Introducing our 2026 RunVermont Ambassadors

Molly Bond (she/her), Milton, VT
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Molly Bond is a born-and-raised Vermonter who didn’t fall in love with running until her 30s. For most of her life, she avoided running and assumed people who ran for fun were crazy. While pregnant with her second child, however, running became more than exercise—it became part of her identity, confidence, and community. Since then, running has shaped her life, helping her grow both mentally and physically.

Her proudest moment was finishing the Champlain Islands Half Marathon just four months postpartum, with her two children waiting at the finish line. That race reinforced how powerful perseverance can be. Today, Molly runs to help other women discover the same confidence and joy she found through the sport.

Through Run With Molls LLC, she coaches and creates content for women who are new to running, returning after a break, or working toward new goals. She loves Vermont’s running community and the shared spirit that welcomes everyone. In 2026, Molly will participate in the Freezy Cheeks 5K Series, the Unplugged Half Marathon, and her first Vermont City Marathon, with her daughter running the Mini Marathon. Between coaching, racing, and sharing her training online, she is excited to inspire and engage runners year-round.

Kelly Byers (he/him), Shelburne, VT
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Born in Providence, Rhode Island and raised in New Hampshire, Kelly began shaping a life of service, discipline, and curiosity early on. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps, serving four years in the Infantry and traveling the world. Following his service, he attended UNC Charlotte, earning a B.A. in History before beginning his professional career in finance with The Vanguard Group.

In 2001, Kelly moved to Vermont and soon shifted into a new path with Leonardo’s Pizza, starting as a delivery driver and working his way up to Director of Operations before eventually becoming one of the company’s owners. During this time, he rediscovered his love of running, participating in numerous races—including RunVermont events and several half marathons. Leonardo’s became a staple in the RunVT finish-line food tent, and Kelly later joined the RunVT board, where he is now entering his ninth year(?) of service.

In 2021, Kelly expanded his career once again, becoming a full-time real estate agent with Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty. Today, he blends his lifelong commitment to hard work, leadership, and community with helping clients navigate Vermont’s real estate market.

Marathon weekend is Kelly's favorite event, and he has participated in the 2 person relay as well as many different combinations of the 3-5 person relay.

Erika Ekstrom (she/her), Colchester, VT
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Erika Ekstrom is the owner of Gnarly Hustle Personal Training in Vermont. She started running after meeting a group of endurance runners years ago, and before she knew it, she was logging miles too. They taught her to get out there and run in all weather, and that being together and doing the hard stuff opens a lot of doors. Through them, she learned that running is so much more than speed or distance—it’s about building friendships, discipline, time management, and ultimately finding herself.

As she pushed farther, Erika experienced pride and tears, worked through injuries, reflected on life, and discovered an athlete within her who was constantly being challenged. She also learned that what you say to your running buddy stays with your running buddy—there is a deep trust built when you share miles together. No two runs are ever the same.

Her first two marathons were VCM and Champlain Islands, but her favorite race these days is the VCM Half, which she runs with her friend Meg. Training and racing together over the years has been incredibly meaningful. While she loves being a runner on race day, Erika is even more excited to serve as a volunteer and Ambassador, giving back to the community that has given her so much.

Jessica Hutchinson (they/them), Burlington, VT
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Jessica Hutchinson is a sophomore at the University of Vermont originally from New Jersey and still getting used to having real mountains in their backyard. They are pursuing a degree in forestry and is always looking for an excuse to be outside. Although they were gently coerced into a Girls on the Run program in elementary school, they didn’t truly get into running until the COVID pandemic—and they fell hard and fast. Before long, 3- and 6-mile runs weren’t enough, and they began challenging themselves with endurance races.

Beyond running, Jessica enjoys creative pursuits like designing crochet patterns and singing with friends in their a cappella group. So if you ever see a runner dancing, lip-syncing, or singing along the Burlington bike path, it’s probably them. While they take pride in personal goals, they have found running with others to be especially rewarding. With the support of their friends, they recently completed their biggest challenge yet: a full Ironman. Despite that milestone, running remains their number one passion, and they're excited to further immerse themselves in the local running community, share experiences, and help others accomplish goals and hit milestones together.