Alison Ball, UPA Teacher

Claire Blaney, Volunteer Head Coach.
The one thing more exhilarating to me than pushing your body to new physical limits, is doing it while also being a part of something bigger than yourself.  I am thrilled to be a part of this journey and excited for the boys and girls who will be given such an incredible opportunity, thanks to your efforts!

Latisha Bryant
Visiting DC left an immense impression on me when I was in middle school, and I’m so excited to share in providing that opportunity to others. This is a great chance for me to push myself in my first marathon and provide a life-changing trip for these students at the same time!

Shannon Darcey, UPA teacher.
While many hours of my life in high school were spent running, this will be my first race in many years and my first time running a half marathon.  I am inspired and honored to run this race in support of my amazing students who are truly deserving of this incredible opportunity to visit our nation's capital.

Lisa Davidson

Selina Eadie
I am so happy that my first half-marathon will contribute to such a great cause! I am an Americorps worker currently serving at Willard Middle School in Berkeley, CA after graduating from UCSB in 2009. I had a fantastic time studying in DC last fall, and I know that the UPA students have so much to gain from their experience. I'm a little (okay... very) nervous about taking on the 13.1 miles -- but the inspiring mission of UPA defintely makes my goal all the more worthwhile!

Dori Galvin, UPA teacher.

Jahbi Gaskin  (Jahbi is an Oakland native and former Oakland teacher who is living in Italy and will be running a marathon in Rome in March!)I grew up in Oakland and attended college at Georgetown in DC.  I was able to share this experience with my students by taking them on this trip.  They were able to gain a keen understanding of exactly how they could become active citizens. It was totally life-changing.  It's really inspiring to be able to run for this cause.   My Marathon Motto: Run hard, think big then change the world!

Diana Greenwold

Dennis Guikema, Assistant Principal, Urban Promise AcademyThis will be my second year taking a group of middle schoolers from Oakland to DC.  It is a lot of work to make this happen, but the transformational opportunity it presents to each youngster makes it well worth it.  Thanks for doing what you can by donating or running to make this possible!

Morgan Hague


Trish Hylton, Ironman Finisher!
I remember going to Washington DC as a middle schooler.  It was a great experience.  I'm running the Oakland marathon to help a young person, who would not have otherwise had this same opportunity, to go to the nation's capital.

Jeannie JohnsonI ran a marathon 10 years ago, and then said "whew, I never have to do that again."  Then I heard there was going to be an Oakland marathon and thought "I might have to do that again." But when I heard a group of folks were raising money to send students to Washington, DC, I said "I HAVE to do that again."

Jill Johnson, UPA teacher
I am so proud of our students and the hard work that the teachers and administration at UPA do to provide experiences for our students.  I am running this half marathon for them. I love these students and would do just about anything (short of a full marathon) for them!

Christian Kearney, UPA teacherI am really excited to be part of this fundraiser! Visiting Washington DC as a kid had a great impact on me and I am pleased I can help our students at UPA get to our nation's capital. Furthermore, I get another reason to train for a running event under the excellent coaching skills of Claire Blaney!

Matthew Linzer, UPA Physical Movement Guru!Currently preparing UPA students to combat social, physical and emotional ills by developing healthy lifestyle habits. We create Warriors actively engaged in positive individual, school wide and community change.

Randy Marcotte

I am excited to sponsoring at least one kid to participate in the Close-Up program.  My experience of D.C., changed my life and allowed me to dream of a world outside of the small town where I grew up.  More importantly, D.C. (where I eventually went to college) helped me to understand the my role as a citizen and the obligations we all have to help create a better world for everyone to share.  For me each step of the Marathon will be one step towards helping someone else have this same great opportunity.

Shara Mays
I’m so excited to participate in the first Oakland Marathon in 25 years. Not only will it be fun, but I’ll be running for the strong and determined kids of UPA. What better way to contribute to such an amazing middle school! Go UPA!

Sandra Matusiak
I recently moved to California in hopes to go back to school for a teaching credential.  I was a preschool teacher in Michigan, I left when the opportunity arose to live in Oakland--the type of area in which I'd someday like to teach.   When I fell across the opportunity to support Oakland students, I was excited to be able to contribute towards a child's education.  This will be my first (1/2) marathon!

Katie McLelland
Although I’m not a runner, I love Oakland and was excited to discover the city is hosting a marathon.  The opportunity to support a group amazing kids & the city is too good to pass up, even if it means running.

Jo Miller, UPA teacherI'm thrilled to be a part of this fundraising team!  Lately, quite a few students have started their sentences with the words, "If I were president, I'd..."  I love to hear that sort of ambition in the classroom.  I'm sure that this amazing trip to DC will inspire our UPAstars even more!

Lisa Noonan

Lisa is a former resident of Oakland currently living in upstate New York. This is her first half-marathon and she's excited for the chance to raise money for Oakland kids during her visit in March. Lisa believes that travel is one of the best learning tools available and hopes that the students of Urban Promise Academy have a great time in Washington DC.

Katherine Robles, former UPA student and 2009 DC participant!


Leah Rose, UPA teacherThis will be my first time running a half marathon and I am feeling pretty nervous, but the challenge feels worth it. I was lucky to grow up visiting DC quite frequently, and I have had the opportunity to take students twice now.  Each trip with students was incredible.  Two years ago, my students and I actually sat in on a Supreme Court ruling. That was an unbelievable experience for my students (who had just completed a year of American history) and I alike.  I am willing to run my butt off to help another group of students have the opportunity to go to DC this year.

Jen Thompson, Training and Resource Manager for Oakland Teaching Fellows, former Skyline High School teacher. 

Urban Promise Academy finally gave me a good reason to run 26.2 miles!  What an amazing opportunity for Oakland’s students.  I can’t wait to hear about the life-changing experiences they will have in DC.

Scott Thompson, UPA teacher and marathon runner!I am loving my first year teaching at UPA and am psyched that I can help to send some of our students on a trip they would not otherwise be able to experience. 

Talia Wise
A long time ago the 8th-grade DC trip was the first of many travel adventures I took part in. I'm a first time half-marathoner and am extremely in love with Oakland. I feel simply giddy that I am able to run and help some smart cookies in my community see their dreams of travel and education met.

Doug Wright

I think travel of any kind is beyond anything you can learn in school and support UPA in helping to provide this opportunity. Good luck to you guys! I hope you exceed your expectations and everyone has a great time.