Carla Mukes
How did you get started with running?
One of my doctors invited me to run with their group, and that invitation changed everything.
What’s your favorite race distance or type of run?
My favorite is the Oklahoma City Memorial Race.
Do you have a favorite local race or running route in Wichita?
I really enjoy Prairie Fire, and I love running downtown near Exploration Place—that route might be my favorite.
What motivates you to keep running on tough days?
My motivation is my health and building better habits. I truly believe that if you want different results, you have to try something different.
What’s a running accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
Completing the Turkey Trot 10K last year—that was a big moment for me.
Do you have any running goals you’re working toward right now?
Yes! I’m still training and working toward completing a Half and marathon.
How did you first hear about Run Wichita?
I was new to the Wichita running community, met up with one run group, and through those connections I found Run Wichita.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the club?
The community and accountability. I love the variety of people and runners—it keeps me inspired and motivated.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
We raised three very athletic kids, but I had no athletic background myself. I’m a proud runner-walker… maybe even a waddler—and I own it!
When you’re not running, how do you like to spend your time?
Spending time with my family, traveling, and shopping.
Do you have a favorite post-run meal, drink, or treat?
Nothing fancy—I rely on my “magic beans” (energy beans). I swear by them and always run with them!
Quick Picks (Just for Fun!)
• Morning or evening runner? Afternoon
• Trails or pavement? Either
Music, podcast, or no sound?
Music for sure, but I save my favorite podcasts for longer runs
Cassandra Walter
How did you get started with running?
I didn’t run at all until around January, 2024. I hated running in school as a kid, it was all about sprinting and being out of breath and miserable. When I played sports, running was always what you did as punishment when you messed up. What made it worse was that I started out as a bigger/heftier kid and as I progressed through high, school, college, early adulthood, and then pregnancies I started putting on more and more weight. My highest weight was 385 pounds. In 2023 I decided to get the gastric sleeve, and at that time I started walking, swimming, and lifting weights. It took me quite a while to get to the point where I could try to run, and at first it was just short intervals of running and walking. But once I got to the point where I could run my first mile, it just started to build from there.
What’s your favorite race distance or type of run?
So far I really like timed, loop courses where you have a certain number of hours to just see how far you can go–you vs. you. I like to run ultra distances and trail races. And I love any sort of quirky, fun runs like costumes, food challenges, etc.
Do you have a favorite local race or running route in Wichita?
I run Redbud trail a lot since it’s close and it’s very pretty out there. My favorite local race so far is probably Prairie Fire.
What motivates you to keep running on the tough days?
Discipline. There’s a saying somewhere about how when motivation quits, discipline takes over. I try to run nearly every morning and that’s just my routine. If I can at least get my shoes on and get out the door, I can usually get a few miles in. But I really like to join group runs, meet up with running friends, find new or interesting routes, listen to podcasts, and so on to keep it interesting. My goals all involve very long distances, so keeping my weekly mileage up as a base is very important.
What’s a running accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
I just did the Hell Creek 50k this summer. That’s a challenging course with a lot of elevation and some technical terrain, it was a stretch for me so I’m proud I finished.
Do you have any running goals you’re working toward right now?
Lots! In the next 12 months, I’d like to finish my first 50 miler, 100k, and at least attempt a 100 mile race.
How did you first hear about Run Wichita?
Probably Facebook seeing posts from other runner friends!
What do you enjoy most about being part of the club?
Meeting fun people with similar interests, running in new places, and trying new pubs/restaurants on Thursdays.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I never know how to answer these questions! I have 13 year old twins (among my 4 total children at home).
When you’re not running, how do you like to spend your time?
I love to travel, so when I can I do that. Clearly I love food so trying new restaurants around town. Otherwise usually spending time with my kids.
Do you have a favorite post-run meal, drink, or treat?
Usually a donut or cinnamon roll. I’ll run stupidly far distances if you tell me there’s a donut waiting for me at the finish line!
Quick picks (just for fun!)
- Morning or evening runner? Morning
- Trails or pavement? Trails
- Music, podcast, or no sound while running? Podcasts for long runs, music for races
Kelly Regier
How did you get started with running?
I learned in high school that I have a heart defect that was being a bit of a nuisance. My cardiologist told me essentially to keep my weight under control and stay active and I’ll be able to dodge needing surgery. So I joined the cross country team that year and have made it a point to keep running regularly ever since.
What’s your favorite race distance or type of run?
There’s so many different distances and types of races that I love so much I couldn’t begin to pick a single favorite. Races shared with friends are the best. Honorable mention to races where I run in costume or some silly clothes that makes people laugh.
Do you have a favorite local race or running route in Wichita?
