Melinda Karlson

Hi, my name is Melinda Karlson

Who makes up your family? My husband and four children.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Adventurous, Disciplined, Resourceful

What’s your go-to pump-up song? Anything that has a good beat.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? Not sure, but I think I would like to meet Paul from the Bible- that would be amazing.

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Playing guitar.

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go? Europe

What’s a small joy that makes your day better? Going for an early morning run!

Have you always enjoyed running? Since the 5th grade. It’s where I pray and destress.

Who inspires you? My amazing friend Ruth. She is such a joy to be with and inspires me towards God’s truth and living a life of purpose.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? The community.

Leah Gumina

Hi, my name is Leah Gumina

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Passionate, Adventurous and Easygoing

 Who makes up your family? I have a husband Jack and two boys, Thomas and Jon Vincent

What’s your go-to pump-up song?  Sweet Lovin’ by Sigala

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? C.S. Lewis

Have you always enjoyed running? I never considered myself a runner (aside from an occasional form of exercise) until I ran Ragnar in 2025, and now I run regularly and love it!

Who inspires you? My grandmother Mary Lou. She is an incredibly strong and loving woman who puts God and her family at the center of her life.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? Running again with some of the most amazing women I ran with last year, and also meeting some new women on the team and building relationships. It is so cool seeing what a passionate group of women can accomplish together!

Brigette Williams

Hi, my name is Brigette Williams

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Disciplined, Compassionate, and Personable. 

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? Jesus

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Playing the violin.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? Good Energy. I love reading books that teach about the human body and improving health.

What’s a small joy that makes your day better? Enjoying the sunshine and spending time in adoration.

Who inspires you? My grandma inspires me; she is a strong prayer warrior and a wonderful woman to look up to. I hope to be like her one day.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? Running with a wonderful group of women and making new memories during the Ragnar Relay. 

Elizabeth Spehar

Hi, my name is Elizabeth Spehar

Who makes up your family? I am married to Luke and we have 5 children. 4 daughters and one son: Jane, Mary, Josephine, Lucille and Samuel

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Passionate, Enthusiastic, Convicted 

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Gardening 

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? Offer it Up 

What’s a small joy that makes your day better? Syrup or Coffee

Have you always enjoyed running? Yes, I grew up running with my family. It became a source of quality time and outlet for competition. 

Who inspires you? My mom, my husband, Jesus Christ

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? There are few opportunities in adulthood that you get to work as a team like you do in the Ragnar, few opportunities to be spend so much time with such a great group of women, and few opportunities to run for a cause that you are passionate about. The Ragnar is such an outlet to me.

Mckayla Bauerly

Hi, my name is McKayla Bauerly

Who makes up your family? Paul and I have been married for 10 years this Fall, we have 3 beautiful kids Wyatt (8), Eli (6) and Josie (3)

What’s your go-to pump-up song? Currently God I’m Just Grateful- Elevation Worship

What’s a small joy that makes your day better? Hearing my kids laugh together

Who inspires you? My husband, Paul, inspires me. Almost 8 years ago, he was in a serious snowmobile accident that doctors said could drastically change his life. In those first days at the hospital, we heard words no one wants to hear: ‘Walking will be hard for you.’ Since then, he’s gone through 7+ surgeries and worked incredibly hard to get back to doing the things he loves — biking, running, and most importantly, playing with our kids. His perseverance, determination, and positive attitude through hard things inspire me every day.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? I’m looking forward to meeting new people to run with and running with purpose — raising awareness and helping women better understand their bodies. I committed to this race while going through some women’s health diagnoses myself. Walking through that season inspired me to encourage others to know and understand their bodies so they can better support their health. This race has become more than just running for me — it’s about raising awareness, encouraging others, and showing that even through challenges, we can keep moving forward with faith and purpose. I want to inspire others to set goals, work toward them, never give up, and keep praying through it all. 

Rachel Westphal

Hi, my name is Rachel Westphal!

Who makes up your family? I am married to Aaron and we are raising four amazing boys!

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?  To speak another language! Italian maybe? Or Spanish!

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion. This whole series is so witty, so fun and just all-around delightful.

What’s a small joy that makes your day better? One-on-one conversations with my children-they’re hilarious and also constant reminders of how good God is.

Have you always enjoyed running? Not always-but in these past few years, I’ve grown to like it more and more. I also really like lifting weights.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? The camaraderie with the team, and crossing the finish line all together!

Olivia Wolbert

Hi, My name is Olivia Wolbert

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Passionate, Driven, Adventurous

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? Not super historic but probably Elon Musk and ask him all things business and investments. 

