I grew up in Southeast Portland, and graduated from University of Oregon in 1986. I taught physical education up until the day my first son was born in 1996. My husband and I raised two boys and seven dogs (not all at once). I’ve coached and managed youth running programs for 25 years in Portland. I started my children’s elementary school running club, the “West TV Running Club” in 2000. I added middle school coaching eight years later and was an assistant coach for the Lincoln High school cross country team for three years. My husband and I moved to Forest Grove in 2019. My favorite things to do are water skiing in the summer, snow skiing in the winter and trail running year-round. My goal is to create a positive space for young kids to come and experience joy and feelings of accomplishment by being engaged in physical activity.

Phone: (503)-707-2285 | Email: leslie@arcis-corp.com

I started running at age 6 and I haven’t stopped! I ran Cross Country and Track & Field first for Forest Grove High School, and then collegiately for the University of Oregon Ducks. Growing up, running was the only sport I was interested in - but the area did not have an organized youth running program for me to join. I helped found the original FGRC in 2011 while I was in high school, and I restarted the club when I moved back to the area in 2021. I currently work as a Business Analyst and live in Old Town Forest Grove. My longest run is 52.4 miles!

Phone: (503)-327-4071 | Email: sethberdahl@gmail.com

I grew up playing lots of sports, but I especially loved to run. I ran cross country and track & field at Webster City High School in Iowa, winning several state championships in those sports and competing for a state runner-up cross country team. After high school, I ran for the Iowa State University Cyclones, and I coached collegiate cross country for a short time as well. I have had lots of injuries over the years, and so I stay healthy (and happy!) combining low-mileage running with yoga and lots of activities and adventures with my family. I encourage all ages of runners to combine their running with other activities and to eat plenty of healthy foods to stay strong. I live in Forest Grove and work in public health. Both of my kids are members of FGRC!

Phone: (515)-371-6597 | Email: jpetersonbesse@gmail.com