Runner Spotlight - Jeff Dehler

2025/26 Polar Bear Grand Prix Grandmaster Champion

I started running in 7th grade when my best friend asked me to run track with him at Rosemount Middle School in Minnesota. That was 49 years ago. I haven't stopped running for more than a few months since then. I ran my first marathon in 1983, the second running of the Twin Cities Marathon, inspired by the Alberto Salazar / Dick Beardsley "Duel in the Sun" 1982 Boston Marathon (Google that!).

Since then, I've run countless races of all lengths from 50ks, marathons, half marathons, and shorter races. I love trail running as much as I love the roads.  I ran solo for years until rediscovering the joy of running with groups about a dozen years ago. After a move from Minnesota to Indianapolis, I led the half marathon spring training program for Indy Runners, with more than 150 participants.

After a move to Louisville, I met my "twin", the legendary Lowery Stallings, and his team, Rabbit Trail Running, which got me involved in the Polar Bear Grand Prix. This series is a great way to keep active in the winter, and fuel competitiveness for each race and the full series.

I run for physical health, mental health, and to challenge myself. I have learned that my brain and my soul need physical activity, the outdoors, the opportunity for a break from the rest of the world, and the opportunity to connect with kindred spirits.

Running is a lifelong sport. I am fortunate to run with a diversity of people, young, old, different genders and races. It broadens me as a person and develops lifelong friendships.  I am blessed to be able to run.

Runner Spotlight - Ron Bradshaw

2nd Place Male 70-74 2025 Polar Bear Grand Prix

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

At age 70 I have enjoyed running periodically throughout my life. Whether just to maintain my health or to spend time with my 4 children as they grew up. I did not begin to run competitively until last year. I had a heart valve replaced in December of 2024 and decided to run competitively after that not only to keep my heart healthy but to use the results as a tool to monitor my health in comparison to others in my same age group.

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

The Polar Bear Grand Prix is just another motivational tool to help me get outdoors and enjoy God’s creation in the wintertime rather than staying indoors where I might be warm but doing very little. I must admit that I do enjoy the “bling” that comes along with finishing these races.

Favorite distance?

The 5k is my favorite distance at this stage in life even though I am considering pushing myself some more in 2026.

Favorite place to run?

There is a 5 mile trail in Bernheim Forest which I think is my favorite location. It is often hindered from running because of the weather but is a great conditioning run whenever possible.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

Six months after my heart surgery I ran the “Dances with Dirt” run in Brown County Park in Indiana. This was my first competitive run and I was thrilled with tears of thanksgiving when I came in first for my age group. This win helped to spur me on to many more races with the Run River City group back at home.

Favorite thing about running?

I think my favorite thing about running is enjoying the outdoors and considering how blessed I truly have been and am to be able to participate in these activities.

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

Keep pushing, do your best. One Biblical writer once put it this way, “Run in such a way that you might obtain the prize.” I think this is helpful in both our physical and spiritual lives.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

River City Races events are always family oriented events and can be as fun (or serious) as you want to make them. Often they also service as fundraisers for good community causes.

Runner Spotlight - Debbie Biddle

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

I ran track in high school but started running road races in my late 20s! I’m now 66. I’ve been running clise to 40 years!! I started running after team sports fizzled because you don’t need a team to run!!

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

I’ve done it several times. I like to continue racing in the winter. The Polar Bear races are often the only races around in the winter.

Favorite distance?

Probably 10k

Favorite place to run?

Safe country roads

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

That’s a tough one! I’ve run the Boston Marathon and of course, it’s special. I did seven states in seven days in the New England area. I did 10ks on 5 days and 5ks on 2 days.

Favorite thing about running?

I can do it alone. Even if I feel like I don’t want to run, I’m always happy after I’ve run.

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

I’m not much on giving advice. But, running is a sport that may take a while to “love!” You may have to give it a month or two!

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I like the 502 series and the fun medals.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Running can be a lifetime sport. Runners are nice people. I’ve met many lifelong friends through running.

Runner Spotlight - Sean Travelstead

3rd place Male 55-59 Age Group Polar Bear Grand Prix

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

I have been running since way back in high school. I have continued it as a lifestyle both for good health and the friendships that I made within the running community.

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

I have been running the Polar Bear for over 15 years and love that it starts in December and runs right up to the Spring races. The course is always challenging and to participate in all three races for the series awards gives you something to strive for and train over the winter months.

Favorite distance?

I enjoy the 5ks. It is enough to get a good workout and still be able to recover and run another 5k the next week!

Favorite place to run?

I have always enjoyed Seneca and Cherokee Parks. You can run the loop at Seneca up to 8 miles in both parks. You will also always see someone you know running those same routes.

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

Our team participated in the Bourbon Chase since the inception of the race. It covers 200 miles with a relay team of 12 runners. Not only challenging to run your 10-17 individual miles but the lack of sleep over the 22 hours of the race.

Favorite thing about running?

It is an individual sport yet running is a community sport. I do enjoy running alone however a group run or meeting a friend to run makes it go by so quickly and you don’t realize you are getting healthier and chatting with friends (old or new).

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

Start the journey! Go out and walk, progress to a walk/run and then run. I promise that everyone can do it, and you will feel better. The only person you are competing against is yourself. There are tons of races on Saturday’s, running groups, track workouts and weekday running clubs in all parts of town. If you can’t find any, ask me.

Why do you like running River City Races events?

I love running the River City Races throughout the year as they provide an opportunity to see how you are progressing on your training. I am also comparing myself to “me of last year" and hoping to keep fitness as I age. The extra benefit is that these races are usually an opportunity to help a charity and donate to a great cause.

Anything else you'd like to share?

Running a personal record or beating a specific time in a race doesn’t make you a runner. Going out and doing your best and making yourself better makes you a Runner. Many times, we hold ourselves back from something because we think we can’t do it, trust me you can. If you show up at a 5k, 10k or any race and just walk it, run it, or race it, You are getting it done. The barrier to a healthier or faster person is usually us. See you on the roads or at the next race

Runner Spotlight - Alexis Rich

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

I started running in 1996.  I was in college and had stopped smoking and needed some motivation.  

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

The timing of this series motivates me to maintain fitness during the cold months.  Plus, they are so fun!  These races are "runners races" that don't need gimmicks or anything to make them successful.  I get to run with my friends and neighbors and I love that. 

Favorite distance?

10k - Long enough to combine strategy and fitness.  Not so long that "just finishing" is the goal. 

Favorite place to run?

Right outside my front door!  I can turn left or right and go anywhere from 2-13 miles.  Louisville does a pretty great job of accommodating runners on streets and sidewalks. 

Favorite or most unique race you have run?

I used to host a "Beer Run" with my neighbors and I liked doing that a lot.  I ran a "zombie run" thought Cherokee park in 2012/2013? where I was chased by zombies and it was terrifying. 

Favorite thing about running?

It doesn't really really require a lot of gear and it's not gate-kept like so many other sports.  Anyone can do it on any level.  Plus the running community in Louisville is fabulous. 

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

Cross train.  Your knees will thank you.  I picked up triathlon about 15 years ago and I think it's made me a a better runner AND allowed me to keep running. 

Why do you like running River City Races events?

Again, these are "runners races" without all the sponsorship/gimmicky BS from other races.  It's folks who want to put in the miles and good people who create a race series to make that happen. 

Anything else you'd like to share?

When I was 19, I wrote my first check to my landlord for rent/deposit and my second check to LTCOR for the City Run.  I still have my City Run shirt from 1996!  I've always believed in the local running community and they've believed in me!