Michelle La Sala

President

Michelle has been involved in the sport since childhood, when she started running with her dad in third grade. As a highly competitive high school athlete, she went on to race at the NCAA Division I level for the University of Portland in Oregon. Michelle’s love for the sport has only blossomed since then. With 32 marathon finishes to her name, she has a 2:59 personal best and a few ultra distances under her belt as well.

Michelle’s vast racing experiences have significantly informed her knowledge of the industry and what participants expect out of events. Her dedication to running has spilled over into her professional career, taking on numerous leadership positions at some of the country’s most respected organizations, including her first job working at the LA Marathon. She then moved on to New York Road Runners, where she served the youth-running division of the operation, spearheading the fund-raising efforts of the Team for Kids marathon training group. After working for the Sacramento Running Association, Michelle was promoted to race director of the California International Marathon.

Her deep commitment to quality running experiences and her proven ability to meet the demands of all ages and abilities has inspired Michelle to put her sought-after skills to work by launching Blistering Pace Race Management. 

Kevin Pool

Director of Operations

With a wealth of race management experience, Kevin now takes on the role of director of operations at Blistering Pace. As the organization expands its clientele, his expertise in event logistics is a tremendous asset for our projects new and old.

Kevin began a career in race management in 2009 with the Sacramento Running Association (SRA), where he learned many tricks of the trade under John Mansoor, who was the director of the California International Marathon for 30 years. During Kevin’s four years at SRA, he became the course director, working with Michelle as she took on the job of race director, following Mansoor’s retirement.

Kevin then moved on to a director of operations position at Destination Races, based in Napa. For three years he was instrumental in creating seven wine-country half marathon races across the country. As a critical part of such a unique series, Kevin learned how to execute boutique experiences for runners, joining the wine-festival atmosphere with the race environment.

And as an accomplished competitor himself—he finished 18th at the 2013 Boston Marathon in a personal best of 2:18:59—Kevin appreciates what athletes crave at all kinds of events. He has a knack of visualizing needs and potential trouble spots on any course he encounters to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible for participants of all abilities. Oh, and that race director he met back at SRA? He married her—and now they continue their run together at Blistering Pace.

Jay Stanwood

Athlete Services Manager

Jay has been involved in running for more than two decades. Inspired by his aunt and uncle, who were avid runners, he joined Team In Training while studying in Columbus, Ohio, eventually becoming a team training and group run leader.

Jay’s career took him to Mizuno, where he rose through the ranks and eventually took on the position of Running Brand Specialist Manager, based in Atlanta. It was there that he oversaw a team of product specialists, leading them to drive sales and brand awareness, as well as training the staff to better build customer loyalty through marketing and promotions.

Jay’s hallmark? Attention to detail and the ability to execute complicated projects in an efficient and timely manner. If something needs to be done, Jay will make sure it’s done quickly and correctly. His love of running, combined with his professional attributes, make Jay a huge asset to event planning and execution. And as a private running coach, Jay brings an ability to work enthusiastically and positively with event staff, vendors, participants, and sponsors.

Jay lives in Decatur, Georgia, with wife, Amanda, his son, Henry.

Christy Slye

SPONSORSHIP MANAGER

Christy brings over 30 years of relationship management and sales experience to the table.  Her tenure in the running industry began 12 years ago as the Vice President of Sales at Oiselle.  Here, Christy was responsible for the significant growth of domestic and international wholesale business while managing the team of independent sales reps.  In her time with the Big Sur Marathon Foundation, Christy multiplied sponsorship dollars and in-kind donations for the foundation, elevating the experience for all participants.   

Christy’s responsibilities for Blistering Pace Race Management include sponsorship development and oversight, expo and festival sales, and community building.  Her vast number of contacts and creative vision for the best runner experience make her uniquely suited for this role.  She is an invaluable asset for both BPRM and partners alike.

Christy has called the East Bay home for just over 30 years.  When not meeting up for coffee or a cocktail with sponsors she has come to call friends, you can find her running, gardening, or walking her dog, Hugo.  

Stacie Dirito

HOSPITALITY MANAGER

Stacie is a hospitality maven.  It is in her blood.  She recently hosted her daughter's wedding in her backyard and drew a schematic of the space and how it would be used, almost entirely to scale!  She's a bells and whistles person, knowing the perfect detail to ensure efficiency, but also to constantly surprise and delight.

Stacie has more than 8 years of experience in the winery industry, specifically in the tasting room serving guests.  This lends itself perfectly for stepping into the Hospitality Manager role for Blistering Pace Race Management.  Stacie will oversee everything experience based, which includes our event expos and festivals, receptions, premium programs and guests, and hotel contracts.   

Need a wine recommendation?  Stacie is your go-to.  Although she no longer works at a winery, she hasn't lost her touch in that department and should you dine with her, she will always keep your glass topped off!  Stacie resides in Napa with her husband David of 31 years.  They enjoy spending time with their children, grandchildren, and extended family.  

Matt Forsman

SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER

A runner since his high school days in Kansas, "Marathon Matt" (http://www.marathonmatt.com) as he has become known locally, brings a unique skillset to the Blistering Pace team that includes race production, community building, and more than 15 years of experience as a small business owner.

After a brief stint in Corporate America, Matt pivoted into one of his greatest passions (running) and began coaching individuals. Seeking to spread his passion for the sport further, Matt launched his own running club (http://www.runclubsf.com) in 2007. Matt's club has helped thousands of runners over the past 15 years get turned onto the sport, post personal bests, adopt a healthy lifestyle, make friends, and even find life partners!

Matt's passion for running evolved into the event space in 2013 when he launched Sasquatch Racing (http://www.sasquatchracing.com), a fun series of trail races (aka-trail parties) in the SF/Bay Area.

Over nearly two decades, Matt has provided innumerable runners in the SF/Bay Area memorable running experiences via his club, races, race production work, and community building. Matt's enthusiasm for community, fun, fitness, and health is infectious.

Matt is a detail-oriented guy with a passion for connection. His role as Special Projects Manager encompasses many aspects of connection (and more), including hospitality, customer service, logistics, and communications.

Matt lives in Marin County with his girlfriend Leslie and their dog Shorty. When he isn't working one of his own races, one of BPRM's races, one of many other local races, or leading the charge at Run Club, Matt likes to spend time in Santa Fe, New Mexico visiting his family.