Brinny Parraga
Tell us about yourself.
I was born in the beautiful island, the Dominican Republic, and raised in New York City. I love to serve and I like to meet people in person. I like to read, walk, dance and help others.
Brinny Parraga often interprets at KRM.
Have you ever run/walked in the Kentucky Derby Festival mini Marathon before? Have you participated in any other races?
Yes, I had walked before in the KY Derby Festival Mini-Marathon and also for FEAT Autism Awareness.
Do you have a goal for the miniMarathon?
To meet a lot of people. I don’t like to compete. I like the experience of meeting others and seeing the beautiful parts of Louisville while walking.
You are going to run 13.1 miles! What’s your plan for your pre-race and post-race food?
Lots of fruits/drink/light food.
Why are you running/walking in support of KRM?
I believe KRM is an amazing place with kind, supportive and great people who help a lot of our brothers and sisters who come from different places of the World. Also KRM needs all the support we can give so they can continue to help as many of those wonderful people who come for a safe and better life to Kentucky.
Bill Young (front) finishing the 2015 Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon.
Bill Young
Tell us about yourself.
I am the retired husband of Carol Young, the former director of KRM. Carol and I did the mini for about 7 years until she had meniscus surgery on her knee. My goal is to complete this mini before we move to Boulder, CO. Supporting the great work of KRM is a real added bonus of the mini this year!
Have you ever run/walked in the Kentucky Derby Festival mini Marathon before? Have you participated in any other races?
Yes, a slow jog in the mini for about 7 years.
Do you have a goal for the miniMarathon?
TO CROSS THE FINISH LINE!
You are going to run 13.1 miles! What’s your plan for your pre-race and post-race food?
Pre: normal breakfast. During: sports beans. Post: eat everything in sight!
Alison Jenkins
Tell us about yourself.
When growing up I moved a lot, and met people from different cultures. Because of this, I grew an appreciation for different types of food, played many different sports, and respect different religions and perspectives. My favorite activities usually involve food and the outdoors like hiking, camping, kayaking, barbecues or on a beautiful day laying in a hammock with a good book.
Have you ever run/walked in the Kentucky Derby Festival mini Marathon before? Have you participated in any other races?
Yes, this will be my 7th year participating in the Derby Mini or Marathon. I have run 5 marathons, a few Tough Mudder obstacle races, 1 World’s Toughest Mudder 24 hour event, and 5 years participating in the Tour de Lou bicycle event the day after the Mini/ Marathon here in Louisville.
Alison Jenkins hiking at Angel’s Landing in Zion National Park, Utah.
Do you have a goal for the miniMarathon?
This year the Mini falls in my training plan for a 50 mile trail run I plan to attempt later this summer. So it will be a slow and steady pace to enjoy the hopefully good weather and fun atmosphere of so many other runners.
Do you enjoy running/walking?
I enjoy trail running and hiking mostly, and thankfully there are so many great places to do that here in Louisville and Kentucky!
You are going to run 13.1 miles! What’s your plan for your pre-race and post-race food?
I usually eat healthy and hydrate the day before so that I feel energetic on the day of the race. The morning of I will often eat oatmeal with peanut butter and bananas 90 minutes before the race, and after….usually a burrito and brownie from Qdoba!
Why are you running/walking in support of KRM?
It’s been my experience that when the community is aware of the amazing work KRM does for refugees that people are excited to be a part of that work. I hope to help bring more attention to KRM for people who haven’t heard of it before, and where better than one of our city’s biggest events?!
Serguey Rodriguez Perez
Tell us about yourself.
I am from Cuba. I am software engineer. I like do some sport (soccer, volleyball) and play computer games. I am a person that is always looking for something to do and learn.
Have you ever run/walked in the Kentucky Derby Festival mini Marathon before? Have you participated in any other races?
No, I never has been participated in the race. Before, on the weekends, I played soccer a lot.
Do you have a goal for the miniMarathon?
To finish the race.
Do you enjoy running/walking?
Yes, I enjoy it a lot.
You are going to run 13.1 miles! What’s your plan for your pre-race and post-race food?
A lot of fruits.
Why are you running/walking in support of KRM?
Because I want to help in some way for what KRM is doing for me now.
Luis Cardenas
Tell us about yourself.
I am originally from Loja, Ecuador, but have been living in Louisville, KY for over 12 years years now. I am fortunate enough to have my immediate family with me in the city, which has helped me a great deal on my time here. I consider myself a true Louisvillian and, while I am currently a Software Engineer for GE Appliances, I have worked for other Louisville companies, which has helped give me a unique perspective in the city and its people. While I mostly dedicate to my work, I do like to read and play games on my free time, as well as have a day or evening with my friends and play some Frisbee when possible!
Have you ever run/walked in the Kentucky Derby Festival mini Marathon before? Have you participated in any other races?
This is my first time on participating in the KDF mini marathon. However, I have previously started (and finished!) the Urban Bourbon half marathon.
Do you have a goal for the miniMarathon?
Meeting some new people and have some fun!
Do you enjoy running/walking?
I enjoy walking more than running – although truthfully, I prefer other activities that involve running/walking, such as dancing, ultimate frisbee, and tennis.
You are going to run 13.1 miles! What’s your plan for your pre-race and post-race food?
No real game plan. Probably going to try to look something up to see if the internet or some friends have any advice on it.
Why are you running/walking in support of KRM?
Through my upbringing while I have been in Louisville, I have always seen a wave of support by the community (family, friends, community leaders, etc.) to improve or help people when they needed it. I have been the recipient of that support many times as well. Now that I find myself in a position to be able to help, I want to be able to do so and I can see that by supporting KRM, I get to be a part of that. I’ve been introduced to the work that it does and I can see it is vital to help keep and grow the diverse community that makes this city so special. I am grateful that I can do something to support such an organization and I’m thankful for the people that work for and with KRM. I hope they know their work makes a huge difference not just to a person or family, but to the entire city.
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