Runner Spotlight - Andrew Tarutani

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running?

I'd occasionally run in charitable 5k races growing up, but running was otherwise just a training endeavor to support my soccer ambitions. I elected to pursue academics over athletics following high school, thus setting aside my goal of playing collegiate soccer. As my college years progressed, I steadily grew an appreciation for distance running. I eventually completed my first marathon and then met my now wife who turned me onto running half marathons. I've stayed with it since, enjoying the peaks and valleys of the journey, now over 10 years in!

Why did you decide to do the Polar Bear Grand Prix?

As a transplant to Louisville, it took me a little while to get familiar with the local races in town. When I discovered this race series, I was instantly hooked! This is by far one of my favorite events in Louisville, and I greatly appreciate the blend of competitive and recreational running that it attracts! I try to partake in the annual Polar Bear Grand Prix whenever I am able, as I thoroughly enjoy how it pits runners against each other through tracked performance in three unique distances.

Favorite distance?

I have particular affection and respect for the marathon distance. While the first half is a test in patience for me, I love how the back half of the marathon is a true testament of grit and perseverance. To me, marathons are much more of an intentional choice rather than an impulsive whim, and I consider them a fascinating opportunity to delve into the science of the sport.

Favorite place to run?

During the warm weather months, I particularly appreciate running along the river near Waterfront Park. I thoroughly enjoy the lively nature of the area matched with an always present challenge if you want it (the Big Four Bridge inclines).

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

Likely either the 2016 Half Moon Half Marathon in Terra Haute, IN or 2022 Ironman Wisconsin in Madison, WI. Both were challenging events for different reasons, but I wouldn't trade away those experiences - They each will live in my heart forever. 

Favorite thing about running?

I believe the beauty in running is both its simplicity and its complexity. One can get carried away with all the metrics that come with today's latest running advances, but at the end of the day, it also comes down to not overcomplicating the simple. I find running to be a sweet escape from the noise of a chaotic world, and I find that I learn more about myself as a runner with each new year.

Do you have any running/walking advice you'd like to offer?

My recommendation is to find value in each opportunity that you have to run/walk, and practice patience. Mobility in and of itself is something that is often taken for granted, and running/walking is equally undervalued. The physical benefits are immense, but one's ability to find resonance with themselves and the world around them is the hidden gem of running/walking.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

The River City Races are an amazing opportunity for runners/walkers of all abilities to come together and enjoy the comradery of like-minded individuals. I think the community partnerships that River City Races fosters are phenomenal, and I highly appreciate being able to support phenomenal, local organizations while also furthering my passion for running. River City Races act as a catalyst to get out, move, and perhaps even recognize the beauty of running/walking in the context of the greater community.

Anything else you'd like to share?

If you're curious, if you're searching for motivation to connect with your community, if you want to get active - I highly recommend registering for a River City Race. They are an excellent chance to support local organizations and join a fantastic community!

Runner Spotlight - Della Irby Running with a bigger purpose, my road to the NYC Marathon

Running with a bigger purpose, my road to the NYC Marathon

Running has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started competing as a teenager, and for decades, being an athlete was simply part of who I was. Running taught me discipline, gave me confidence, carried me through difficult seasons of life, and introduced me to some of the strongest and most inspiring people I know.

But I never imagined that one day I would be running with an aneurysm in my chest.

I was diagnosed with an ascending thoracic aneurysm on June 2, 2025. My aorta-the major artery carrying blood from the heart-is enlarged, and because I have a family history of aortic rupture, this diagnosis became very personal, very quickly.

One of the hardest parts was realizing that I could feel completely healthy and still have something potentially life threatening happening inside my body. Aortic disease can be silent. You can look healthy. You can be active. You can even be a lifelong athlete-and still have an aneurysm. 

After my diagnosis, running changed. I had to learn that being strong wasn’t always pushing harder. I had to listen to my doctors, understand my limits, pay attention to my blood pressure and accept that the athlete I had always been, will have to train differently. 

There have been moments of fear and uncertainty. There have been days when I wonder whether I should keep running at all. But there has also been an incredible amount of gratitude that my aneurysm was discovered, gratitude that if can be monitored, and gratitude that I can put one foot in front of the other.

So, when the opportunity came to run the New York City Marathon as part of John Ritter team, I knew this marathon would be different.

I am running for the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health, an organization dedicated to raising awareness of thoracic disease and helping people understand their risk, including the importance of family history.

  • I am running because many people don’t know they have aortic aneurysm until an emergency happens.

  • I am running for families who have lost someone suddenly.

  • I am running for people who are living with an aneurysm and wondering what their future looks like.

  • And yes, I am running for myself, too.

Running has given me so much throughout my life.  This time, I have the opportunity to give something back. 

If sharing my story causes even one person to ask about family history, talk with their doctor, learn the warning signs of an aortic emergency, or discover an aneurysm before it becomes a tragedy, then every training mile-and every mile through New York City will have been worth it.

No November 1, when I stand at the start of the NCY marathon, I will be thing about why I am there. I will be thinking about my family and others affected by aortic disease. And I’ll be incredibly grateful that I am still able to run, even if I must go slow and keep my heart rate low.

As I prepare to run 26.2 miles, I am raising funds for the John Ritter Foundation for Aortic Health. I hope by telling my story you’ll consider donating to support the John Ritter Foundation. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps raise awareness, support education, and hopefully prevent another family from experiencing the devasting consequences of undetected aortic disease

Thank you for being part of my journey-and for helping me turn these miles into something bigger than a race. Click here to donate to the John Ritter Foundation.

Runner Spotlight - Flannery Wells

2025/2026 Polar Bear Grand Prix Overall Female Champion

I was featured in the Runner’s Spotlight back in 2020 or 2021. Since then a lot has changed!  First, my name is Flannery Wells  (with a PhD!) now but I still use my maiden name as my racing alias. I've not only gotten married and a PhD, but I had a daughter who is now 3. Apart from huge life changes, my perspective on running and training has changed a lot over the last few years. With a kid, the time to run is limited so I have made shifts in my training that often focus on quality over quantity and recovery over another hard session. I run as a time to relax after a difficult day or get some much-needed alone time, as much as I do to train hard for anything specific. My focus in racing has also changed; though I am still often chasing a fast time, more than anything I am doing my best to try to be actively engaged in my race and compete with those around me. I have found my races go the best when I do this and this helps me to really take advantage of the few racing opportunities I have.

Since I was last featured I've added a new race distance to my repertoire - the marathon. I ran my first in 2024 in Indianapolis and plan to run my second at the Chicago marathon this fall. I am not one of those runners who got bit by the marathon bug; it's fun and something new to do but is certainly not my favorite. Maybe right now it is the 5k but that's only because it's where my focus is at the moment. I had a lot of fun doing the shorter distances in the Polar Bear Grand Prix this winter and tried to use them to motivate me to train in the cold winter and to challenge myself to see if I could progress in distance and maintain my pace throughout the series. I also loved that I could do a warmup run to them from my home!

If I could share some advice to the general runner, it would be to not ignore the little things. If you want to run well, you need to have a strong core, mobility, and stability - especially as we age! I often tell myself 5 less minutes running so I can spend 5 more minutes doing something else for my body is actually better in the long run. Hopefully if I actually listen to this it will help me (and you) be lifelong runners!