Race Ambassadors

A lifelong runner, Amy discovered the power of pounding the pavement back in high school and hasn’t stopped since. What began as a competitive sport soon became a daily ritual. Whether it’s a quick morning jog or a long-distance trail run, running is her way to reset, recharge, and reconnect with the world —and with herself.

Through bouts of health issues like cancer, chronic Lyme disease, and surgeries, Amy always turned to running and triathlons as a coping mechanism for the challenging times. She joined running groups and expanded her running community- she now runs for Valor Track Team. This is where she found the fellowship of other runners and athletes and didn’t feel so alone in her battles any more.

Her children are experienced Maine Marathon spectators as they have spent countless years standing along the course cheering their mom on even if that meant being out in the rain and wind. Amy has incited a strong passion for running and athleticism in her children. Her second born daughter is a freshman at Wheaton College and on the track team.

She is the President of Scarborough Track Boosters and helps out immensely with the Scarborough School track program. Amy has helped coordinate and launch many successful fundraisers for the XC, Indoor and Outdoor Track Teams. In these programs she found the comradery of other parents and coaches who truly inspire the youth. Amy lives in Scarborough, Maine with her husband and their 5 children. When Amy is not running or training you can find her in her garden or in the barn with her beloved farm animals. She owns and operates Three Little Birds Preschool: A Nature/Farm based school in Scarborough and owns Soleil Farm, also in Scarborough.

This is her second year as an Ambassador for the Maine Marathon and she is excited to share her running and training shenanigans with you. @Amy_Merrill (Instagram) and Amy Merrill (Facebook)

Kristen is originally from Pennsylvania but has called Southern Maine home for the past 10 years. What started as running in group fitness classes turned into road running in 2023 at the age of 32—despite being the person who always tried to get out of running in gym class! After completing her first 5K in April, she went on to finish the Maine Half Marathon that October and is coming back in 2025 to conquer her first full marathon.

A mother and licensed therapist, Kristen balances family life and a busy career with her growing passion for running. What began as a challenge quickly became a lifeline—running has played a major role in supporting her mental health and well-being.

She’s passionate about encouraging others to believe in their ability to change, grow, and do hard things—on and off the course. As a Maine Marathon Ambassador, Kristen is excited to connect with runners of all backgrounds and celebrate every step of the way.

You can follow Kristen on IG at @notyouraveragethrpst

Daniel was adopted from Guatemala as a child and has lived with his family in Maine ever since. He currently lives in Acton, where he serves as the youngest member of the Acton Selectboard and also works as a Domestic Violence Advocate & Youth Educator at Caring Unlimited.

Daniel first began running as part of the Sanford High School track team, and continued to run road races while attending the University of Maine. It wasn’t until his best friend asked him to help train for a 5k that his running journey really began. He expanded from 5ks to 10ks, half marathons and eventually marathons. Daniel’s current running goals include running the World Major Marathons of which he has completed Chicago and Berlin. He is also hoping to join the 50 States Club, by running marathons in all 50 states.

Running is a great outlet for stressful or peaceful days and has provided Daniel with the opportunity to travel not only across the state and country but the world! He truly believes that the best part of running is that anyone can be a runner. Running is about setting personal goals for yourself and working to achieve them. If you are doing the work and spending the time, it doesn’t matter if you walk or run a mile, you ARE a runner. His favorite part about running is spending time with his friends and family, whether they are there running alongside him or waiting at the finish line to celebrate.

Daniel is running the marathon this fall and you can follow his training on IG at @dnorwood.cki

Rebecca Cusack was born and bred in England, U.K. and only moved to Maine in December 2024. She is a medical resident and self-proclaimed ‘Late Bloomer’.  

At 17, Rebecca was told that there was no medical reason she would regain the use of her legs after meningococcal meningitis left her paralyzed. Undeterred, not only did Rebecca teach herself to walk again she also embarked on a mission to become a neurologist and play an active role in the lives of other people with neurological disease/injury. No mean feat given she could not complete high school due to lack of wheelchair accessibility at the time! She is now a proud para-athlete having completed multiple endurance events in the UK and graduated first in her class at medical school. 

Rebecca has ADHD and is autistic, aspects of herself she attributes to her success but at times have resulted in feelings of isolation. She involves herself heavily in advocacy for disabled and/or neurodivergent people worldwide. Due to a severe episode of postpartum depression (another topic she is very passionate about!) Rebecca has not dusted off her running shoes for some time but was inspired to do so after moving to Maine and seeing what amazing scenery Maine has to offer. This year she will be running the half marathon and is excited to encourage fellow disabled and/or neurodivergent people to see that running events are accessible to everyone. After all, everything is impossible until someone does it! 

You can follow Rebecca’s training on Instagram at @becksmarshallclan

Nick Cloutier is a creative entrepreneur and runner based in South Portland, Maine, where he lives with his partner, Justin, and their golden retriever, Kingsley. He’s the founder of Clout Social Co., a boutique social media agency rooted in community, creativity, and authenticity. What started as a way to decompress during busy work weeks quickly turned into a full-blown love for the sport—and the people in it.

Nick has completed five half marathons and ran his first full marathon right here at the Maine Marathon two years ago—something he never thought he’d be able to do. Now, he’s all in. The running community is something he calls “addicting in the best way.” From the energy at the start line to the support you feel from complete strangers along the course, race day is a reminder of how powerful and connected we can be.

This year, Nick is thrilled to join us again, this time as a Maine Marathon ambassador, and share that magic with others—whether you’re chasing a PR or crossing your very first finish line. He will be training for 26.2miles again and you can follow his training on IG/TikTok: @itsnickclout