Seattle Frontrunners is a proud member of the Road Runners Club of America.
Board of Directors
Ari Worthman (he/him)
President
I love running. I was that elementary school kid who couldn't do many sit-ups or pull-ups for the Presidential Fitness Tests, but could run circles around the other boys. I ran throughout high school in Northern New Jersey, and then rowed Crew at Haverford College. As much as I loved the tranquility of the water, my favorite practices were always our running days. I've been a member of the Philadelphia Frontrunners where I lived for three years, and ran with the Fort Lauderdale Frontrunners (albeit less consistently) where I lived for seven years.
I moved to Seattle in 2012 and began running with the Seattle Frontrunners shortly afterward. Interestingly, I love running with people, but without conversing: the tread of our feet and the synchronicity of our strides and pacing allows me to feel connected in a way that words don't. I never listen to music when I run; it disrupts my awareness of my breathing and bodily rhythm.
If I'm not running, I'm spending time with my awesome partner. Or doing my day job as a school administrator. Or reading. Or watching The Handmaid's Tale.
Jason Van Beveren (he/him)
Vice President
In March of 2020, when the world shut down, I started running. At the onset, it was just a way to keep myself active and sane in the worst days of the pandemic. But in short order, it became a passion.
When I joined Seattle Frontrunners in March of 2022, my hope was that I would meet others with the same passion who could help me grow as a runner. What I got was so much more than that. I found a community that was welcoming, full of joy, and supportive of my efforts as a runner - and also, just as a human being. Since then, I've worked hard to contribute to the group as much as I can in the hopes that it will continue to grow. It's with that energy and focus that I join the Board.
When I'm not running, I'm usually trying out a new escape room, playing video games, traveling to fun places, nerding out over Star Wars/Trek, or reading a good book.
Jason Barnard (he/him)
Treasurer
I started running over 12 years ago after I had been inspired to get more active on a vacation to Maui. The first eight of those years, I ran largely by myself through the streets, hills and neighborhoods of San Francisco. After moving to Bainbridge at the start of Covid, I decided to join the Seattle Frontrunners in mid 2023 to meet fellow runners and be a part of the Seattle community.
Since joining, I have made many new friends, pushed myself in my running practice and discovered some lovely Pacific Northwest marathons.
I am very excited to join the Board of Seattle Frontrunners as the Treasurer. When not running, I lead the accounting team at a biotechnology company, snuggle with my dog, work out, and enjoy cooking and travelling with my husband.
Paulo Moraes (he/him)
Secretary
Originally from Curitiba, Brazil, I’ve been in Seattle for almost three years. I also spent some time in Arizona, Colorado, and California. I first started running during my time in college in Colorado, and have been a dutiful devotee ever since. I was never one to care much about speed and distance; I am mostly drawn to running as a mindfulness and spirituality practice. I love how powerful it is in helping me feel connected to myself, the earth, and the ever-so-blissful present moment.
I also love people, socializing, and making friends, so joining Seattle Frontrunners was a no-brainer. This has grown to become one of my favorite communities and a major pillar of life in Seattle. As a Board member, my number one focus is maintaining and strengthening the welcoming and uplifting environment that has made this group such a joy to be a part of. I believe anyone could benefit from joining and my hope is that folks will keep coming back!
Outside of SFR, you can catch me serving looks and drinks at Linda’s Tavern, singing songs at open mics, and hopefully enjoying some quality time in the woods…anybody wanna go camping?
Linda Baker (she/her)
At Large
Events Committee Chair
This will be my 16th year of serving on the SFR board. I have seen so many changes since I first joined the club, and am happy to say that they have been good ones. I happened to be the 200th member when I joined, a number that would shrink, then grow, until now when we have a steady 600+ members. I have been proud to be a part of SFR over the years. For the past decade I have led the events committee, working with other dedicated members to bring monthly potlucks, various happy hours and other events to members. Professionally I was a psychiatric nurse, but since 1984 have worked as a hypnotherapist. While I have never been a real runner, I have always been a strong walker. I did run many years in Run & Walk with Pride and did several track and field events, plus a 5K at Gay Games IX. Currently, I am mainly a walker with spurts of running mixed in. What I love about SFR, and hear from others, is the inclusiveness and mix of age, ability, ethnicity, and gender identity. Everyone is welcome.
Kameron Carr (he/him)
At Large
I always preferred swimming. I thought running would be a temporary replacement until pools reopened after the pandemic. Then I joined Seattle Frontrunners. Suddenly I had a supportive, welcoming community that made Seattle feel like home in a way I didn’t think was possible. Now you can find me running in the cold, dark, rainy Seattle winters and partaking in Marathons when a couple years ago I hadn’t even raced a 5K.
Beyond running, there’s not a facet of my life that isn’t with or thanks to SFR. Potlucks, traveling, learning sign language, swimming, nights out and nights in - it’s all with the amazing people I met in SFR. I love this community, and I’m happy to be contributing to the leadership that makes it all happen!
Maurice Hines (he/him)
At Large
After moving to Seattle in 2019, I got involved with SFR, and went from being lonely in a strange new city, to quickly building a social circle and family. I am honored to now give back by investing my time and energy serving as Vice President. It is my goal to help strengthen and grow the welcoming, safe space that I experienced when I first joined.
For most of my adult life, I have been on a health and fitness journey that began with several obesity related health issues. Years later, now in my 40s, it feels fantastic to have taken control of my health, lost the weight, and enjoy activities that I couldn’t physically do in my 20s. I attribute much of this success to running and SFR. I never thought I would see a day where I enjoy running and anxiously look forward to accomplishing half and full marathons!
By day, I take pleasure in working my dream job as an Executive Assistant. Besides running, I find my happy place on the water in my inflatable kayak, and through all things involving the creative and performing arts. I have 2 Sphynxes (hairless cats), that I may be slightly obsessed with.
Zach McLaughlin (they/he)
At Large
Running has been a part of my life since high school. Even in the times I couldn't physically run I devoted time to learn about coaching runners or how to mentally be a better runner myself. After a long hiatus away from running I finally found a community in Seattle Frontrunners and picked up it again in March of 2024. Since then, coming out to run has become a weekly routine I crave not only for the physical high but to interact with the amazing individuals that this organization pulls out consistently.
Outside of Frontrunners I split my time between my professional career as a Physical Therapist, camping/backpacking, kayaking, cooking, reading, traveling (likely to Scotland), caring for my house plants, and journaling.
As a Board member, I look forward to supporting our Treasurer in expanding the club's finances as well as dabbling in other projects I am passionate about including continuing VP Jason's Runner's Health workshops.