Karen Kekelik has been running for nearly her entire life. She first discovered her love for running through Girls on the Run in elementary school before competing in cross country during high school. Since then, she has completed two marathons, nearly 30 half marathons, and hundreds of 5Ks and other races.

For Karen, running is far more than exercise—it's her form of meditation and a way to reset both mentally and physically. Even after overcoming a significant vagus nerve injury, she continues to run because of the peace and joy it brings her.

Beyond the miles, Karen values the friendships and sense of community she has found through Run Muskegon. The social connections and supportive running family have kept her coming back year after year, making running not just a hobby, but an important part of her life.

1. How long have you been running?  Forever! I started with Girls on the Run from 3rd through 6th grade, then ran cross country in high school. Running has always been a part of my life.

2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?  Absolutely! I've completed two full marathons, nearly 30 half marathons, and hundreds of 5Ks. My most memorable race was winning my junior varsity regional cross country meet in high school. Most recently, I ran the Seaway 10K.

3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?  Just a tutu!

4. Only running shoes for me are...  Whichever ones! I'm really not picky.

5. What is your worst running-related injury?  A damaged vagus nerve.

6. Hot or cold weather runner?  Hot! The warmer, the better.

7. What is your motivation for running?  Running is my form of meditation. It's where I clear my mind and recharge.

8. If I didn't run I.... would probably go crazy!

9. I can't run without... Legs! Haha.

10. What's the farthest you have run at one time?  26.2 miles—a full marathon.
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​11. What brought you to Run Muskegon and why have you stayed?  I came for the social aspect of running, but I stayed because of the incredible friends I've made. The Run Muskegon community has become like family.

​Like most people, Derek Bush was born at a very young age. He has lived in Muskegon, Michigan his whole life. He met his wife Kerra while working together at TJ Maxx during college. They have been married for six years. Together they have a son and a dog. His son Micah was born November 27, 2025 on Thanksgiving, making it his favorite Thanksgiving of all time, hospital food and all. 
 
Derek enjoys movies, reading, video games and being outside in every season of the year. He enjoys working in the yard, and spending time with his family. 
 
1. How long have you been running?  I have been running for 3 ½ years, but walking since I was 9 months old. I ran previously in life circa 2015 for a couple years with my brother Jared often.
 
2. Do you race? If so, what is your most memorable race experience?  I wouldn’t say I race, but I do participate in the race events. My most memorable race experience was Riverbank 2015. I ran the 10k, and it was the first race I ever did. 
 
3. Ever run in a costume? If so, what?  Yes, I ran for a Halloween event dressed as Fred from Scooby Doo. 
 
4. Only running shoes for me are... Asics GT 2000 11. I bought a few pairs on clearance a couple years ago, and the newer models are different. I am on my last pair. So, I will be in the market for a new shoe.
 
5. What is your worst running-related injury?  No running injuries to speak of so far, just walking injuries.
 
6. Hot or cold weather runner?  Cold. The colder the better. 
 
7. What is your motivation for running?  It started as a means of weight loss and to improve overall fitness.
 
8. If I didn't run I....  Unsure, but I would probably be a lot heavier and a lot better at video games. 
 
9. I can't run without...  A hat.
 
10. What's the farthest you have run at one time?  50K, most of it was a run, the rest was a trudge.
 
11. What brought you to Run Muskegon and why have you stayed?  A combination of a couple things. At Pigeon Hill Oktoberfest, I may have been under the influence as my brother was telling me all about this thing called Ragnar. It sounded awesome. So, I drunk Amazon Primed a pair of Brooks Adrenaline for myself to start. Then my sister-in-law convinced my wife to participate in the Turkey Trot in 2023. Our first Wednesday night just so happened to be a newbie night and the start of an 8 week-5k training plan, guided by Alana.