Meet the ORRC Race Directors! You’re welcome to get in touch with any of them. We are always looking for new race directors, too! In support of this, ORRC hosts race director workshops. Two race directors workshops are planned for 2024, one in May, the other in the fall. We’d love to know if you’re interested in helping put on a race.
Questions? Contact us at or see below individual races for event-specific emails.
Race Directors by Event
- Ralph’s Run – Mark Barrett, Carrie Fleisher;
- Hagg Mud Ultra 25K & 50K – Deb Brown, Mark Friess;
- Champoeg – Valerie Pratt, Mark Takizawa;
- Vernonia Marathon & Half Marathon – Mark Barrett;
- Hagg Lake Road Runs – Mark Barrett;
- Dave’s Solstice Run – Randy Fujioka;
- Dual Duel 10-Mile Relay –
- Pumpkin Ridge Run – Hal Brockman, Alan Cabelly, Eric Liljenberg;
- Best Dam Run – Tyra Baird, Melanie Woods;
- Turkey Trot – Mark Barrett, Hal Brockman;
Race Director Bios
Tyra Baird is an Estacada local with a passion for serving and improving her community. A mom of 7 kids, she is active in the school district as a parent, coordinator, and volunteer. She is a Regional Manager for ISE Student Exchange. She is also the Estacada Prevention Specialist with Todos Juntos working to increase the awareness and prevention efforts within the district. The Bairds have a tradition of running the Best Dam Run and she is excited to be a part of keeping this race alive in the community.
Mark Barrett has been running for 49 years and has directed almost 80 races since 1995, including almost every race ORRC has put on. He runs on trails and roads and volunteers for Trail Keepers of Oregon, maintaining trails.
Hal Brockman‘s current passion is triathlons. But driving the equipment truck is where you will most likely find him now at many ORRC races. Hal is a long-time volunteer, and race director of multiple ORRC events, and served on the ORRC board for many years.
Deb Brown loves spending time outside – hiking, running, nordic skiing, and gardening. She returned to running in her 40s with the goal of running a marathon, then expanded to trail and ultra events. She’s an RRCA-certified coach, a member of ORRC since 2014, and loves the 1200 Club. She has many years previous nonprofit board experience.
Carrie Fleisher is the ORRC Volunteer Coordinator and the co-race director for Ralph’s Run and Pumpkin Ridge Run. She has been walking and running since 2011 when she joined a Portland to Coast team. Carrie loves running/walking events, including half marathons, and the overall support and encouragement from the race participants.
Mark Friess ran his first 5K with his dad when he was just 10 years old, and has continued to run and still loves the sport. He has completed 5 marathons and 15 ultramarathons and continues to sign up for his next running adventure.
Randy Fujioka has always been athletic. An age group swimmer growing up, then later, a recreational tennis player, triathlete, open water swimmer and runner. He has raced or volunteered at most of the ORRC events over the last 10-12 years. A lifelong volunteer, stepping up to be a race director was the next logical step.
Eric Liljenberg ran track and cross country in high school. In 2005 he started running regularly again. Since then, he has competed in many races from 5K to marathon. He would like to give back to the running community and provide an organized and enjoyable experience for other runners.
Valerie Pratt is a longtime ORRC member and former runner who now enjoys spending her leisure time walking, kayaking, yoga, gardening, serving on Tualatin City Council and most importantly, spending time with her three grandchildren.
Mark Takizawa has been running for 5 decades. He has competed in races from 50 meters to Ultras, and is now a true jogger/walker and back of the packer. His goal in running events is to finish before the balloon ladies. He is coming back to help with Champoeg after being the former race director for Champoeg back in 2013-2015.
“Come on, it will be fun. Well, type 2 fun!” Melanie Woods has a passion for being outdoors. Whether that’s running, walking or hiking she believes we live healthier happier lives by staying active doing the things we enjoy. Melanie began running local Portland area races in 2012 for a way to keep regularly exercising and spending time with friends and family. Since then she has run in races all over Oregon and Washington, including HTC relays and walking for several years in The Portland to Coast relay. What’s type 2 fun you might ask? An activity that isn’t fun while it’s happening but is enjoyable in retrospect.
