If you have a strong interest in ARR and would like to lend your talents, contact us because there are open positions during the coming year.
Distances run: everything from 5k to 50k
2025-2026 BOARD MEMBERS.
Becki Learned
President and Director of Communications
- Loves both trails & roads
- Once faked asthma to get out of running in grade school
- Secret talent: jump rope tricks
Bio: Becki is a self described running nerd. She’s been running for about 17 years and has completed numerous races all over the country. Her most challenging race was the Mesquite Canyon 50k Ultramarathon in 2021. She hopes to run in all 50 US states in her lifetime. She loves the running community and is excited to be the newest member of the AZRR Board.
Norm Janoff
Chief Operating Officer
- Half Marathon PR - 1:28:11
- 10K PR - 38:54
- Over 600 Races Completed
- Boston Marathon 3:23:09 (1998)
Bio: Norm started running about a year after he moved to Arizona, at the start of 1982. Golf just wasn’t providing enough exercise. He enjoys all aspects of running including his role on the Board of the Arizona Road Racers. He also enjoys leading the running intervals at Shadow Mountain High School each Tuesday evening. Many of his best friends are runners.
Janet Foote
Director of Registration
- Enjoys Distances from 5k to Marathon
- Ran Half or Marathon in 23 States
- Runs 40+ Races a Year
Bio: Janet finds running a great way to de-stress, and soak up some fresh air after too many work hours in an office. Most weekends she can be found at some running event, whether local or out of state. Janet runs the Honolulu Marathon annually along with half marathons in Oakland, Alameda, Seattle, San Jose and Indianapolis. Janet joined the ARR Board in 2017.
Donavon Price
Director of Equipment & Staging
- 5ks: Over 40 from Hawaii, Guam, Korea to Arizona
- Marathons: 2
- Half Marathons: 7
Bio: Donavon’s first 5k race was Hawaii when he was 18 and it was a great experience and may have had an influence on keeping active in the sport since then. His first race with the Arizona Road Racers was a 5k at South Mountain in 2006 and was impressed with how well the race was organized. His son and daughter would later run several Thanksgiving 5k races with him. Running continues to be a fun way to stay in shape, meet new friends and to continue to strive for new goals even if they may just be holding back Father Time.
Katherine Nierva
Director, Volunteer Coordinator
- 5K PR - 20:32
- Favorite Race - Marine Corps Marathon
- Ran over 100 Races inc. 6 Marathons
Bio: Katherine started running in 2005 to live a healthier and more active life style. After meeting so many friendly and supportive running fanatics, her love of racing and leisurely running grew and led to her healthy running addiction. Her role as the VP of Special and Social Events allows her to give back to the running community by planning fun, non-competitive running events that everyone can enjoy.
Hal Gensler
Treasurer
- Running Streak of 27 years and one day ended with a broken heel
- Over 70,000 Miles Run
- Competed in Over 965 Races
Bio: Hal is a national legend with his impressive run streak. He started running in high school and college, and then basically did not run again until early 1989. Once he started again, he didn’t stop. He first came in contact with ARR at the Jerome Hill Climb in 2005. Shortly thereafter he became a board member to give back to the running community, after having done very little in the way of volunteering up until then.
Erin Szajna
Secretary
- Favorite distance: Half Marathon
- Favorite Event: Ventura Mountains to Beach Half Marathon
- Next challenge: San Francisco Marathon
Bio: Erin started running in 2008 as a way to change up her workout routine, and hasn’t stopped since. She has run over 100 races, including 9 half marathons and three OCRs. She loves how ARR keeps racing going even during the brutal summer months. Erin has made a lot of great friends through ARR and is looking forward to giving back to the running community. Erin is new to the Board for 2018.
Omar Ortega
Director, Race Timing
- Responsible for race times
- Run 25 Consecutive LA Marathons
- Marathon PR: 03:01:27
Bio: Omar started running in October 1994 as part of a school program called “Students Run Los Angeles,” a program that trains students to run the LA Marathon. He has run the LA marathon every year since. Omar also operates Race Timers which provides the chip timing for all ARR formal races.
Joe Galope
Webmaster
- Favorite distance: Marathon
- Favorite Event: Comrades Marathon
- Next challenge: Road Runner Sports Pancake Run
- Marathon PR: 2:56:11
Bio: Joe started running in High School. Has run over 140 marathons and ultra marathons. He is an event director and also coaches High School cross country.