Staff Spotlight Tamara Loper

The October Staff Spotlight is on Tamara Loper, who began working races on March 10, 2019, and is now often joined by her son, Alijah, as she continues to show encouragement to Bishop’s runners. Tamara says that being a part of the running community means “I participate more in charity events,” including the “30 races a year” she estimates that she now attends, where you will find her anywhere from the registration table to a course turnaround.

A Clarion Inn Hotel employee and assistant softball coach when she isn’t staffing Bishop’s Events, Tamara also notes that one of her hidden talents is to “fix things.” In her spare time, she enjoys running a food pantry, too. These themes of hospitality and supporting others come up frequently in Tamara’s answers: “What appeals to me as event staff is being able to provide a service that customers can appreciate,” she says.

You will see Tamara demonstrating her dedication to runners out on the course at many events, even if it means she has to go above and beyond to help them achieve their goals. When lined up at the beginning of a race, Tamara enjoys hearing runners prepare for the gun start, “so excited about the time they finish or if they are in first place.” First or last doesn’t matter, though—Tamara is there until the final finisher crosses the mat. She recalls “a Georgetown race where a girl thought she could walk a half marathon and it being her first time. We were there for hours waiting for her to finish.” Tamara is frequently at one of the key points on the route watching for all runners to clear her station before closing the course.

When Tamara takes time for herself, you might find her shopping, “catching up on tv shows,” cheering for the Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins), or snacking on a favorite treat like Oreo cookies or cheesecake. Look for her on her favorite course, Burke Lake, which she likes because of “the activities the park provides.” Join Tamara in cheering for fellow athletes at one of our upcoming events!