Sarah Barker

Open Board

Hello! I started running on my own in 1975 before my high school had girls’ track or cross country. I’ve lived and run here in St. Paul since 1981. I’ve never run on a team, nor am I much of a racer, though I’ve participated in Run Minnesota’s Como Park Relays many years. Running for me is just a part of life. As a journalist who often writes about women’s running, I like the fact that Run Minnesota has a long history (well, a long history, period) of offering racing opportunities for men and women, even before such well known organizations as the BAA. My husband and two grown daughters run, many of my friends are runners, and for the last 8 years I’ve enjoyed coaching middle school cross country. I work part-time from home so have considerable flexibility in my schedule.

Through my own experience and by interviewing others and writing about the sport, I know something about running in all its permutations—road, track, cross country, trails, ultras, competitive and recreational—and at all levels, from beginner to elite, children to master’s. I read a lot, and keep up with issues in running, locally and nationally. Journalism skills that might be handy are research, interviewing, organization, writing, and editing. I’ve contributed to Run Minnesota magazine, and volunteered on the communications team of Twin Cities In Motion. I have experience developing a training plan for 5th – 8th graders.

My writing skills make me best suited for Promotions/Advocacy and Publications, but I’m also interested in the Run Minnesota Foundation, Programs and Governance.