| Ambler Area Running Club Welcoming runners of all abilities. Click here to join. |
We're fortunate to have a dedicated group of officers who volunteer their time to support and grow the club. Board members help set priorities, support committees, and ensure the long-term health of the organization. Their leadership allows the club to offer meaningful running, racing, and social opportunities for our members. The board meets monthly alternating between in-person and virtually. All club members are welcome and encouraged to attend meetings.
Left to right: Rich Rogers, Tom Yunker, Lisa Marie Gelembiuk, Christine Lester, Kristy Corino, Alan Braverman, Chuck Ziegenfuss. Not Pictured: Rich Billy, Howard Rahmlow |
Alan Braverman - President
My official running career began in ninth grade on my second day at Central High School in Philadelphia. I noticed a group of students—Central was all boys at the time—warming up on the South Lawn. Curious, I approached them to ask what they were doing. Before I knew it, I found myself in gym shorts, running farther than I ever had before—about 1.5 miles—which felt like a marathon to me at the time. That day, I became a member of the Central cross-country team. By my senior year, I had the honor of serving as team captain and finished fifth overall in the Public League Championship. Except for various injuries that temporarily sidelined me, I have continued running ever since. I have participated in road races, trail runs, marathons, half-marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks, and a variety of other weird distances. I have been involved with AARC since its early days, holding various roles such as Race Director, Board Member, Running and Race Committee co-chair, and now, President. Through AARC, I have built many friendships, and together we have tackled many challenges—solving half of the world’s problems, with the other half still to go. I am honored to serve as your President and am committed to maintaining the momentum of welcoming new, active members to enjoy all the benefits that AARC offers. Even as time passes and our pace may slow, I look forward to running alongside you during our many AARC fun runs or, if not, sharing a beer together at one of our social events. |
Kristy Corino - Vice President I started running in 2010 as a way to get in shape and clear my head. I became an AARC member in 2013 and since then, I have done served as the club’s Treasurer and currently am Vice President. Through the club, I have met people who are now some of my closest friends. Each year I look forward to running Broad Street and am lucky enough to have run it not only with good friends but also my son and daughter. When I’m not running, you will find me at a hot yoga or Barre3 class. |
Rich Billy - Treasurer |
Howard Rahmlow - Secretary |
Lisa Marie Gelembiuk - Member at Large I started running in the spring of 2015 out of desire to lose weight and improve overall health. What began as training for a simple 5K quickly evolved into something much deeper and more meaningful. That first race led me into a summer training cycle for a fall half marathon– and then another the following spring. I loved the structure, challenge, and sense of purpose so much that when the training cycle ended, I found myself missing it. In the summer of 2016, I attended a Phil’s Quarter Marathon practice run, where I met AARC President Jeff Lofton. His enthusiasm for the club was contagious, and I joined later that very day. Through countless practice runs, I found not only accountability and motivation, but also My people–Including a few close friendships that continue to this day. Running has since become a core part of my wellness routine, and the club has played a huge role in that journey. I truly believe runners are some of the kindest, most welcoming people you’ll ever meet–and one of the best parts is being able to talk about all things running without anyone getting bored. Since joining the club, I’ve participated in club races as both a runner and a volunteer. Today, I serve on the board, lead the social committee events, and volunteer in additional roles, including Frostbite volunteer coordinator. Being part of this community has been one of the most rewarding parts of my running journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to a club that has given so much. |
Christine Lester - Member at Large I've been an AARC member for 10+ years. It was a great find! I wanted to run with other like minded runners to try to better my pace and distance. I found the club and it's members friendly, very talented and encouraging. I wanted to do everything they were doing! All of this helped me reach my goals and PR's, and I soon found myself on a Committee and the Board. My role with the club is board member at large and co chair of the running and racing committee. Specifically, I help plan traveling fun runs, send out the newsletter to club members, and volunteer at our races.
I began running my mid 40's. I ran my first Broad Street in 2013, and ran many more Broad Streets after that. I've run many 1/2 marathons and 2 full marathons, all with club members and great friends. The Philadelphia races are my favorite. I love running through the historical and iconic areas of the city. My running is now for leisure vs. competition. It is just as satisfying and I run with the same club members and forever friends.
Other activities I enjoy include indoor/outdoor cycling, strength classes and yoga at the gym and tending to my yard. |
Rich Rogers - Member at Large |
Tom Yunker - At Large I started running cross country in HS just to do a fall sport. After riding the bench on the baseball team in the spring I decided it was better to complain about too much running than not enough baseball. So the following year I gave up baseball to focus the majority of my sporting activity to running. Throughout my 20’s I would run in streaks and occasional races as life events often interfered. Eventually I decided that even when time was short I could usually do 2 miles and by always doing a short run it would be easier to ramp up when life wasn’t as busy. In my 40’s I began running with the Shawmont group and realized that many people ran marathons on much less mileage than I thought was recommended. After 30 years I finally ran my first marathon. Now I typically run track meets as well as 5-10 road races between 5K and the marathon each year. Since I was never any good in HS, I don’t consider myself a fast runner but I have been fortunate to be able to use my slowness talent to slow down slower than many others as we age. So far I have been able to avoid the temptation to attempt an ultra. |
Chuck Ziegenfus - Past President |