2023 Live Results

Board Members

Amy Mortimeyer

President

Amy is a quiet, yet powerful and capable addition to the board.  She is in charge of Registration, or keeping 7000 runners organized, which takes patience and skillful organization under fire.  She assisted behind the scenes for a couple years, and eagerly stepped to the front.  She lends her talents to help grow running in Northwest Arkansas, which is a passion second only to family; Ray, Kendra and Spencer.  She’s a self described recycler, volunteer and iron chef in her kitchen creating masterpieces for the family.  Amy is a UA Track Official, Registered Arkansas Volunteer Coach working with Middle School runners in Rogers, and also a Dental Assistant…so smile when you see her corralling all those registration packets!

Tom Dougherty

Vice President

Tom has been a resident of Rogers, Arkansas since 1994. He retired from Walmart in August of 2017 as a Vice President in the apparel buying office. Tom and his wife Vicki raised their two daughters, Megan and Allie, in NWA and have enjoyed running with them. Vicki and Tom also love to travel the world and have done so extensively since Tom’s retiremen. Although he has always liked running he did not become a “runner” until 2013. His favorite race has of course been the Chile Pepper. “If you love running you will love this event. It is fun to participate, fun to watch, and supports young cross country runners throughout NWA.”

Tiffany Hoover

Secretary

Tiffany is an avid runner and brings over a decade of race planning knowledge to our Chile Pepper team. As the Assistant Recreation Superintendent for Fayetteville Parks, Natural Resources, & Cultural Affairs her nine to five duties include organizing several community running, cycling, and multi-sport events. Her twenty-four seven duties include being an awesome wife and mother of two young children. Tiffany enjoys running, biking, and playing in lakes and rivers. Hailing from Wisconsin, she is a fan of cheese, ice hockey, the Green Bay Packers, and snow. Fayetteville has been home now for over 12 years.

 

 

Jon Bitler

Board Member

Jon brings a can do spirit and humor to the organization. “I’ve run the Chile Pepper for many years, and now it’s my turn to help. Actually, Steve McBee (former Chile Pepper Board Member) tricked me into it.” Jon is one of the best runners in the area and enjoys trail running, ultimate frisbee, and townie cycling. He is an Engineering Manager at Kennametal. Jon claims to be a transplanted Yankee, and has lived in Fayetteville since 1995. Jon’s most adamant requests of serving on the board are that Chile Pepper does its best to recycle and that he can run the 10K Open.  He has also earned the moniker “Parking Czar” for his command of this challenging task on race day, and served as President from 2015 thru 2020.

Reuben Reina

Board Member

“I got involved with the Chile Pepper Race to give back to the sport that has given me so much in life, and to help the next local kid to have the opportunity to reach his or her dreams in the sport.”

Reuben’s accomplishments are legendary. He was on a John McDonnell coached team for the University of Arkansas and graduated as a Razorback. During his career he was an 8 Time All-American, 2 Time NCAA Champion and a 1992 USA Olympian. He is the Head Personal Trainer at Fayetteville Athletic Club, who coaches several athletes in the local area.  He helps coordinate over 300 Volunteers to support the event.

“I’m a big running fan, and love the outdoors. One of my favorite hobbies is fishing.”

Shenan Boit

Board Member

Shenan joins the Board as an experienced program manager. She’s worked on program development for fitness clubs, Walmart, and Arvest Bank. Shenan specializes in bringing all types of events and ideas to life. For example, she has started adult dodgeball leagues, launched Walmart associate learning programs, and built financial mobile applications. Outside of work, you will find Shenan coaching soccer, watching her husband run, or taking her daughter golfing or biking. Growing up Shenan ran track and cross country and participated in the Chile Pepper. She is excited to give back to a race, and a sport, that gave her so much.

 

Justin DeFreece

Board Member

Justin is a NWA native and a devoted father and husband. He has an active family with a marathoner wife and wo girls who love bikes, soccer, and gymnastics.

“I have always been active and competitive in team sports, but didn’t learn to love running until my 30’s.” It took off from there with annual participation in the Bentonville Half Marathon, two Ironman finishes, three Ironman 70.3 finishes, and of course the Chile Pepper Festival. “I love the challenge and process of training and there is no better experience than race day!” Justin can’t wait to give back to the running community and help support young athletes learn to love running.

Dave Bass

Board Member

Dave came to Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1995 and has been here ever since. He started working in the service industry in the late 90’s and now owns multiple establishments on Dickson Street. Dave has a beautiful wife, Brittany, who makes sure all things in life run smoothly (lucky guy!) and who also loves running. They have two daughters, Haylee who resides in Knoxville, TN and is studying to be a  teacher, and Ava who will be a junior at Fayetteville High School in the fall of 2022 where she is a member of the varsity dance and track teams.

Through the years Dave has grown a true passion for the sport of running in all capacities. “It enhances the health, character, and mental well-being of all who participate.” Chile Pepper has always been one of his favorite running events to attend and the last two years have been extra special as he was able to watch his daughter run in the event.

 

Ken Robertson

Advisor to the Board

Ken has been active as a volunteer at the Chile Pepper since 2006. After running during his younger years, Ken and his wife Cathy re-engaged with the running community when their triplet sons (Brock, Quinn & Connor) began running Cross Country in the 8th grade. Ken was involved in creating a Cross Country Booster Club for his sons’ Junior High, then served as Vice President and President at their High School Cross Country Booster Club while also helping create a Track and Field Booster Club for the High School. “I love running sports and the effect they can have on our young people because everyone can participate to the best of their ability.” The Chile Pepper has always been a favorite event, both to participate in and volunteer at. “The cause of giving back to our local youth and their running endeavors is one we support strongly and the Chile Pepper is at the center of those efforts in NWA.”

