Named "Best Running Club" by Philadelphia Magazine!
Meet the Milers
The Volunteer Monster Milers: We are a team Philadelphia runners who come together for a simple mission: we give shelter dogs something to look forward to each day - a running adventure. Some of us have run ultra marathons, others are just getting started. Some of us are speed demons, some of us like to take our time. We come from all walks of life, represent every age group, and reside all over the the City of Brotherly Love.
We love Philly. We love rescue. We love running.
Board of Directors + Awesome Volunteers
Carrie Maria (CEO/COO):
Carrie is the founder of ‘The Milers. She also owns and manages one of Philly’s largest dog walking services, The Monster Minders. She has been an active volunteer with local rescue since 2007, and ‘The Milers brings together two of her passions: running and rescue. She has traveled the globe and has lived in England and New Zealand. When she’s not replying to emails or walking (running) dogs, you can find her camping, sewing, or with her nose in a library book. She shares her life with two rescued “monsters, “Jax and Lola (both PAWS alumni.)
Favorite post run snack: Chocolate milk or tater-tots
Favorite running spot in Philly: The Ben Franklin Bridge
Most inspiring moment as a Miler: The starting gun of the first annual Rescue Run 5k. I couldn’t stop thinking, “We actually made it happen.”
Weird or Random Fact: One day I hope to do a triathlon, but sadly, I sink. I need to take adult swim lessons!
Kathryn Birster - Board President
By day, Kathryn can be found helping Philadelphians access educational opportunities to help them reach their career and educational goals. By night, she loves volunteering in animal rescue both as a Monster Miler and a volunteer runner at ACCT Philly. She’s run eight marathons and two 50Ks, and usually warms up with her rescue dog Nina and does speed workouts with her other rescue dog, Gus.
Favorite post run snack: Pickle juice. Confession – I drink it even when I’m not running.
Favorite running spot in Philly: The Wissahickon
Most inspiring moment as a Miler: Can I have two? 1) When we collectively kept Mona, a longer-term PAWS Grays Ferry resident, sane. I’d run with her, return to the shelter, and another Miler would be waiting to take her out again. Milers visited her daily and it was a real team effort keeping our girl happy and loved until she found her new home. 2) When I was observing another Miler evaluating dogs for our lifesaving program and we met Champ. He was so sweet but so sad, and I realized he was going to get a brand new life because of us!
Weird or Random Fact: I consider mac n cheese to be a major food group and eat it 3-5 times a week.
Rebecca Baranowski - Board Member & PAWS Old City Volunteer Liaison
Rebecca is Monster Milers’ liaison at the PAWS Adoption Center (PAC). She works for the American Board of Internal Medicine, which is conveniently located only a few blocks from PAC. Rebecca has run the Philadelphia marathon plus lots of half marathons, including Las Vegas, but mostly does shorter races these days. Hers first running buddy was her Portuguese Water Dog, Myles; he’s 12 now and still active but no longer running. Rebecca was a part of the second Miler orientation and has been running with the dogs ever since.
Favorite post run snack: Chocolate milk (also a cup of really good coffee)
Favorite running spot in Philly: Mostly a city runner, so someplace along the Schuylkill River
Most inspiring moment as a Miler: It was so great to see almost 500 runners at our 5K this September.
Weird or Random Fact: I’m on a National Championship Dragon Boat Team, Philadelphia Flying Phoenix!
Favorite post run snack: Chocolate milk (also a cup of really good coffee)
Favorite running spot in Philly: Mostly a city runner, so someplace along the Schuylkill River
Most inspiring moment as a Miler: It was so great to see almost 500 runners at our 5K this September.
Weird or Random Fact: I’m on a National Championship Dragon Boat Team, Philadelphia Flying Phoenix!
Linda Riter - CFO & Board Member
Linda Riter (CFO): Linda is an attorney who has lived in CT, DC, and Italy before moving to Philadelphia. She works in Center City and spends her free time trying every restaurant in town. She has worked with literacy and arts non-profit organizations, and has served as CFO of a safe-rides non-profit, Guard Dogs, which she founded during her time at the University of Connecticut.
