Marsha Lampi

When I went to my first cross country practice in the sixth grade, it was the start of a trajectory I never could have imagined. My motivation to join the team was simply the prospect of making a new friend. Instead, I quickly fell in love with the sport and was enveloped into the Portland running scene. Running became my community, and I am forever grateful for the support of my family, coaches, teammates, and friends that helped me realize my potential. Through running I have made life-long friends and met incredible role models and mentors. It also taught me important, yet difficult life lessons, including moving past failure and accepting success with humility.

Although running is often considered an individual sport, my fondest memories are all about more than myself: Being welcomed with open arms to my first high school cross country practice, early morning runs at Leif Erickson, cross country team nights, team bus rides to meets, sharing finish line hugs with teammates and competitors from across the PIL, and contributing to the revitalization of the Lincoln track program, which culminated with winning the team title at state my senior year.

A special thank you to my parents and siblings, and the coaches who mentored me from day 1, Melissa Hill, David Bailey, Charlotte Richardson, Kathy Parker, and Shauna Winder.