The Runners

Kyle Blakeslee is the Fire and Life Safety Educator at Sioux Falls Fire Rescue and holds a degree in American Sign Language Interpreting. Passionate about mental health awareness, she is dedicated to supporting her colleagues and loved ones in maintaining their mental well-being. A Minnesota native, Kyle is a 7-time All-American and former member of the 2011 National Championship Cross Country Team at Augustana College, where she still holds the Steeplechase record. Her most memorable race was the ALS 5K/10K in honor of her Uncle Wes. Outside of running, she enjoys lifting, caring for plants, crafting, and spending time with friends and family.

Tony Goettsch was not a runner growing up in Hills, Minnesota, and always believed the only good reason to run was up and down a basketball court. In 2013, Tony ran his first 5k race and has since run more than 35 half marathons and 3 full marathons. Tony claims his favorite distance as the half marathon, with the Good Life Halfsy in Lincoln, Nebraska, among his favorite race memories.

When he’s not running the bike trail system, Tony spends his time as a Senior Auditor at The First National Bank in Sioux Falls. A devoted friend and uncle, he also enjoys spending time with family and friends, biking, and attending University of Sioux Falls athletic events.

Tony is looking forward to joining this inspiring group of runners for The 437 Project, especially as they take in the sights and sounds of western South Dakota.

Riley Knutson is a passionate CrossFit athlete and runner whose journey was inspired by the inaugural 437 Project, with the dream of one day joining the team. Originally from Menno, South Dakota, and a Tea Area High School graduate, Riley was recently inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame for Track and Field—despite never running more than 400 meters during his high school career!

Now a Physician Assistant at the Surgical Institute of South Dakota in Sioux Falls, Riley is known for his compassionate care and dedication to his community. When he’s not working, he enjoys staying active with his wife, Lexi, and their Dalmatian, Ranger.

Riley is tackling The 437 Project not only as a physical and mental challenge but also in memory of his friend Brady, who died by suicide in 2022. He hopes his journey will help others see that mental health is health—and that no one has to struggle alone.

Lisa is a Registered Nurse and Senior Clinical Informatics Analyst at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. Her passion for helping others—especially in the area of mental health—led her to volunteer with The 437 Project from its start in 2022. This year, she’s taking it a step further by running across South Dakota alongside 11 teammates to raise awareness for mental health.

An avid athlete, Lisa has completed 3 marathons, over 20 half marathons, and many 200+ mile relay races. She thrives on pushing her limits, whether on the road or at CrossFit Sioux Falls. Above all, Lisa is a devoted wife and proud mom of two active daughters, and she continues to advocate for mental health with compassion and determination.

Raised in Parkston, South Dakota, Bennett McIntosh has always loved rural communities. Her passion for helping others was sparked during a St. Patrick’s Day race in 2018 when she witnessed a man go into cardiac arrest. This life-changing moment led her to pursue a nursing degree from South Dakota State University (Go Jacks!), and she now serves as a compassionate RN at Avera Flandreau Hospital—especially committed to supporting those facing mental health challenges.

Outside of work, Bennett enjoys coffee shops, good books, hot yoga, and dreaming of one day running a Walt Disney World marathon. While the hills of western South Dakota may be daunting, she’s honored to be part of The 437 Project and excited to connect with people across her home state. If you’re struggling, you can count on Bennett’s bright smile, big hugs, and kind words to remind you that you’re not alone.

Tony is passionate about serving others and looks forward to his participation in The 437 Project to continue to raise awareness and generate support for those who have experienced the impact of suicide.

Tony Nour, a proud native of Armour, South Dakota, is a graduate of Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota (MBA). This fall, his biggest cheerleaders—his wife Brenda and their four kids, Brody, Broxton, Ellery, and Ivy—will be supporting him along The 437 Project route.

Tony is Senior Vice President of Relationship Banking at First PREMIER Bank in Sioux Falls. He stays active in the community through board service with organizations like the Sioux Empire United Way, Sioux Falls Development Foundation, RESGEN, and the Sanford International Tournament. He also serves as volunteer chair for the 2026 Sioux Empire United Way Campaign and is part of the American Banker Association’s Emerging Leaders Council.

Tony’s drive and faith are fueled by the support of his family and the mentors who have inspired his passion for generosity and service.