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Perfect my sour dough baking. Baking in general, because I am not one for the kitchen.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? Forgiving What You Can’t Forget 

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go? Alaska for exploring or Africa for the elephants and lions in the wild- which are my favorite animals. 

What’s a small joy that makes your day better? When I get to spend time outside

Who inspires you? A lot of competitive, strong athletes, my friends who are mothers, grandparents who have aged well because of their good health and being active. 

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? Competing with people that are like minded and running for a purpose!

Steph Grieger

Hi, My name is Steph Grieger 

Who makes up your family? My husband, Ben, and our 3 girls, Isi, Casi, and Sonia

What’s your go-to pump-up song?  I have such a variety on my running playlist depending on my mood from Kelly Clarkson to Bruno Mars along with Journey, Queen, and the Beatles. But a couple of songs that really get me going are: Soul on Fire covered by Matt Maher, Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys, and No Survivors by Jeremy Camp.

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Prayer and cleaning

What’s a small joy that makes your day better?  When my girls tell me "I love you". 

Who inspires you? The Mommas who have run this race before me!  Also, my husband who supports our family. He started training for ultras a few years ago...he hated long distance running. But now he can't get enough of it, so seeing him train and enjoy running has motivated me to do the same.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? This race is such a huge accomplishment! To be able to run with such amazing women and go from the Twin Cities to the Twin Ports, while supporting such a great cause gets me so excited!!

Anne French

Hi, My name is Anne French

Who makes up your family? My wonderful husband, Rusty, my precious children, Henry (10) and Hazel (8), my special orange cat, Mustard (7), 2 horses, Blaze (32) and Ty (20) and 16 cows (I’ll spare naming and aging them all here!)

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? I’d really like to be able to fly, but more realistically it would be great to have a photographic memory

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? The Bible. Diary of the Cat Named Carrot (my daughter just got it for her birthday and it’s adorable!)

Have you always enjoyed running? Not really. I ran my first marathon as a bucket list item in 2010 and was then hooked:) by the end of this summer I’ll have completed 20 full marathons. 

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? I’m only a backup in case someone needs help. I’d be happy to help if it is needed:)

Gwyn Walter

Hi, My name is Gwyn Walter

Who makes up your family? Husband Brian and 7 kids (Ages 23-7)

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Positive, FOMO, Faithful

What’s your go-to pump-up song? Something Just Like This by The Chainsmokers always puts me in a good mood, which gives me energy.

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? Saint Peter

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Hmmm, playing a string instrument- cello or bass

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky

Who inspires you? The women in my life that I know who have faced many heartaches and challenges with great grace and trust in God.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? The long run in the middle of the night.

Jennifer Wallner

Hi, my name is Jenny Wallner 

Who makes up your family? I’ve been married to my husband, Jim for 36 years. We have three amazing children and seven grandchildren with the 8th one on the way.

If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be? Interior design

If you could travel anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go? The Holy Land

What’s a small joy that makes your day better? Hearing Nana from my Grandkids

Have you always enjoyed running? I started running 10 years ago and I have loved it ever since.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? Running with my daughter Morgan 

Becca Tadych

Hi, my name is Becca Tadych

Who makes up your family? Me, Peter and our two young children Colton and Madison.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Creative, Goofy, Determined

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? Jesus. I would have a combination of the traditional American Christmas and Easter feast prepared. Not forgetting all the staples for dessert.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? The Comfort Crisis By Michael Easter

What’s a small joy that makes your day better? When my fuel lights not on

Who inspires you? My partner Peter. He certainly lives up to his name of being rock for me and our family.

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? I’m looking forward to putting earbuds in and taking off running for the mission! But mostly I’m excited to stand with Northland and getting our cheerleaders behind us to crush the $30,000 goal!

Morgan Costley

Hi, my name is Morgan Costley

Who makes up your family? I have been married to my husband, Matt for 10 years and we have four daughters. Adeline, Cecilia, Elouise, and Eleanor.

If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be? Enthusiastic, outgoing, kind

If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be? St. Dymphna

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? Searching for and Maintaining peace by Father Jacques Philippe

Have you always enjoyed running? Yes! I have run 7 1/2 marathons and one full marathon!

What are you most looking forward to with regards to the Ragnar Relay? I am looking forward to completing a race I’ve wanted to run for a long time. I am looking forward to building lasting friendships with amazing women and raise awareness for the wonderful services Northland FertilityCare has to offer all women!