WISEuv

We’re just a little over a month away from race day, and we’re excited to shout out another incredible member of Team WISE: Becky Wetterhahn! Becky has run the Covered Bridges Half Marathon so many times she’s lost count!

When asked, why she chose Team WISE, Becky said “The work WISE does in our community is invaluable and I will be forever grateful for the support they provide.” Becky has been running since her freshmen year of high school. Over the years, she’s run with Team WISE and other nonprofit teams, paced the race twice, and also ran as an individual. To make training fun Becky likes to take long runs with Upper Valley Running Club and her running buddies whenever she can. And what is she looking forward to most after crossing the finish line? “Snacks and sleep!”

We’ll make sure to have plenty of snacks waiting for you at the finish line! Check out Becky’s fundraising page at https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/BeckyWetterhahn

It’s Marathon Monday! Today we’re highlighting a returning runner, Pepper Joseph running Covered Bridges Half Marathon!

This is Pepper’s second year running the CBHM with Team WISE! She shared with us, “I’m proud to be raising money for such an important organization providing critical advocacy and support to those in need. Safe and healthy love should be a right for everyone—and together, we must break cycles of abuse and create safe spaces for those impacted.” Pepper also shared: “running is something that grounds me and holds me. It helps me come into my body, move with hard things, or create space away from them. Running makes me feel free, strong, and confident, and it continues to be a vessel for growth.” Some of Pepper’s favorite places to run include Pine Park, the West Side Highway, the Manhattan Bridge, and the Boston Esplanade. “I’m so excited to be running my second half marathon for Team WISE and supporting their work to build safer, healthier futures for our community.”

We’re excited too Pepper!! Check out Pepper's fundraising page: https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/PepperJoseph

Happy Marathon Monday! This week’s spotlight is on Denise Mueller Inspired183 Project Speed running the Covered Bridges Half Marathon with Team WISE!

Denise chose to run with Team WISE because our work “closely aligns with the anti-human trafficking work that my Rotary and Soroptimist clubs do. I have been an active member of these organizations since 2001 & 1997 respectively.” Denise has an impressive athletic resume. She shares, “I started running in 2010 when I set a goal to run my first marathon, the Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego Marathon, and then I just kept going. My true superhero claim to fame is actually on a bicycle. I used to race bicycles and have won 18 National Championships, set a few world records … including the craziest one that still holds, which is a Guinness World Book Record as the fastest cyclist in the world at 183.9 mph!” She’s running CBHM to check Vermont off her goal of completing a half marathon in every state. This will mark her 41st state! She’s also about to complete another extraordinary goal: running a marathon on every continent, finishing with the Kilimanjaro Marathon in Africa in March 2026. After the race, Denise is looking forward to a hot shower, a well-earned nap, and a celebratory dinner.

We’re excited to have you on our team Denise!! Check out her fundraising page at https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/DeniseMueller

We have been a Covered Bridges Half Marathon nonprofit partner for an amazing 11 years! We are thrilled to kick off a new season of Marathon Mondays featuring our incredible Team WISE runners!

Grace, a first time runner on our team and CBHM, has been training during these dark and cold winter days! She shares that it’s wonderful to have an opportunity to give back to WISE as “their help & support was invaluable to me.” Grace has been running since she was 16 and loves running with her friends. “We have great conversations together and they help me to stay motivated. Also, I try to run in bright colors too which makes it fun!” After the race Grace will be celebrating with her friends.

You go Grace! Check out her fundraising page: https://secure.frontstream.com/2026-covered-bridges-half-marathon/participant/GraceWallace