Michele Hutchins is in the Runner Spotlight for the month of January 2025!
You might recognize Michele by the big smile that always seems to be on her face and her cheerful mood, no matter how challenging the run. “I’m happiest when I’m running,” she says. “It’s improved my physical and mental health…I can’t imagine not running.”
She started running in her 20s and never looked back. Since 2023, she has competed in 160+ races with Bishop’s Events. Michele ran many 5ks and 10ks to prepare herself to tackle even longer distances: “I ran my first half marathon this year. Thanks to Bishop’s racing, I felt confident and prepared!” After accomplishing the half marathon distance, her new goal became defeating “a hilly and muddy half marathon with Bishop’s.” In November 2024, she successfully tackled the Prince William Forest Park Half Marathon, one of the toughest half courses we offer!
The challenge of the course is something that keeps Michele coming back for more. She says that her biggest accomplishment was conquering Dirt Farm, a hilly and difficult venue. Even when a technical course pushes her to her limits, Michele still finishes with a smile. Her most embarrassing running moments have been on some brutal trail runs: “Running into a tree (Lake Anna and Fountainhead) and getting lost in the woods (Locust Shade),” yet she returns regularly for “The people, medals and the trail racing!…Definitely the people. I always look forward to the weekend racing with my Bishop family. They fill my soul tank,” she says.
Join Michele at her favorite course—Burke Lake—or at one of our more hilly venues for a challenging run!