Hi, I'm Jess Petersen, Vice President of Somerville Road Runners. I'm mostly a marathoner, pursuing a goal of running a Boston-Qualifier marathon in every state. I work in tech as a Data Product Manager and live in Davis Square with my husband and 2 kiddos.

I've been with SRR since 2019 and have served in many volunteer roles including race director, board member, and SRR Kids coach. You can find me at our Wednesday morning West Somerville runs, weekend long runs with the 3-hour marathon group (7:30-8 min/mile pace), and Thursday morning workouts.

Whether you're looking to find the right training group, set big running goals, or get more involved with club events and volunteering, I'd love to help you connect with the right people and opportunities. SRR has an incredible community that can help every runner achieve more than they thought possible!

Hi SRR!

I've been a member of the club since 2022 but have become much more active as a volunteer in the past year, supporting club events whenever possible (including MOM's Run, 26x1, Wintah Challenge, etc) and helping to coordinate SRR's presence at the USATF Grand Prix. I've really enjoyed getting involved in the initiatives and programs we provide to our members and local community. I ran for Secretary because I wanted to do even more to contribute to the club's success

Hi SRR! My name is Derek Lo, and I serve on the Board as a Member at Large.

I joined SRR in September 2023 and like many of you, quickly fell in love with the club. I found myself coming to the Bur-Run and Casey’s early on, later adding on the Squirrel Scramble and Weekend Long Runs to the mix, where I’ve had the pleasure to run with and get to know many of you.

During my time in SRR, I’ve served as a team captain at 26x1, a member of the Gobble Race Committee, and now as one of the race directors for the 2025 Gobble. I’ve also volunteered as a coach for SRR Kids, in addition to several other volunteer opportunities, including the BAA Half Marathon, Boston Marathon 30K Cheer Zone, and tabling at the Tufts Community and Arlington Town Days.

Hi, I'm Gihan Hewage, Co-Membership Director. I'm happy to help you learn about everything SRR has to offer and to find people to run with at any of our group runs!

I joined SRR in late 2023, after trying to do a solo track workout at the Tufts track on a Tuesday evening and seeing a massive crowd of people having fun. After learning this group was SRR I was inspired to join so I too could help take over the track. Beyond track, you can usually find me at the Bur-Run on Mondays and at Casey's on Thursdays, where I'm likely training for my favorite distance - the marathon. My main goal is to earn my 6 Star medal (I've run Boston and Berlin, and will be running Chicago in the fall of 2025), but I love running races in cool places (Paris is my favorite marathon to date).

One of my favorite parts of SRR is the volunteering - whether it's serving on the M.O.M.'s Run race committee, helping lead runners participating in our beginner 5K training program, or just helping out at any events we host or help out with, like the Boston Marathon and other BAA events.

Unfortunately, I don't get paid to run - instead, I work in sustainability at a pharma supplier. Though my office is in Burlington, I mostly work from my apartment in Ball Square where I live with my wife and our two cats. Beyond running, I enjoy being creative with sourdough baking, talking about running, and staying active in general - when I'm not training for a marathon, I like hiking, (indoor) rock climbing, and tennis.

Hi, I'm Jessica Levine, co-membership director of SRR. I joined SRR in early 2025. You can find me consistently at the Thursday night Casey's run and the Monday night Bur-run, and occasionally at Tuesday night track or the Night Noodle! My preferred distance is a half marathon, and I'm training for my first marathon in Chicago this October.

I have helped out with the race committee for the MOMs run and will be assisting with this year's upcoming Gobble Run. I also volunteer for other club events such as the 26x1.

Outside of running life, I work as a veterinarian specializing in comparative medicine, and live in East Cambridge with my pet rabbit, Lavender. I'm an avid skier in the winter, and love going to concerts and checking out as many restaurants as possible around Boston.

I would be happy to answer any questions about SRR, especially relating to getting involved with volunteering for events, or finding the right run for people who aren't looking to break any speed records! Even though I'm relatively new to SRR, the community has been incredibly welcoming and I look forward to helping more runners find their place here.

Hi!! I'm Emma Wightman, one of the new member ambassadors of Somerville Road Runners.

I joined SRR at the beginning of 2024 because I love the running community - meeting new people, getting outside, and being active. I have a passion for racing (party pace!) and have run everything from 1-milers to marathons, but my favorite distance is the 10K.

You can find me some Sundays at NoEx or racing around the area, and occasionally at SRR's special events. I also volunteer with SRR kids and helped lead the SRR 5K program in 2025. When I'm not running, you can find me sailing, traveling, or going to see live music.

I'm glad to help you find your fit with SRR and answer any questions. Or if you just need a buddy to attend your first SRR run with, I'm happy to join you! :) I love brainstorming new and fun ways the club can work for you.

Hi, I’m Whit France-Kelly, one of the member ambassadors for Somerville Road Runners! I jumped on board in early 2025, and honestly, it’s been a blast. My favorite race distance? The half marathon, but I’m currently gearing up for my third marathon—Chicago this October!

Running’s my vibe, but more so the fun community vibe it brings. You’ll usually find me hanging out in the back of the pack, where I am all about having fun and cheering each other on!

When I’m not running, you can find hanging out with my wife and children, tackling the New Hampshire 48s, or catching a live concert.

I’m super excited to help you find your perfect fit with SRR and answer any questions you’ve got. And if you’re nervous about your first run or just want a running buddy, I’d love to join you! The SRR community is so welcoming, and I can’t wait to help more runners have fun and crush their goals!