Meet our Coast Guard Marathon

Race Ambassadors

Coast Guard Marathon Race Ambassadors inspire and motivate the running community through their passion, dedication, and unique stories.

1. Donna Schultz 

1. Donna is a runner who is passionate about honoring our past and present heroes, military or first responder, by proudly carrying the American flag during race events.  A picture and story of the hero is pinned to her hydration vest to share their story and keep their legacy alive.  The Coast Guard events are specifically run for AMT3 Caroline Joy Schollaert, who was on active duty in Jacksonville, FL and killed during a carjacking. She was a graduate of “A” School, Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.

“We run for Joy-literally. Join the team, share the story, and let’s make every mile matter.”

1. Gananath “Sathy” Gunawardhana

Sathy’s running journey began in high school with a 15K road race and he’s been chasing finish lines ever since. He’s completed over 60 marathons, 4 ultramarathons, 2 ultra walkathons, and 7 Ragnar Relays. A proud member of the Marine Corps Marathon Runners Club (16 finishes), Marathon Maniacs, and DCH3, Sathy finds community and purpose through the sport.

Off the course, he coaches high school crew and enjoys hiking, camping, and photographing the outdoors. Pictured with his daughter, his Coastie, after they finished the 50th Marine Corps Marathon together in 2025. It was her second full marathon, and a finish line memory he’ll never forget.

4. For me, running is more than just a sport – it’s a way to focus on my breathing, find peace within myself, enjoy the great outdoors, and make new friends along the way. I love meeting fellow runners, encouraging others to chase their goals, and reminding everyone that there’s always another adventure waiting at the next starting line.
   

1. Stacia Grace

3. Stacia Grace is a 20-year-old athlete from Orlando, FL, and 2026 will mark her fourth year rolling through the Coast Guard Marathon. As a proud member of Ainsley’s Angels since 2016, she’s logged hundreds of miles across 10 states thanks to the incredible runners who lend her their legs. For Stacia, it’s about more than just the miles -it’s about the joy, connection, and unwavering support of the running community.

• “Coming back to Elizabeth City is always a highlight of my year. The people, their energy, it feels like coming home. And yes, there will be Oreos in my chair. I never roll without them, and I’m always happy to share. Laissez les bons temps rouler – let the good times roll!”

1. Sergeant Major Kevin Bittenbender (Ret.) 

1. Kevin Bittenbender proudly served in the U.S. Army for 34 years, retiring in 2018. His career spanned Field Artillery, Air Defense, Infantry, and Military Intelligence, with combat tours in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. He served with elite units like the 82nd and 173rd Airborne, 10th Mountain Division, and 3rd Group Special Forces. His military decorations include the Bronze Star, Legion of Merit, Combat Action Badge, and numerous other service and marksmanship honors. Due to combat injuries and exposure to burn pits, Kevin is a wounded warrior and amputee who also lives with PTSD and TBI. Following military retirement, he served with the U.S. Department of Justice as a Canine Enforcement Officer and Special Operations Response Team Leader, where he helped develop a veteran transition program called Battle Buddy. Since 2010, Kevin has coached the U.S. Paralympic Nordic/Biathlon team, supporting athletes through multiple Paralympic Games and, most recently, the 2025 Invictus Games in Canada. His coaching has helped Team USA earn over 30 medals across biathlon, cross-country skiing, and wheelchair rugby. He lives with his wife Molly, daughter Kaitlyn, and loyal service dog Kirby.

My mantra is : Live a life worthy of their sacrifice.
It’s a daily devotion I say to honor my team mates I lost in Afghanistan on 27AUG07.

Become a Race Ambassador

Applications open Fall 2027.