I’ve only been running in Wichita for a couple years, so I’m still discovering all the local races, but so far, I have really enjoyed the crowd energy the Prairie Fire races puts out, as well as the muddy chaos of Not4Wimps. I love getting muddy.
What motivates you to keep running on the tough days?
This question has some weight to it. Besides maintaining the heart health that got me started in the first place, I’ve seen people close to me let health slide and become very passive in caring for themselves. That serves as a stern warning for me to never get too comfortable sitting. I want to see and experience life. I want to be a spritely old guy someday that still explores and does the hard things. I want to be an example to my kids and inspire them to reach for big things and never be content with merely good enough.
What’s a running accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
I’m almost embarrassed saying because I feel like it sounds like it’s a “me” thing, but really isn’t. Anyway, that would be getting on the news after running Prairie Fire in the Chewbacca costume. I went in just being silly and having fun, I had no idea how big of a splash that was going to make. Almost every block I ran past and almost every corner I rounded, someone was yelling out “Chewbacca!” or making that signature roar. It made people happy and brought lots of laughter and that all just made my day. Any opportunity to bring joy and laughter is worthwhile and that race brought tons of it.
Do you have any running goals you’re working toward right now?
I’m dabbling into ultramarathons now. I hope to break 100 miles in a race this spring. I’m very new to the ultra distances, so I have a whole lot to learn, but that’s my next big goal.
How did you first hear about Run Wichita?
A few years back, I had moved to Kansas to tend to some family needs. The first year I was here, kinda hunkered down and let my introvert self win, but ultimately needed to get out of my shell and connect with people. So I started searching Facebook for Wichita running groups and found Run Wichita.
What do you enjoy most about being part of the club?
Without hesitation, the people. I’ve never found such an encouraging and supportive group of people as I found with Run Wichita. Even when I had my shoulder surgery and couldn’t run at all, y’all were still cheering me on, and that matters.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I love wildflowers. When I’m not running with a group or racing the clock, I’ve had soooo many runs or hikes interrupted while I’m taking pics of some random flower growing in the ditch or along some mountain trail.
When you’re not running, how do you like to spend your time?
I’m artistic. I like to create things. Painting, woodcarving, drawing, and so on.
Do you have a favorite post-run meal, drink, or treat?
Chocolate milk or a smoothie from Fartleks are my favorite go-to after a run.
Quick picks (just for fun!):
Morning or evening runner? Evening
Trails or pavement? Trail is my favorite even though I usually end up on pavement more.
Music, podcast, or no sound while running? Music if I’m solo, but if friends are along, I have to shut the music off and enjoy peopleing.
Toby VanCleave
"When I first decided to join Run Wichita, I was mainly looking for accountability. I hadn't ran consistently since college, and I was ready to lose the extra pounds I had gained as a result. I was hoping the accountability would motivate me to get started. From day one, the entire group has been welcoming and has made me feel at home. By joining the group, my workouts have become something that I look forward to instead of something that feels like a chore. The stories and laughs we share make me forget I'm even exercising. It feels like I'm just hanging out with my friends--and we just happen to be running. I’ve also had the pleasure of traveling with other members to run in out-of-town races, which has helped me get to know them even better and form some solid friendships.
When it comes to the group runs, Thursday social runs are my favorite, by far. Who doesn’t like going out for food and drinks after a run?? While Thursdays are fun, I'd say Tuesday track nights are the most beneficial. Angela always provides a suggested workout targeted towards different upcoming races and distances. Saturday long runs are also a great opportunity to build mileage without running by yourself for such an extended amount of time. By attending the weekly runs, I've been able to shave several minutes off my average pace compared to when I first joined the group. I was even able to meet my goal this year of running an entire marathon without taking any walking breaks, something I had previously tried and failed multiple times while training on my own. I truly believe this success was a result of the quality workouts and guidance Angela provides at each group run. She is a certified running coach and definitely knows her stuff.
Another thing I love about Run Wichita is how they help the running community, such as donating water bottles and gently used running shoes to local XC and Track athletes. Some of these athletes were running in shoes that were one or two sizes off, or even running in a pair of Converse. Not only would “new” shoes likely help them run faster, but it would reduce the risk of injury as well. It was rewarding to watch them pick out a pair they liked and leave without paying a dime. For Run Wichita members needing new shoes or other gear, they are able to utilize their discounts at several local running stores. I’d say this benefit alone is worth the $25 annual price tag of being a member.
I highly recommend joining this group and I only wish I had found it sooner. Since joining, I’ve noticed I have more energy throughout the day and feel better both mentally and physically. The Run Wichita community is welcoming and encouraging of all paces and abilities—even if you want to mix some walking into your runs! If you’re on the fence, I recommend coming out to a Thursday social run to get a feel for the group. If you do, I think you’ll come back!"
-Toby V.
Est. 1976 