Meet the Staff

Nancy Lieberman
President
Nancy is president and founder of the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend.  Constantly “thinking outside the box” (a phrase heard quite often around the office), she has created two unique programs in the running industry – the Read, Right & Run Marathon® and the “Mature Mile.” Check out details of both on our website.  When not encouraging others in their pursuit of fitness, watch for Nancy on the roads herself – she has completed six marathons and dozens of triathlons, including one Ironman.  But perhaps the most fun she has running is with the young ladies of Girls, Inc. – she trains with them every week.  Her favorite event to watch on T.V.?  Ironman Hawaii – she says, "I am amazed with the unbelievable performances of the elite athletes, but I cheer for the everyday athlete, some of whom have overcome incredible obstacles to get to Kona."

Mike Cosgrove
Race Director
Mike, we like to say, is a renaissance man.  He’s coached (softball, soccer, volleyball and basketball, to be exact), he’s taught (Physical Education in the Parkway School District), he’s directed (Outdoor and Physical Education for the same school district). Of course, he’s run marathons. And now, he’s directing one for you.  And designing it, charting it, measuring it, managing it, recruiting volunteers to stand along it…we think he should also test it, but we can’t convince him yet.  One thing you might not know about Mike, a long-time St. Louis resident – he says he’s “a member of Red Sox Nation, living in Cardinal land!”

Courtney Irwin
Special Events Manager
Courtney Irwin was born in South Boston, but grew up in St. Louis. As Special Events Manager, her primary responsibility is to oversee the Read, Right & Run Marathon®. Following five knee surgeries (too many years of field hockey, soccer and racquetball), she decided to give running a try. To date, Courtney has a half marathon, a handful of 5Ks and one sprint triathlon under her belt. Though she doesn't listen to music while she's running, if she did, undoubtedly U2 and Coldplay would be in heavy rotation. Courtney is also a passionate St. Louis Cardinals and New England Patriots fan.

Lizzy Deimeke
Office Manager/Registration
Having just recently graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio, Lizzy has returned to her home town of St. Louis.  Even though her academic focus is in biology and environmental science, her fondness for running led her to this staff.  Her primary responsibility is maintaining the registration database for participants of the marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K, and children’s fun runs, but she also assists Nancy in attracting and confirming the events’ sponsors.  While those of us at the marathon office have the pleasure of conversing with Lizzy every day – you, too, may exchange words with her – she’s the one responding to those inquiry emails you send to infospirit@sbcglobal.net. To date, she has already competed in seven half-marathons and plans to run her first full marathon this spring.  Good luck!Having just recently graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio, Lizzy has returned to her home town of St. Louis.  Even though her academic focus was environmental biology, her passion for running led her to this staff.  Her primary responsibility is maintaining the registration database for participantsHaving just recently graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio, Lizzy has returned to her home town of St. Louis.  Even though her academic focus is in biology and environmental science, her fondness for running led her to this staff.  Her primary responsibility is maintaining the registration database for participants of the marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K, and children’s fun runs, but she also assists Nancy in attracting and confirming the events’ sponsors.  While those of us at the marathon office have the pleasure of conversing with Lizzy every day – you, too, may exchange words with her – she’s the one responding to those inquiry emails you send to infospirit@sbcglobal.net. To date, she has already competed in seven half-marathons and plans to run her first full marathon this spring.  Good luck! in the marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, 5K and children's fun runs, but she also assists Nancy in attracting and confirming the events' sponsors.  While those of us at the office have the pleasure of conversing with Lizzy everyday, you, too, may exchange words with her - she's the one responding to those inquiry emails you send to infospirit@sbcglobal.net.  To date, Lizzy has already competed in seven half marathons and plans to run in her first full marathon this spring.  Good luck! Having just recently graduated from Kenyon College in Ohio, Lizzy has returned to her home town of St. Louis.  Even though her academic focus is in biology and environmental science, her fondness for running led her to this staff.  Her primary responsibility is maintaining the registration database for participants of the marathon, half-marathon, marathon relay, 5K, and children’s fun runs, but she also assists Nancy in attracting and confirming the events’ sponsors.  While those of us at the marathon office have the pleasure of conversing with Lizzy every day – you, too, may exchange words with her – she’s the one responding to those inquiry emails you send to infospirit@sbcglobal.net. To date, she has already competed in seven half-marathons and plans to run her first full marathon this spring.  Good luck!

Karen Lester
Health & Fitness Expo Coordinator
Karen’s operations run more smoothly than the best computer you could buy. It’s a good thing, too, because she won’t get near one!  In Karen’s fifth year with the Spirit of St. Louis Marathon, she will again assume responsibilities for the Health & Fitness Expo – a great job for Karen, who is always calm amidst a whirlwind of activity.  The truth about Karen and technology is that she is, in fact, easing her way into the computer world, but always keeps a handwritten copy of everything.  “Then,” she reminds us frequently, “as you all are searching frantically for lost computer files, I just pull my paper out of the folder and wait for you to come to me!”

Kay Cosgrove
Volunteer Coordinator
Kay returns to the marathon this year, recruiting, organizing and deploying volunteers for the 2007 event. A teacher by trade, Kay worked for 32 years in the Parkway School District, teaching every level between Kindergarten and Fourth Grade.  On marathon race day, expect to see Kay manning one of the water stations along the course – maybe it will be in Forest Park, near some of her favorite attractions – some might actually call her a walking St. Louis tour book!  Kay is also known for her chocolate chip cookies – a secret some at the office thought we shouldn’t publish to the internet.  Oh, and one last thing, Kay is, shall we say, related to one of our other staff members…