Sure, you’ve heard of the Colfax Marathon, but did you know the Colfax Marathon includes seven races over two days and runners may partner with or represent more than 200 nonprofits? VOA Colorado is a proud Colfax Marathon Charity Partner – with more than 20 runners choosing VOA Colorado as their partner!
Meet our runners below – and click here to sponsor the runner of your choice!
Sacha Cameron
Sacha Cameron is super excited to represent VOA Colorado in the 2026 Colfax! An avid rock climber, she is often more comfortable on vertical terrain. However, she is stoked to tackle the new challenge of her first half marathon. On race day, she’s excited to experience the legendary “zoo mile,” run with and cheer on friends, and raise awareness of VOA Colorado’s programs.
Brian Jordan
My name is Brian Jordan, and I am the proud new VP of Human Resources for VOA Colorado! This is my third year running in the Colfax Marathon and was even named as an Ambassador for the event this year. The Colfax Marathon has a unique energy that makes it so fun being around everyone on race day. Running in the outdoors in a big part of who I am and try to complete at least 1 or 2 half marathons each year, though my ultimate goal that I aim to complete this year is the Aspen Valley Marathon in July.
JoAnne Vaughn
I am a proud walker these days – I have officially retired from running – but I still love the energy and excitement of race day! The Colfax Half Marathon will complete my full cycle of Colfax races. After competing in the Relay (my closest brush with a full marathon), the Urban 10-Miler, and the 5K, it’s time for the big one. I’m especially excited to finally go through the zoo on a race course – something I’ve never done.
I chose to support VOA Colorado because I deeply believe in their mission to uplift and strengthen the people and communities of Denver in meaningful and lasting ways.
Let’s go VOA – making a difference a stride at a time!
Josh Evans
I have run every race at The Colfax Marathon beginning over a decade ago while a nonprofit leader in Colorado. Now Executive Lead at Wipfli for the Colorado Nonprofit, Education, and Government sectors I want to make sure I am supporting the sector as a servant and values-based leader.
It’s been over 5 years since my last half marathon and I thought no better a reason to start again than to demonstrate my support for the Colorado nonprofit sector and I chose VOA-CO as an exemplar of how nonprofits support a mission and a community with heart, kindness and passion.
Mackinsey Kinder
Mackinsey is running the Colfax Marathon as a celebration of grit, consistency, and pushing her limits one mile at a time. When she’s not training, she’s chasing around her puppy, Frankie, who keeps life playful and full of energy. She loves balancing long runs with ski days in the mountains, quiet evenings with a good book, and the occasional glass of red wine. For her, marathon training is about discipline — but also about building a life she genuinely enjoys. She’s showing up on race day ready to run strong and have fun doing it.
I am a Christmas baby!
Steven Goldy
My name is Steven Goldy, I am a PhD student in mechanical engineering and assistant track coach at the Colorado School of Mines. This is my second year running Colfax, first time in the half. I enjoy running new roads, climbing new mountains, and making new friends. I can’t wait to run through the Denver Zoo and feel the support of my hometown.
I am excited to be a part of the VOA Colorado team and be connected with other great local charities at the best race weekend of the year. It is a great environment and I feel lucky to be a part of it.
Gerry Rasel
Hi! I’m Gerry Rasel and this is the third year I’ve participated in the Colfax! Do not mistake that for me being a runner – I walk. And I do love a good walk. This year I’m walking the half-marathon – runners doing the race will be far ahead of me – zip codes ahead!
It is my honor to be employed as a fundraiser for Volunteers of America Colorado. I see the most awesome work our program staff does for our clients and I stand in amazement at their dedication of service. Families, veterans, those exiting homelessness or domestic violence are all treated with kindness and respect. Isn’t that awesome?
Ysidro Holmes
I am proud and excited to be training for the Colfax marathon, running on behalf of the young children in our school community. I was taught that running should always be for something meaningful—something that uplifts people, strengthens community, and supports the world we share. When the opportunity arose to run for our school, I immediately knew this was how I wanted to take on my first marathon: with purpose, with heart, and with our children in mind.
By supporting Volunteers of America through this run, I hope to bring greater awareness to the vital resources and services they provide to individuals and families across Colorado. From early childhood programs to essential community support services, VOA plays a powerful role in helping people thrive.
This marathon is a chance to honor our students, celebrate the work we do, and give back to an organization that strengthens the communities we serve. I’m grateful for the opportunity to run and I look forward to crossing the finish line with our kids and our mission at the center of every mile.
Paula Farkas
This was a fun picture at the Las Vegas Strip at Night Race, which I have done 10 of, all half-marathons.
I started running at age 49 when working with a trainer who got me started and am now 66 and still going. I have never won a race, but it is a great motivator and I participate in at least one a month. The energy that is felt being with everyone is just infectious!
Griffin Rasel
My name is Griffin Rasel and this is my 4th year running the Colfax half marathon. I enjoy the excitement and energy of this race and getting to support VOA Colorado and their mission at the same time is great!
I love getting to run in Colorado, we are spoiled with some of the best trails and views in the world. Waffles (dog in picture) gets to enjoy the adventures with me.
Sam Locke
Last year, I completed my very first full marathon and after a much-needed year of recovery, the running bug has officially bitten again. This year I’ll be participating in the Colfax Half Marathon, partly because my boyfriend ran the Leadville 100 last summer, so I figured the least I could do was tackle 13.1!
When I’m not running, you can usually find me reading a good book or baking something sweet… which conveniently doubles as great fuel for my training. And of course, my English Bulldog, Juney, is always ready for a post run nap with me (even though only one of us actually did the running).
Ridge Peterson
My name is Ridge Peterson – I am a 29-year-old working professional in the Denver area. I’m competing in the Colfax Marathon this year because I want to support and engage with the local community, connect with other runners, and push myself to be my very best. I chose to support VOA Colorado because I want to give back to an organization that supports people in need across our state and bring awareness to the housing and transportation needs people in Denver – and across Colorado – are facing.
A little bit about me. I am an energy consultant by trade – helping develop and evaluate demand response programs as well as helping utilities understand the value of electric power. I am also training to be a volunteer rescue first responder, with the goal of helping keep my community here in CO safer. I look forward to seeing you all on race day!