Runner Spotlight - Donovan Sims

1st Place Male 35-39 2025/26 Polar Bear Grand Prix


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

I started running 2024. I wanted to challenge myself to do something hard and something I really don’t enjoy - Cardio. So I signed up with a friend to run the Urban Bourbon Half-marathon and got to running, and boy was it tough. Now I can’t imagine myself not running.


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

After finishing my marathon in October, I knew I didn’t to keep the miles rolling. As an ambassador with KCRS, I saw running the Grand Prix as a well to work toward some winter goals as I stayed in shape awaiting the start of my spring marathon training block.


Favorite distance?

I think my favorite distance right now is the Half-Marathon but my challenge distance is the marathon. Though tough, I love the challenge of preparing for a Full Marathon. The Half-Marathon is such a great distance to test your speed but not at sprint like a 5K.


Favorite place to run?

I would say running through downtown Louisville or Greenway scenic route along the river.


Favorite or most unique race you have run?

Indianapolis Monument Marathon (October 25). Lots of reasons, one being my first really attempt at completing a marathon and hitting my goal of 3:25. Sharing 16 solid miles with my friend Ellie Rugen. Then meeting so many of my amazing teammates from the Life in Stride racing team in person that weekend.


Favorite thing about running?

Feeling free when you’re out there for a long run our deep into a tough workout and you know you have to gut it out to get back home or your starting point. Doing something that challenges you daily, will prepare you for life’s unpredictable challenges.


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

Running isn’t a comparable thing. Your pace is your pace and that’s a beautiful thing because you could easily choose to not lace those shoes up and just sit on the couch. Don’t compare yourself to others, just keep moving.


Why do you like running River City Races events?

Very great events, well organized, and well attended by runners. If you want to race and be challenged, there will be someone there to challenge you.


Anything else you'd like to share?

Be sure to stop by Ken Combs Running Store for all your running and walking needs! 

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 - 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