Favorite post run snack: cold IPA.
Favorite running spot in Philly: Schuylkill Banks trail to the Art Museum, then down the Ben Franklin Parkway.
Most inspiring moment as a Miler: Every time I successfully clip an “Adopt Me” vest around an excited pup.
Weird or Random Fact: I spent a summer excavating a Pompeian villa, where we discovered a fountain, a couch, a cistern, and sunburns for the ages.
Herbie Bohnet - Board Vice President
Herbie moved to Philadelphia from Boston in 2016 and was looking for a way to get involved in the community. The Monster Minders (a company owned by our CEO) started walking his two pups, Ferguson (smart and anxious Aussie mix) and Winston (not too bright, but an excellent sleeper). He loved the idea of running and dog rescue, so got involved with the Milers.
Favorite post run snack: A breakfast sandwich (I generally run in the morning).
Favorite running spot in Philly: I love Broad Street for one day a year, otherwise I like to run the Forbidden Drive.
Most inspiring moment as a Miler: I don't get out with dogs as much as I'd like, but I'll never forget my first run at Grays Ferry. Our group pulled a small, somewhat mean looking pup. As soon as we got outside, however, his mood completely changed. He was so happy, which made me feel great.
Weird or Random Fact: I have a small farm in Massachusetts that was overrun by beavers two years ago.
Allison Walker - The Rescue Run 5k Race Director
Allison attended Temple University’s School of Health, PhysEd, Recreation and Dance and earned a Master’s in Sports Administration and Leisure Studies. After a season in the front office of the Philadelphia KiXX, Allison worked as the Events Manager at the Philadelphia Zoo and as the Assistant Marketing Director at Franklin Mills Mall and as the Events Director at The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter where she oversaw events such as the Phillies Phestival, 7 Walks, Hot Chocolate and many more. She has run two half marathons, the Broad Street and Sea Isle 10 Mile Runs several times but really prefers a 5K race.
Favorite post run snack: soft pretzels
Favorite running spot in Philly: Forbidden Drive
Most inspiring moment as a Miler: Last summer I completed a challenge to run 100 miles in seven weeks and I hit my 100th mile with Miler favorite, Megan. Megan and I celebrated with a Megan flop at the end of the run. It was a perfect way to meet my goal.
Weird or Random Fact: I have two miniature horses, two alpacas, one goat, five ducks and two King Charles Cavalier Spaniels.
Guillermo Torres Basave - Fun Run Coordinator + Board Member
Guillermo moved from Mexico to Philadelphia in 2015 and while looking for a running group, he found the Monster Milers and realized it was the perfect way to pay forward all the Love and Happiness his pup, Patas, has brought to his life! The Monster Milers have been a gateway to find an Amazing Rescue and Running community – he has become a regular volunteer with Street Tails Animal Rescue, and runs with local runner groups Fishtown Beer Runners and Achilles International.
Favorite post run snack: Soft pretzels are a must!
Favorite running spot in Philly: Schuylkill River Trail
Most inspiring moment as a Miler: I’ve been lucky enough to have a connection with many of the pups we’ve run with with The Monster Milers, but with Helen – STAR’s record longest resident –, we developed a super strong and everlasting bond (we still keep in touch!)
Weird or Random Fact: Music and dancing are a big part of my life! I dance by myself at home more than I care to admit (and yes, my dog thinks I’m crazy too)
Get Involved BEHIND the Scenes
Do you have a skill / talent that we could tap into? Don't hesitate to reach out to us!
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We are currently looking for a fundraising chair who would plan annual appeals and other fundraising events. Are you creative, organized and comfortable asking for donations? We'd love to speak more!
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Marketing: Are newsletters and social media your specialty? We're looking for volunteers to join our Social Media team!
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If you would like to volunteer for our annual Rescue Run 5K please contact Allison: race @ themonstermilers.org