Laura Ringling, a lifelong South Dakotan from Platte, is a lawyer and longtime public servant living in Pierre. For 17 years, she’s worked in state government, helping shape policies that support those without access to vital resources.

As part of The 437 Project, Laura is driven to make a direct impact on mental health and suicide prevention—issues that are both personal and deeply important to her. Running has been a key part of her own mental health journey, and she’s honored to turn that passion into purpose.

Outside of work and running, Laura enjoys traveling and spending time with her spirited 10-year-old daughter. She’s proud to be part of a team united in making a difference across South Dakota.

Dan is a journalist for KELOLAND News who first covered The 437 Project in 2023, then ran and reported on it in 2024—a transformative experience he calls his most meaningful run yet. He’s excited to return in 2025 to once again tell the story while running alongside the team.

A Sioux Falls native and Georgetown grad, Dan fell in love with running during late-night jogs in D.C. Though he’s completed three marathons, it’s the camaraderie of The 437 Project that stands out most—especially moments like being cheered on under the stars near Enning or crossing the Missouri River into Pierre. When not reporting or running, you’ll find him enjoying music, soccer, and embracing his inner dork.

Kristina Schaefer grew up on a farm outside of Miller, South Dakota, where she drove 20 miles to school and learned to drive a tractor. She’s passionate about mental health, a cause she became deeply involved in thanks to her sister Kathy, a counselor at Avera. Kristina works at Dacotah Bank and is actively involved in her community, coaching Girls on the Run, serving on the Helpline Center and SuFuDu boards, and mentoring through Lutheran Social Services.

In her free time, Kristina enjoys attending Minnesota Twins baseball games, going to concerts with her two daughters, reading, and embarking on running adventures with friends. Given her rural upbringing, Kristina is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health in farming communities and supporting the mental well-being of children and teenagers, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement they need.

Paul TenHaken became the 32nd Mayor of Sioux Falls in May 2018, focusing on innovation, public entrepreneurship, strong employee culture, and fiscal responsibility. His One Sioux Falls plan prioritizes safety, health, housing, workforce, and families.

Under his leadership, Sioux Falls earned South Dakota’s first AARP “Age-Friendly Community” designation, completed the State Theater, launched early 5G access, and grew public-private partnerships—all while maintaining the city’s lowest debt per capita in over a decade.

TenHaken has strengthened public safety by boosting police staffing, opening the city’s first mental health triage center, and overseeing the new $55 million Public Safety Campus. He also revamped public transit, increasing ridership through micro-transit and route redesigns.

His community efforts include launching the Sioux 52 Mentoring Initiative, the Mayor’s Youth Council, and the “100 Miles, 100 Days” fitness challenge. Re-elected in 2022 with 73% of the vote, he also founded The 437 Project to support suicide prevention.

Before public office, TenHaken founded Click Rain, a nationally recognized digital marketing agency. He’s received multiple entrepreneurial awards but values most his role as husband to Jill and father of three.

Lexie Warejcka is the Director of Marketing for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and a proud South Dakota native. A graduate of Mount Vernon High School and Dakota Wesleyan University, Lexie thrives on pushing herself beyond her comfort zone. After discovering a love for running, she set a goal to complete a half marathon in every state, having completed races in 11 states so far, with more planned for The 437 Project.

As a returning runner, Lexie is passionate about raising awareness for mental health in rural South Dakota, with a focus on postpartum mental health. Outside of her work and running, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children and serves as Superintendent of the Sunday School Program at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. Lexie draws strength from the scripture, John 13:7: “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

Israel Zinns’ love of running began reluctantly in the United States Marine Corps, where it was less of a choice and more of a requirement. Today, however, trail running has become a meaningful way for him to clear his mind and reflect on his time in the military. As a veteran, he’s excited to connect with other veterans through The 437 Project and raise awareness about the impact of suicide on this community. Israel runs in honor of his brothers and sisters whose lives are deeply affected by mental illness.

Now living in Canton, South Dakota, Israel enjoys running the trails or pavement near his home, with music playing an essential role in his running routine. He treasures spending time with his children and enjoys quality moments with his girlfriend. Professionally, Israel works as a Senior Financial Analyst at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, with a deep appreciation for family time and the music that fuels his passion for running.