There was no better way to start 2026 than this.

In this episode of Finish Line Moments, Gretchen is joined by Shaun Evans and his son Shamus, an elite father–son racing duo proving that inclusion, representation and excellence can coexist at the highest level.

From running together since Shamus’ earliest days in a racing chair to lining up for a snowy 10-degree New Year’s Day 5K, these two are truly better together. Shaun often says it’s a privilege to share his legs with Shamus and mile after mile, Shamus raises the level of everyone around him.

And make no mistake: this isn’t just inspirational, it’s fast.

Together, Shaun and Shamus have:

• Completed hundreds of races from 1 mile to ultra distance

• Become one of the first duo teams to complete the Tokyo Marathon

• Won the Duo Division at the Boston Marathon

• Qualified for Boston with a broken racing chair

• Run a 2:46 marathon, setting PRs in the mile (3:55), 5K (14:25), 10K (32:25), half marathon, and marathon in a single race

• Crossed America (3,200 miles in 60 days) and the length of the Mississippi River while donating racing chairs to families along the way

Now a sophomore at the University at Albany studying computer and electrical engineering and in the marching band, Shamus continues to show how access and representation don’t just change sport, they change lives.

This conversation is about shared miles, elite performance, and the finish line moments that happen when we move forward together.

In this episode of Finish Line Moments, we’re joined by Gianna Sbarbaro - Division I All-WCC athlete, NCAA National Championships qualifier, Boston Marathoner, and a runner whose story is defined as much by gratitude and resilience as it is by results. Gianna shares her journey from Girls on the Run and growing up active in Hawai‘i to competing at the Division I level at the University of San Diego. Along the way, she reflects on the coaches and teammates who shaped her, the communities that carried her, and the lessons learned through both breakthrough seasons and deeply challenging ones including navigating the pandemic, injury, and identity beyond performance. This conversation goes beyond finish times and podiums. Gianna speaks honestly about redefining success, finding ways to contribute even when sidelined and learning that running’s true value often lies in connection, perspective and showing up for others. From NCAA Nationals to Boston, and even a joyful win at Diplo’s San Diego 5K, her story is a reminder that growth isn’t linear and that resilience, gratitude and purpose endure long after the clock stops.

Join us as we recap the Inaugural San Antonio Marathon Weekend, where over 18,000 runners chased personal victories across the 5K, half and full marathon courses all under twinkling holiday lights.

• Alain Anderson lights up the Nighttime Holiday Lights 5K with a blazing 17:03 victory

• Julia Perez, a first-time half marathoner, shares how a start-line panic turned into a triumph and friendship she’ll never forget

• Jenny Carnes, President & CEO of San Antonio Sports, takes us behind the scenes of a weekend that elevated this hometown race into a proud citywide celebration

From the first stride to the final sparkle, this episode captures perseverance, joy and the power of community because in San Antonio, every step truly tells a story.

On this episode Finish Line Moments, we’re joined by actor, writer, and comedian Erik Rivera (HBO Max’s SUPER WHITE) for a conversation that runs far beyond the miles.

Erik shares how he went from “running is terrible” to training for multiple half marathons a year, discovering that sometimes you have to make the effort to make the time: for your health, your creativity, and yourself. We talk about running as a mental reset, a place where the junk drawer of thoughts finally opens, giving space to untangle emotions, work through life, and even shape new comedy bits.

The conversation also dives into Erik’s comedy journey from Pace University and the aftermath of 9/11, to finding healing through laughter, honoring his immigrant roots and using humor as a way to help people breathe when life feels heavy.

Two days before Thanksgiving, the biggest running day of the year, with more than 1,300 Turkey Trots nationwide in 2025, we turned our attention to a community rising from unimaginable loss. Gretchen connects with Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot founder Dave O’Connell, who lost his home in the devastating January 2025 fires and is now leading the charge to bring back a beloved tradition in the very heart of the destruction.

From Dave’s origin story in the running world to the incredible resilience of the Palisades community, this episode honors both the fragility and the strength of what binds us together. With compassion, reverence, and deep connection - including Gretchen’s own lived experience with Sonoma’s fires - this conversation is a testament to the human instinct to stand up, lace up and rebuild.

It’s also an episode dedicated to the people who make these races more than races. Please take a moment to learn about and support the Live Like Braun Foundation, created in memory of Braun Levy, a beloved presence at the Palisades Turkey Trot whose spirit continues to inspire: livelikebraunfoundation.org

From his roots as a paperboy devouring the sports section to becoming one of the most trusted voices in basketball, boxing, and beyond, Beto brings the wisdom, humor, and grit that define his journey. He shares the guiding principles that shaped his career and his character — “Get in where you fit in,” “Leave it better than you found it,” and “Send the elevator back down” (chefs kiss) plus the many real-life truths he’s collected along the way.

In this powerful episode of Finish Line Moments, we sit down with elite runner Salvador Capetillo, a South Central L.A. native now training in Flagstaff, whose journey is defined by one simple belief: why not me?

Along the way, Salvador credits a mindset shaped by his dad and inspired by Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality, a rare blend of humble confidence, discipline, and belief that turns goals into facts. He shares how learning to manage emotions, stay grounded after wins and ask “what’s next?” has helped him rise through every chapter of his running life.

Whether you’re a runner, an athlete, or simply chasing something meaningful, Salvador’s story will move you forward one intentional step at a time.

In this episode of Finish Line Moments, we sit down with Sierra (Sarah) Pressley Dasaro, a runner whose story is as powerful as any finish line she’s ever crossed. Sierra fell in love with running after completing her first-ever mile in 2004, and that moment sparked a journey that would take her to marathons across the country and a quest to run in every state. In this deeply inspiring episode, Sierra shares her origin story, her comebacks, and the finish line moments that have shaped her life.

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation that celebrates strength, hope, and the belief that every mile matters.

This episode of Finish Line Moments, we’re celebrating one of the most scenic and spirited weekends in running: the Golden Gate Half Marathon & 5K!

We catch up with Andres Guerra, who returned after the Napa to Sonoma Half to run even faster.

Then meet Grace Copeland, a design student from England at USF, who didn’t just win the women’s race she crossed the finish line first overall, setting a new course record and a personal best along the way.

Izzi Gengaro joins Finish Line Moments to share a story built on patience, resilience and trusting her own path. From discovering her love for running on soccer fields in New Jersey to becoming a multi-time All-American at MIT, Izzi’s journey has been defined as much by setbacks as by breakthroughs. This conversation is a reminder that finish line moments aren’t just medals or PRs, they’re the quiet decisions, comebacks and belief you build along the way. Whether you’re a runner or simply navigating your own long road toward a goal, Izzi’s story offers perspective, honesty and inspiration to keep going.