2025 Air Force Marathon Ambassadors 

Sid Busch

Sid has completed an astounding 206 marathons, along with a remarkable number of half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks. Since 2001, he has dedicated every race to a member of the military who gave their life in defense of our freedom. After each event, Sid gifts his medal, bib, and race shirt to the fallen hero’s family—a personal way of showing their sacrifice has not gone unnoticed.

He has been a part of the Air Force Marathon Weekend since 2006, proudly serving as both a participant and a volunteer. Now 79, Sid may have slowed down, but he continues to lace up for 5Ks and 10Ks, staying true to his mission of honoring our fallen heroes with every step.

Kristy Barkley

Kristy Barkley is a mother of four, marathoner, autism advocate, and certified life coach who brings fierce determination and deep joy to every finish line. A decade ago, Kristy was diagnosed with early-onset dementia after a traumatic brain injury and told she wouldn’t live past 2020. But through prayer, persistence, and a renewed focus on gut health, she defied every prognosis—and began running again.

Now in her 50s, Kristy has completed 12 half marathons and 4 full marathons, with the 2025 Air Force Marathon and Chicago Marathon next on her race calendar. Running has become her celebration of life, resilience, and freedom—especially meaningful as the daughter of an Air Force veteran and the proud mom of a Civil Air Patrol cadet.

When she’s not training for the 2025 Chicago Marathon or running bridges with her dog Titan in Northern Kentucky, Kristy can be found mentoring her Plexus team, cheering on her kids, or sharing real talk about perimenopause, parenting, and running slow—and proud.

Dan Oh

Dan Oh is a seasoned marathoner, Ironman finisher, and dedicated health professional. Half-retired from a successful career in tax consulting, Dan now brings a new focus to healing—holding a doctoral degree in Eastern Medicine and licenses to practice in both New York and Maryland. He is currently preparing to open his holistic practice in Northern New Jersey, where he hopes to serve the local community through balance-driven, preventative care.

Dan began running in his early 50s as a way to overcome diabetes. What started as a health journey quickly turned into a deep passion, taking him through trail marathons, ultramarathons, triathlons, and races around the world. He has completed marathons in all 50 states, conquered the Six World Marathon Majors, and proudly earned the title of Ironman. The 2025 Air Force Marathon will mark his 315th marathon.

Though he runs for his health, Dan understands the challenges every runner faces. As an ambassador, he’s passionate about helping others stay strong, injury-free, and connected to the joy of the sport through the principles of Eastern medicine and lifelong endurance.

Scott Reed

Scott is married to his wife Christy of almost 24 years and they have 2 kids, Connor who just graduated Cooper HS and is attending UC Blue Ash for Vet Sciences and Quinn who is starting her Freshmen year at Cooper and has a passion for dance.  Scott is starting his 22 year in education as a band director and 4th at Jones MS in Boone County Kentucky.  As far as running goes, Scott got into running for health and discovered a whole amazing community of people who will support you in your highs and lows.  Getting to meet so many people from all over the world who share an interest has been tremendous!  This year will be Scott’s first Air Force Half Marathon in what he hopes is many events to come! Follow on Instagram @sdreed77.

Linda Ambard

Linda K. Ambard is a retired Community Support Coordinator. She retired from Kadena Air Force Base, Japan. Ms. Ambard started working for the Air Force in 1986 at the Mountain Home Air Force Base swimming pool. She has held a variety of NAF and GS positions to include Child Development Center Director, Youth Programs Director, Family Child Care Coordinator, DoDEA teacher, and Community Support Coordinator. During her Community Support Coordinator tenure, led the youth resiliency effort at AFMC, created a training video still in use for training Casualty Officers, and was published for her research in Positive Trauma Growth. Furthermore, Ms. Ambard was featured in many public forums to include television, radio, and newspaper for her efforts in resiliency and military loss awareness. Ms. Ambard was the voice on the Gold Star Air Force training video.

Rooker Mears 

Rooker Mears is a B-52 Weapons Systems Officer based at Minot AFB and a competitive endurance athlete with a history of strong finishes. He’s completed multiple Ironman triathlons, century rides, and a 108-mile ultramarathon-earning several overall and age group wins along the way.
His approach to racing reflects the same discipline and intensity he brings to his role in the Air Force.
As an Air Force Marathon ambassador, Rooker aims to support the military running community and help others push their own limits.