Runner Spotlight - Flannery Musk

2025/26 Female Polar Bear Grand Prix 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!

Click here to read Flannery's original Runner Spotlight from 2021.

Runner Spotlight - Tyrell Dowdell

2025/26 Polar Bear Grand Prix Champion

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

I started running in high school where I competed in track and cross country. I continued running track in college, and after some time away, I got back into running about a year ago.

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

I signed up for the Polar Bear Grand Prix because I struggle with motivation in the winter. I hate running in the cold and snow, so committing to the series gave me accountability and a reason to push through so I’d be ready for my spring races.

Favorite distance?

The 5K is definitely my favorite. I was a 400m sprinter in college, so I’m drawn to the speed and intensity of the 5k. It’s the perfect mix of pace and endurance for me. And the training isn’t as demanding as a half or full marathon.

Favorite place to run?

My favorite place to run is Cherokee. There’s something about the atmosphere. There are so many runners, bikers, dog walkers, and just people out enjoying the day. The community is incredibly welcoming, and it makes every run feel special.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

The Wine Run at Huber’s Farm in Indiana is hands down my favorite race. Summer races are always a vibe, and being able to enjoy a cup of wine after the race makes it that much better.

Favorite thing about running?

What I love most about running is the freedom. When I’m running, I get to step away from everything else and just exist in the moment. It also challenges you in a way you can’t fake or shortcut, and no matter how experienced you are, it will always humble you

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

Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. Focus on your own progression. Everyone’s built differently and balancing different responsibilities. Pace doesn’t define you, if you run, you’re a runner. Also, take care of your body. strength train, eat properly, and stay on top of mobility. It makes all the difference

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I enjoy running River City races because the community is amazing. I’ve noticed how supportive and encouraging everyone is and that positive energy really stands out.

Anything else you'd like to share?

The last thing I’d add is that running is a personal challenge, but it’s also a collective experience. The community I’ve found through running reminds me that we’re all in this together. Everyone has their own path, but we all share the same love for running and the strength that comes from being part of something bigger than ourselves. That’s the beauty of it.

Runner Spotlight - Derek Ingersoll

I grew up in Southern Indiana and started running in junior high to get in shape for basketball. I quickly realized I was much better at running—and that it was a lot more fun than sitting on the bench. I continued running through high school and college, where I attended the University of the Cumberlands.

Running, and helping others through it, is still a huge part of my life today as a co-owner of Pacers and Racers Family Footwear in New Albany and Jeffersonville.

Favorite distance

Any distance on trails or on the Milwaukee Trail in Bedford, IN (my childhood hometown)

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

I always think that running can wear different hats in your life. For me it’s been a source of competition, stress relief, health and wellness and a way to socialize. It’s one of the few sports that can be different things when you need it to be. 

Why do you like running River City Races events?

The excitement at the finish line is always great. There is usually someone yelling your name and that makes you feel pretty special. 

Anything else you'd like to share? 

If you like true crime with a positive twist, check out a podcast series that my friend Nick and I are releasing Feb.2nd. It’s something you can listen to while you run!

Apple podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/.../are-you.../id1866398407

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5dzoUXMWIxaFuFNgCiFfTP

Runner Spotlight - Meet Ellie Rugan

I started running in 2019 during that classic “post-college graduation lull.” You know, when life suddenly shifts gears and you’re like, “Cool… so what now?” I was drifting, low on motivation, searching for something that felt like mine. Running became this simple, grounding way to move my body and actually invest in myself. Six years later, I’m still here — and honestly, I’ve fallen completely in love with the sport.

My favorite distance? Definitely the marathon. It pushes me right past my comfort zone, into that wild space where everything in you is screaming to stop — and somehow you grow anyway. That edge is addictive.

In Louisville, my heart belongs to Frankfort Avenue. Every long run somehow wanders its way there. Saturday mornings on Frankfort feel like a secret club where everyone’s out there putting in the work, no matter their pace, and I adore that energy.

The most unique race I’ve ever done was the Kintyre Way Ultra Relay in Scotland. I ran it with my dad and my brother-in-law, and it was this magical mix of family, adventure, and miles through the Scottish Highlands. Genuinely unforgettable.

My favorite thing about running is how much it’s given me that you can’t measure — grit that doesn’t shake, mental strength that hits different, and a stubborn little flame of hope that shows up even on the days I don’t want to. It’s never been just miles to me; it’s how I learned to hold myself together and push forward when quitting looked way too tempting.

My biggest piece of advice? Get involved with your local running community. There’s so much collective wisdom, support, and friendship in those groups. It changed everything for me.

And truly — I love how fun and creative the River City Races are. The vibes are immaculate, the people are kind, and it’s a space for all paces and all faces. Exactly how running should feel.

Runner Spotlight - Christopher Nielson

How and why did you start running and how many years have you been running? When I was 18 (I’m 57 now) my uncle invited me to run a 10k on thanksgiving in Kenosha WI. I was playing tennis and basketball regularly so I thought I could run 6 miles no problem. I ran hard for 2 miles and walked the rest of the way. I finished lay in my age group. I could barely walk for three days. That experience gave me a respect for running that I have never lost 

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

The Polar Bear Grand Prix is a great way to stay motivated during the winter months.

Favorite distance? The half marathon is my favorite. You can work your way into it without having to go crazy at the beginning 

Favorite place to run? Right out the front door and through the neighborhood

Favorite or most unique race you have run? We’ve been to San Francisco a few times and I love the run from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Golden Gate Bridge and back 

Favorite thing about running? For me is meditation. No phone. No music. Just running I love it!

Why do you like running River City Races events? River City Races are just fun! The people and the volunteers are awesome! I love seeing old friends and making new ones 

Anything else you'd like to share? Just keep running and racing. I’m 57 now and my goal is to be the fastest 90 year old one day.