Renee Merchant- I was 8 years old when I fell in love with running during Field Day in 1st grade. Things have changed a lot for me since that epic day in 1st grade. I competed in track and cross country in high school and college. I finally found my perfect distance in 2005 when I competed in my first marathon, The Shamrock Marathon, in Virginia Beach, VA. That race changed me and my running. My love for running and my new found marathon distance took me to the next level driving me to compete in the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Trials for the Marathon Distance. I followed up my trials experience Winning the 2012, 2013 Walt Disney World Marathon.  When I am not running, I enjoy strength training and yoga Living in Norfolk VA my adoring 

husband and two dogs.