Jay Lewis

Advisor to the Board 

A 6th generation native of Fayetteville, Jay has enjoyed running in over a dozen Chile Pepper Runs…many in costume to celebrate the event. Jay was a competitive cyclist who was the 45+ Arkansas State Road Race Champion in 2009 and has crossed the US on a bike in 32 days or less, 3 times. He also cycled crossed the US in 45 days in 2022.  He loves the freedom and spirit of running, and that carried him through 9 marathons and dozens of shorter events.

“This festival is important for Northwest Arkansas and the Lewis Family has supported it from the start. My late uncle Tom Lewis, (probably the world’s most unlikely runner who was bow legged and slow), always ran with a smile. He was steadfast in his support for Joe Fennel and the Chile Pepper for 20 years, and encouraged everyone around him to get out and run. I want to carry on that tradition…maybe not the slow and bow legged part…but to support the Chile Pepper and continue the great things it provides for our community.”

Jay has been involved with local and international companies in sales, and has held leadership roles in civic, school and professional associations.  He is the proud uncle of Sara Caroline Mills, the Captain of the 2013 Girls State Champion Fayetteville Cross Country Team.

Natalie McBee

Advisor to the Board

Natalie brings an energetic spirit not only as an organizer but as an active participant! During the week she works for Shell as an account executive, and keeps herself challenged on the weekends as an adventure racer which includes running, biking, boating and climbing to name a few pursuits. Her love for the Chile Pepper comes form running it several times and volunteering for different tasks over the years.  She is undeniably the Merchandise Goddess and has brought a new sense of style and daring to the Chile Pepper Fashion.

Steve McBee tricked her into marrying him several years ago, and fortunately it worked out great!

Michael Bakaric

Advisor to the Board

Michael joined the group in 2014 after strong encouragement from his daughter Lorelei who initially helped with the race awards in 2012.  Michael is a staunch supporter of the community, and he is a half marathoner and triathlete himself along with his wife Inger who also helps with the race.  They all love Fayetteville along with with Mari, who graduated from the University of Arkansas. He is the Official Chile Pepper Nuclear Engineer who served on active duty in the Navy on submarines early in his career path.  He has to his credit saving 2 lives;  one during a potential electrocution in a submarine of a fellow service member and in 2019 a colleague suffered a “widow maker” heart attack and Michael administered CPR until paramedics arrived and took the man to the hospital and he recovered.  He works for Pace Industries.

Mike Armstrong

Advisor to the Board

“I love being involved with the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival because it includes junior high through masters athletes, promotes involvement in a sport that can last a lifetime, and gives significantly to the youth of Northwest Arkansas. From my involvement with track and field around the US, I also know that it is one of the premier cross country events in the country.”

Mike directs Christ on Campus, a non-denominational Christian ministry to students at the University of Arkansas. He also serves as president of the Arkansas Association of USA Track & Field and the U of A Track Officials’ Association and chairs the Officials’ Continuing Education Group for USA Track & Field.

He enjoys spending time with his wife and family; officiating track and field around the US; and playing racquetball.  He served on the Board for many years and was President for 2.

David Swain

Advisor to the Board

David has been involved with the Chile Pepper for several years. Running is a big part of his life, and he was on one of John McDonnell’s championship UA teams. He also swims now, and encourages his children and kids of all ages to get out there and run for the joy of the sport. He owns Center Coast Construction which specializes in building hotels, and enjoys the challenge of pulling together diverse resources to put together the Chile Pepper Festival. An interesting fact is that his oldest son Ayden was born in the wee hours of the morning on a Chile Pepper race-day (which David worked on after a short nap), and competed for the Razorbacks.  Youngest son Dominick, a college swimmer, assists with course set up and drives the lead vehicle for all the races.  David served as President for over a dozen years, and the event is still close to his heart and he loves to see the kids running!

Mike Rush

Advisor to the Board

Mike’s favorite race is the Chile Pepper. He says because it supports the most runners and high school programs. He and his wife Ali competed in college on the University of Arkansas teams at Chile Pepper, and he has run the Open run in costume for many years. Rush Running has supported with contributions of at least $5000 per year since 2009 along with bringing every runner they can drag out to the course. He’s a linchpin of the running community, and it’s not just his support of the Chile Pepper, which is tremendous; he is a multiplier of the running community and helps dozens of events annually.  He and his wife Alison own and operate their 2 Rush Running Stores in the area; Bentonville and Fayetteville.

He’s very energetic, a great motivator and believes in giving back to the sport. He’s also lucky he married Alison years ago because she lets him get away with way too much stuff and takes care of their sons Miles and Trail.

Wanda Lanier

Advisor to the Board

Wanda has been a CPA in Fayetteville for 20+ years. She enjoys her career, but finds most days are spent indoors. Therefore, she spends her “Free” time enjoying the great outdoors. She loves to bike, hike, canoe, and walk. Wanda got involved with the Chile Pepper organization because of her belief that cross country running is an excellent sport that is a lifelong pursuit. It is also a sport that is adaptable to the other constraints that are always present throughout your life. Supporting the high school cross country teams is a way for her to encourage young people to keep active, stay healthy, and get out and enjoy the outdoors.  She served as Treasurer and was in charge of Registration for several years.

Her favorite Quote: “Do your best!”

Bo Grimes

Advisor to the Board

Bo is not only a former board member, but his family donates to the Chile Pepper!  He joined the group in 2016 first as a race day volunteer and has become more active in logistics, sponsorship and strategic direction.  He loves the atmosphere and mission of the event, and brings a calm presence to the group.  He has taken the reins of Course Manager who is responsible for setup and operations of the races, plus he gets to speed around in a 4-Wheeler.