Brooke Evans
Today, we're spotlighting RedZone Runners, the San Francisco 49ers organization-wide run club that brings employees together through movement, community, and shared goals. From first-time racers to seasoned runners, members across departments use running as a way to reset, connect, and challenge themselves outside of their day-to-day roles.
Below, RedZone Runners share what inspired them to start running, the events they've completed, and how the club has created meaningful connections across the organization. Take a look at their stories and meet the people behind the miles:
Brad Dugan
Events Completed:5
(San Francisco Marathon x2, California International Marathon, OC Marathon, Mt. Charleston Marathon)
Q: How does running influence your work life or mindset here at the 49ers?
A: "The grind of running long distances is very similar to the grind of the NFL calendar. Both force you to test your boundaries and tap into energy reserves you didn't know you had."
Q: Do you have any personal running goals in the next year?
A: "1000 Miles in the calendar year, which I've achieved in previous years 4 times."
Cassandra Jobe
Events Completed: 1
(Golden Gate Half Marathon)
Q: What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a runner, and how did you overcome it?
A: "Currently in it! I've been running on shin splints the past couple years and it resulted in minor fractures to my shins. I'm going to physical therapy to get me back in action. It's been really hard not being able to run as this is a huge part of my life and mental health, but trying to channel it in new ways and get more comfortable in the gym! I've learned the hard way to listen to my body and I can't wait to run again and hopefully crush this next half marathon!"
Q: Do you have any personal running goals in the next year?
A: "I'd love to take another shot at the Golden Gate Half Marathon, get a better finish time and with no shin splints would be great! It's easily one of the toughest courses with those hills by the bridge, but also one of the most gorgeous and rewarding."
Nate Stovak
Events Completed:1
(San Jose Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon)
Q: What's the most memorable race or run you've ever completed?
A: "The most memorable race I have ever run is the Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon. I ran the entire half marathon in jorts and picked up a few car honks and high fives from other runners along the way. The only setback came halfway through when I suddenly had to use the bathroom. With no portable toilets in sight, I sprinted into a YMCA, cut through a live pickleball match, jumped over the net, and ducked into the men's locker room for a pit stop that was very spontaneous. Overall, it was a great race."
Q: Do you have a mantra or quote that keeps you going during tough miles?
A: "My mantra when I run is simple: I need to make it home. I will purposely run as far from my house as I can before I turn back because it forces me to push through the tough miles instead of cutting the run short. Once I am out there, I have no choice but to finish what I started and finish strong. It makes me commit to the training in a way that I otherwise might not."
Kaya Binetti
Events Completed:1
(San Jose Half Marathon; former collegiate sprinter)
Q: How does running contribute to your overall well-being or mental health?
A: "My mental health and well being are largely improved by running, as it instantly puts me in a better mood when I feel overwhelmed or unmotivated. The release of endorphins and sweating everything out allows me to reset, making running an escape that feels fully in my control. The social nature of running also plays a role, from college track practices with my best friends to running with friends in the Bay and finding that same sense of community and support. Running shows me what I am capable of, as the discipline it takes to keep going when it gets hard translates directly to my mindset, confidence, and mental strength beyond running."
Q: What's the biggest challenge you've faced as a runner, and how did you overcome it?
A: "One of my biggest challenges has been accepting that I am not going to perform my best every day. I faced that in track with sprinting when a race did not go my way, and when you do not get the time you wanted it is easy to be hard on yourself and think, "what did I do wrong?" Over time I have learned that it is part of the sport and part of the beauty of it. Running is reflective of life and has shown me that how you bounce back is more important than any one performance."
Ahmed Shaikh
Events Completed:3
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting to run?
A: "Simply just do it. Go out there and have fun. Run for short distance or long distance it doesn't matter. Don't look at the time. Enjoy the process and be proud of yourself for getting up and attacking your day doing something that is challenging. Speed and time will come, just have fun and enjoy the process."
Q: What's the most memorable race or run you've ever completed?
A: "Half Marathon Spartan race. Absolutely most mentally and physically toughest race I've ever ran. I was grateful that I was able to complete it!"
Ahljenn Mallari
Events Completed:0 (yet!)
Q: What inspired you to become a runner?
A: "I've been running on and off since high school. What initially drew me to the sport was how well it translates across other athletic pursuits. Whether I was playing football, competing in track and field, or more recently training in combat sports, running consistently improved my performance. Running is truly one of those universal & foundational sports that benefits you in whatever athletic endeavor you pursue."
Q: How does running contribute to your overall well-being or mental health?
A: "Running greatly improves my overall well-being. During runs, it allows me to briefly disconnect and focus on the moment: breathing, tempo, and the challenge I'm facing. Running also allows me to set goals for myself to break, which keeps the sport interesting over the long term."
