Here are our RAS Ambassadors for 2026:
Julainne Mills – RAS Ambassador Coordinator
Excited to be representing RAS for a third year. My love for running started over 20 years ago while stationed in Mississippi with the US Air Force. The local running club gave me a great support network and made it so much fun. I ran my first marathon in Huntsville, AL, and was hooked after that. I reached out to my father about joining me for some races and/ over the next two decades, I met up with him for father/daughter weekends to run 5k and half marathons. In total, we’ve participated in over two dozen races together. I’ve run another 130+ races solo ranging from 5k to full marathons and am looking to add my first ultra soon. Several years ago, I started swimming and biking and have participated in 6 triathlon events, generally in the sprint and Olympic distances.Besides the physicality of the sport, running allows me to clear my head and find moments of peace in hectic times. It is a real joy for me and I love to share it with my friends. I am thrilled to be a 2025 RAS Ambassador and I am thrilled to continue sharing all that these great races have to offer and how they help the community. Run Happy!
John Nguyen
I’m John Nguyen. I started running in 2009 to get in better shape. My first race was the Seabrook Lucky Trails Half in 2010. I have learned so much from running and have met so many great people along the way. I will be pacing at least 4 events this year. I currently run with the Urban Locos Runners. We are just a group of friends that love to spread positivity in our running community.
Julian “Ricky” Martinez
Hey everyone, my name is Ricky Martinez. I started my running journey in 2021. I played sports in high school such as soccer, football, baseball and also surfing. Running was not fun but just came with the sports I played. In 2017 my father became ill with Alzheimer’s Dementia. All I knew was him to be a strong Army Veteran and extremely active. In 2021 he became bedridden, and I knew that I wanted to dedicate something to him, so I signed up for a 5K. The training process was hard because I didn’t know how to run so I went to the internet and invested in a treadmill. My first race was the Texas Bridge Series Race in Galveston and placed in the top ten in my age group I was hooked. Running is truly a hobby for myself and when I am not running, I enjoy coaching my local little league and spending time with my son Julian who is 10 and my beautiful wife Gilma who supports me at every race. I enjoy hearing everyone’s stories on how running has helped them and continue to be active in the running community. Beginner runner or an established runner, I am grateful for this opportunity to represent RAS as an ambassador and learn more about this fantastic organization that truly unites us all. Thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to seeing you all at the Races.
Jonathan Whitaker
My name is Jonathan Whitaker, and I started my running journey in February 2016. I had been a cigarette smoker since I was 13. I struggled quitting for years but I finally was able to quit at the age of 32 in July of 2015. Then in February 2016 we had a weight loss competition at work, so my wife encouraged me to run to win. I used an app C25K that taught me to run a 5k. I never thought I could run for more than 5 minutes. I smashed the competition. I fell in love with running during the weight loss competition and never looked back. Then things escalated pretty quickly. I ran my first official 10k in Kemah that year and then went on and completed the Texas Bridge Series. In 2017 I did the pelican challenge in Seabrook, the 5k series, and the bridge series again, and in 2018 I did my first marathon followed by another pelican challenge. I’ve done 8 marathons now in total including one in Austin, and Chicago plus 23 halves and countless 5K’s & 10K’s. I have a beautiful wife, Leslie, and two fantastic, brilliant children, Luke and Katelyn. I couldn’t do any of this without them and the friends I’ve made since this journey began. I feel every mile I run is towards a better, healthier version of myself. I hope to see you out there!
Daniel Gilliam
My name is Daniel Gilliam and a lot of people know me as Cyborg. I started running seriously and have lost well over 70lbs which has helped me be a better father to my 4 children. I felt called by God to do an ultra and completed the Habanero 100k in August. My favorite thing about running is getting to cheer and encourage others. I do all things for the glory of God and look forward to changing the world one footstep at a time!
Rachel Perez
Hey everyone! My name is Rachel Perez, but most people know me as Rach! I started my running journey in January 2023 as a way to support my mental health—and quickly fell in love with the sport. Since then, I’ve completed nine half marathons and recently ran my very first marathon.
I show up daily as a real runner, balancing life, mental health, and movement. I share both the highs and the hard days, because that honesty is what builds trust and genuine community.
I’m passionate about making running feel welcoming, empowering, and accessible—especially for beginners and women who are just starting their journey. I cannot wait to see you this year!
