In late 2018, she hit the ground running. Exactly what you would expect from a woman who has completed 15 marathons, many half marathons, and 20 triathlons.

The “she” in this case is Jenny Ash.

In November of 2018, Ash became the new Executive Race Director at Outer Banks Sporting Events.

According to their website, the mission of Outer Banks Sporting Events (OBSE), is, in part: “to organize sports competition and healthy living resources, providing resources for needed relief and support for public education while contributing to economic impact for the Outer Banks.”

In my discussion with Ash, she indicated that, “One hundred percent of the net proceeds go to two different organizations: The Dare Education Foundation and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.”

Jenny Ash is not a stranger to the folks in and around OBSE. She had been its Race Director since 2015, before being promoted to her current position. She says “I’m so excited to be able to bring together the front line experience I had as Race Director, and the administration and program experience that I had at other positions, such as at the YMCA, to this Executive Race Director position.”

Prior to moving to the Outer Banks in 2011, Ash served as a Program Director, Personal Trainer, Fitness Instructor, and Race Organizer with the YMCA in the Minneapolis/St Paul area – experience she found invaluable.

Originally from Baltimore, she spent many family vacations on the Outer Banks. That tradition continued into adulthood when she rented a house with other family members for reunions. Eight years ago, Ash’s husband had an opportunity to be based on the east coast. That’s when they decided to move here permanently. They liked the ability to live on the coast and be close to family all at the same time.

Outer Banks Sporting Events host five events throughout the year. This past March 16th, was the Running of the Leprechauns, featuring a 5K and 10K race.

Coming up April 12-14 is the Flying Pirate Half Marathon. Its a 13.1 mile race that starts in Kitty Hawk, and ends with a run through Nags Head Woods. Also offered that weekend are some easier 5K and fun runs.

September 14-15 look for the Outer Banks Triathlon. The cool thing is that there are races of varying length for participants, and you can even participate as a relay team.

A couple of weeks after the Triathlon, is the Outer Banks Cycle event on September 28th. The Cycle Event has four race distances to include: 50 miles, 40K (24.8 miles), 20K (12.4 miles) and an 8K recreational ride.

Finally, Veterans Day weekend, the main event is the Outer Banks Marathon. The Marathon weekend, which is November 8-10 this year, includes several different races and events.

Of course each of these events require a large number of volunteers. Jenny Ash says, “We have a lot of the locals come out and support our running community. Some even on vacation have also come down to help. I greatly appreciate all those that give up their time to volunteer.”

Ash loves her new position. She knows that “crossing the finish line can be life changing for people.” ♦

For more information on participating in the events, or to volunteer, call OBSE at 252.255.6273, or go to their website: obxse.com