Charis Mangulabnan
Events Completed:3
(She Is Beautiful 5k, Turkey Trot 5k, Monterey Half Marathon)
Q: How does running influence your work life or mindset here at the 49ers?
A: "Running has been a life-changing keystone habit. With running, I care way more about sleep, hydration, and proper fueling on a day-to-day basis. On a mental health perspective, it's shown me over and over that I am capable of navigating hard moments and tough emotions. I have always gravitated towards choosing challenging things, and running has provided me a consistent avenue to do so. I hate running sometimes, but I love what it gives me a whole lot more. I dare you to choose your hard and just know that there's a community out there to welcome you. That's a privilege I've been able to have with our 49ers Redzone Runners."
Q: Do you have a mantra or quote that keeps you going during tough miles?
A: "A few mantras I run through during the tough miles:
- This is what believing in myself looks like.
- It is a privilege to run.
- One day I won't be able to run 13 miles, but today is not that day.
- The person after this hill will be a different person, and I'm ready to meet that me."
Noah Hammerman
Events Completed:1
(San Francisco Marathon)
Q: Do you have a mantra or quote that keeps you going during tough miles?
A: "The practice of positive visualization is so critical in those tougher moments. Seeing and feeling moments in my mind of the celebrations after a race or the hugs you'll give your friends and family once it's all over, has helped me through every race I've done!"
Q: What inspired you to become a runner, and how long have you been running?
A: "I love the idea of challenging myself and stretching my mental and physical abilities. This is exactly why I began my running and exercise journey... the idea of doing things I never thought I could. From runs all alone to big races, the sense of accomplishment in the journey is so fulfilling."
Cory Takiguchi
Events Completed:4
Q: What's the most memorable race you've ever completed?
A: "The most memorable race I've competed in is the NorCal Backyard Ultra Marathon! It is a last-man-standing race where participants run 4.2 miles each hour until they tap out. I was able to complete 12 laps and just over 50 miles. It was a really fun but mentally challenging race to say the least. I enjoyed competing in it with the help of my friends and Spotify playlists to help the time pass!"
Q: How do you stay motivated on days when running feels extra tough?
A: "I have never met someone who finished a run and regretted doing it! My friends and I also post our runs on Strava (basically Instagram for running), so a little friendly competition is also a great motivator."
Avery Lee
Events Completed:1
(Newport, Rhode Island Half Marathon)
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting to run?
A: "Do whatever feels right for you and your body! Fall in love with the process and finding peace in the parts of running that bring you joy."
Q: What are your running must-haves?
A: "My Garmin watch, Nike Vomero Plus shoes, Lululemon Fast and Free shorts!"
Giovanna Saulle
Events Completed:3
(Honolulu, Marine Corps, Chicago Marathons)
Q: What advice would you give to someone thinking about starting to run?
A: "Don't think too much about it. We're competitive by nature and always want to be our best, but this should be something you look forward to, not just another task on the checklist. If you sign up for a marathon, take a moment to stop, hug your friends and family, and enjoy the experience. The marathon doesn't owe anyone anything, it's meant to be a challenge, and it's meant to be rewarding."
Q: What inspired you to become a runner, and how long have you been running?
A: "After COVID, I thought it would be fun to run one marathon, just one. After my first, I became competitive with myself and wanted to beat my original time. Two turned into "three before thirty," and after falling short of my goal this past year in Chicago, I found myself signing up for one more: the New York City Marathon. I don't consider myself a runner, but I love the community it gives me and having an event to look forward to all year long."
Julia Kelly
Events Completed:1
(2024 Golden Gate Half Marathon)
Q: How has running helped you connect and build community?
A: "Running has helped me build meaningful connections across departments through the 49ers organization run club: Redzone Runners. Meeting twice a month for 'Victory Lap' runs of varying distances and paces has created a welcoming space to connect with colleagues I wouldn't normally interact with in my day-to-day role. The club offers a casual, inclusive way to step away from the busy workweek, build community, and form deeper relationships while doing something we all enjoy. I am excited to see this group grow as we build out more running routes, gain more members, and participate in local races."
Q: What's your favorite running route in the Bay Area?
A: "My favorite running route in the Bay Area is a 5K loop through the Golden Gate Park Panhandle in San Francisco. It's a lively, shared space with runners, cyclists, walkers, and families, which makes the route feel energizing even when I'm running solo. I enjoy passing by the many activities throughout the Panhandlefrom sports practices and pickup games to picnics and dog meetupswhich keeps the route engaging and never boring. These sights provide a welcome distraction from mental doubts or physical fatigue, helping me settle into a flow state and simply run!"
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