TONY PHILLIPPI
Main Maniac / Race Director
Tony ran track and played soccer in school. After a short hiatus from running, he returned to the running world and hasn’t stopped since. In May of 2003, Tony and two friends founded the Marathon Maniacs which has since grown into the largest marathon running club in the world. In 2009, they launched the Half Fanatics, since then the clubs have grown to over 35,000 members worldwide.
Tony has run all distances, with over 300 Marathons and Ultra Marathons under his belt. He is a 9-time Ironman finisher and run 23 consecutive Boston Marathons. He enjoys training on the trails at Pt. Defiance, coffee with friends, and maybe a beer too. Tony’s marathon and beyond race history can be found HERE<
SHERRY CLARKE
Race Director
Sherry is a born and raised Washingtonian who grew up surrounded by a family full of runners. She has always loved running but she began taking the sport more seriously after having kids, using it as a way to stay regularly active. Sherry has raced various distances over the years, from the adrenaline-filled 5k race up to finishing multiple marathons, but enjoys the half marathon distance the most. She’s been a Race Director with TCMA since 2021.
When she’s not running, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young kids, cooking, playing tennis, snow skiing, hiking and camping, and watching movies.
MARYLEE MITCHELL
Community Relations Director
A Pacific Northwest native, Marylee grew up surrounded by running—both her parents were runners, and her mom even completed TCMA’s You Go Girl race at the age of 80. But Marylee didn’t catch the running bug herself until later in life, while living overseas in Dubai. In an effort to get fit and stay consistent, she joined a local running club for a Saturday long run. The supportive community, structured training, and encouragement from fellow runners led her to run her first marathon—The Chicago Marathon in 2013—and she was instantly hooked.
After many years abroad, Marylee returned to the PNW in 2015 and found a home in the Tacoma running scene. A teacher by training, she feels incredibly fortunate to merge her passion for running, love for the community, and dedication to helping others achieve their goals. In addition to coaching, she plays a role in coordinating volunteers, vendors, and sponsorships for TCMA events.
When she’s not organizing races or leading training runs, you’ll likely find Marylee hitting the trails, playing a mean game of Wordle, or scouting out the best post-run donuts in town.
TREVOR PAYNE
Course Director
As the Course Director for TCMA, Trevor brings a lifelong passion for athletics, coaching and community engagement. A former collegiate track and field athlete specializing in the throws, he turned to the sport of running post-college to find new ways to challenge himself and build community.
With experience as a coach and educator, he aims to create a welcoming and challenging race day experience that inspires runners of all levels. Beyond the race, Trevor is a strong advocate for community involvement, believing that runinng and sport has the power to bring people together and create lasting change.
When he’s not setting up race courses or teaching, you’ll find Trevor embracing outdoor adventures and exploring new places. Whether on the trail, in the mountains, or discovering a new city, he loves the thrill of new adventures.