 25k, and a full marathon this year.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
I hope to get to the start line healthy and injury free, to run the 5K and 25K (double-down challenge), and to achieve a personal best time on the 25K.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
I love to inspire others to keep running, whatever their pace or distance. Running is a great way to build community, to meet others, and feel great.
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Avocado toast on sourdough with a smoothie
Katie Byler:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
I have always enjoyed running and ran in high school, but dropped off when I was in college. As an adult, I began running consistently in 2019 but only began racing in 2023 after having my son.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
I am excited to race my first 25k race this year! My personal goal for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25k is first and foremost to have fun! I love racing and competing, but I find a lot of joy in and inspiration from running alongside a large group of people all moving towards the same goal of finishing a race, no matter the time or distance. That being said, a personal goal I have for myself is to finish this 25k in under 2 hours.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
As a Road Warrior, I hope to show others, especially the mamas out there, that you can do it. It may not look exactly like how others do it. It may not be perfect, but you can go out and do something outside your comfort zone, you can do something new, you can do something that will challenge you. Just try it!
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
My go to after a good long run is chocolate milk!
Lauren Henderson:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
I have been an active runner for almost a year! I started in January 2025.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
Running has provided not only a way to improve my physical and mental health, but also as a way to connect to the city I grew up in, in a new way and to connect to new people and a community that is so supportive! I hope to be that community for others and share my love for Grand Rapids!
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
After a long run I am always craving a breakfast burrito!! I am not sure why, but it always hits the spot.
Lauren Holben:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
Since I found out I was chosen to be a Road Warrior. I was a walk on athlete in college, but since then I’ve struggled to establish a consistent workout routine. Becoming a Road Warrior has introduced me to exactly the community I needed to thrive.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
My personal goal is simply to cross the finish line. Anything beyond that is icing on the cake!
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
I hope to inspire people to not be afraid to try something new, and to add more joyful movement into their lives like dancing, gardening, etc. Find what works for you!
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
I’m a chocolate milk nerd to be honest. Then, it’s whatever I can get my hands on.
Meghan Russo:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
I ran track and cross country in high school, but I really fell in love with distance running about 15 years ago when I met my husband. We started training together for half marathons and the River Bank 25K, and eventually worked our way up to marathons and even Ironman triathlons! We are currently trying to run a marathon in all 50 states.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
Be part of the 2-Hour Club!
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
I hope to show others that consistency is key, not just for improving your pace, but also for boosting your mental and physical well-being, too. I’m excited to connect with fellow runners in our community and cheer them on in their running journey. Remember, anything is possible!
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Bagel sandwich or pizza
Nathan Elenbaas:
How long have you been active in hand-cycling?
I joined the Mary Free Bed Hand-cycling team October 8th, 2025
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
I hope to finish the Amway River Bank Run! It is my first event so I’m not too concerned with time, I have no benchmark.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
I think seeing a guy who is paralyzed from the chest down finish a 25k could inspire others
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
I typically eat ground turkey after working out.
Phalen Camp:
How long have you been active in running?
I have been an active runner consistently for a year.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
My personal goal for the 2026 Amway RBR 25k is a sub 2:40.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
As a Road Warrior Ambassador, I hope to inspire others by pushing past physical limitations and mental barriers. My hope is to encourage friends, family, and the community to begin or continue their health and wellness journey at their own pace.
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
My favorite post run snack is a fresh pressed juice, smoothies, or a salad.
Tony Payne:
How long have you been active in running?
I’ve been very active since 2011 in running. Prior to that it was occasional and track running in school.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
Goals are not totally set yet however RBR is a top race. I’ll likely do several gravel races, half and maybe full marathon(s), possibly an Ironman.
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
To be proactive to help others. I’m decent at talking with people about their goals and maybe struggles. Encourage fellow teammates to run RBR and those that have not done that race or maybe haven’t in a while.
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Depends on how the race went. Mostly comfort food like pizza or a burger feeling okay. I tend to dehydrate so it’s more salty based food.
Travis Shamery:
How long have you been active in running or hand-cycling?
I’ve been consistently running for about 5 years now, and the River Bank Run in 2022 was my first big race. I call it passion, my wife calls it obsession.
What are your personal goals for the 2026 Amway River Bank Run 25K?
I would LOVE to become part of the 2-hour club this year! 2026 is the year, I can feel it!
I was someone who had never run more than a couple miles at a time ever in my life before. If you would have told me 6 years ago that I would be running 15.5 miles in one go when I did the River Bank 25k for the first time, I would never in a million years have believed you. It was absolutely incredible to see how the body can adapt as you slowly and consistently train it. Now since 2022, I’ve signed up for countless races (including River Bank 4 times), and have even completed a couple of full marathons (also still in shock).
How do you hope to inspire others as a Road Warrior Ambassador?
As an ambassador, my hope is to show others that it doesn’t matter what your background is with running or other physical activity, you CAN accomplish what you put your mind to. I would love to be able to support you and cheer you on as you set out to accomplish whatever goals you have set for yourself this season!
What is your favorite post-run snack or meal?
Favorite post-run snack is without a doubt chocolate milk. After that, give me a big ol’ plate of pasta!