Get to know the 2025 ambassadors

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Born and raised in Cleveland, I moved around quite a bit before settling in Old Brooklyn during my early teen years. I spent time swimming for fun at the local pool, eventually joining the swim team, competing in a few meets, and biking around town for transportation.

After a long battle with alcohol addiction, achieving sobriety in my late 30s was a turning point. It led me to complete my first 5K, and soon after, I put everything together and joined the Cleveland Triathlon Club—originally just for the bumper sticker but quickly discovered a passion for triathlon and embracing challenges!

Fun facts about Mike: I enjoy running at night in rainstorms, golfing, and classic cars. By day, I drive a dumpster truck all over Northeast Ohio, loving the freedom of working outside!

Hi! I’m Johnny Del Balso, a local northeast Ohio native for my entire life!

2025 will be my 4th season of triathlon, and while I still feel relatively new to the sport, what I’ve managed to develop in a seemingly short time has really turned this journey into a passion for me.

I am a returning Tri CLE ambassador and look forward to another great season build-up and race at this year's event! 

Outside of triathlon I also enjoy racing motocross and riding BMX. In both of those sports I have competed at a professional level. Still, at this point in my athletic career, triathlon has provided me an opportunity to write some exciting new chapters in this book of life! 
Looking forward to connecting with everyone, see you at the races! 

 I'm originally from Cleveland but have lived in Columbus for the past 14 years. 

It wasn't until I met my wife (a former high school cross-country runner and swimmer) that I fell in love with and started running. I've done a few half marathons, two triathlons (including Tri CLE in 2022), and most recently an obstacle course race. I am a dad of twin boys so working out not only keeps me healthy, but helps me keep up with them. Outside of racing and training, I also play goalie in an adult hockey league in Columbus. 

 Hello Clevelanders!! I started as a runner and jumped into triathlons after 10 years of racing. (Swimming is a constant work-in-progress.) I'm a returning Tri CLE Ambassador and relatively new to triathlons. Two summers ago I jumped into a late summer tri and struggled through the whole thing. Last year I went through a whole year's training cycle for Tri CLE and completed two triathlons. Trail running is my absolute favorite and you can visit me at Vertical Runner most weekends.  

 I grew up in Rocky River, Ohio, before moving to Texas to attend Texas Tech University where a job eventually led me to settle in Denver. In 2024, I completed my first year in the triathlon community, inspired by watching the  Steamboat GRVL race in 2023. After my first triathlon, I was hooked. I quickly signed up for the Tri Cle race, where my family traveled to cheer me on as I crossed the finish line of my second triathlon. That unforgettable experience makes me proud and excited to serve as an ambassador for a race that holds deep meaning for my hometown! 

 Brooke is a 23 year old from Cleveland, Ohio. She has completed 2 triathlons. Highly underprepared and overly enthusiastic, Brooke completed her first triathlon with her sister in 2022. Brooke was not satisfied with her first run at triathlons, so she gave it another shot at Tri CLE in 2024 and this is when she fell in love with the sport. Brooke is a high school teacher and an 8th grade girls basketball coach. Growing up as a multisport athlete playing both soccer and basketball through high school, Brooke craved a new form of exercise and found her passion reignited in the multisport of triathlon! What she loves most about triathlons is how simultaneously challenging and rewarding they are. Training for triathlons really tests your limits and shows you how capable your body is if you’re willing to push the boundaries. Brooke is super excited to embrace this opportunity to help support the triathlon community and bring awareness to any triathlon seekers! 

 Kim Ruble here and I am excited to be back for year 2 as a Tri CLE Ambassador! I live in NE Ohio with my husband Dave Standley. I am employed as a Recovery and Out of Home Care Services Supervisor for Trumbull County Children Services. I became interested in doing triathlons back when I was a heavy smoker in the 1980’s. It took many years before I attempted my first triathlon, and I can now proudly say that I am a 3-time Ironman athlete. I am very much a champion of the “back of the pack” athlete and view triathlon more as a hobby and lifestyle. I am also the President of my local tri club, Steel Valley Triathlon Club 

 My journey as a medical professional, athlete, and coach demonstrates that with perseverance and support, we can overcome obstacles and make progress towards individual goals. I aim to represent not just this race, but also the spirit of those who work hard, dream big, and chase excellence. Join me at the Olympic distance of the Tri CLE Rock Roll Run Race in September to celebrate the joy of movement, I hope we can embrace the resilience of the human body, mind and spirit. Together, let’s train hard, race passionately, and make this an event to remember! 

 I have been competing in triathlons for 15 years and still loving the challenge! Originally from NJ, now calling Cleveland home. I’m an Engineer who thrives on solving problems—whether it’s fine-tuning gear or pushing through a tough workout. Honored to have been a race ambassador last year and thrilled to represent again this year! When I’m not swimming, biking, or running, you’ll probably find me on the tennis court or diving into my next project.

 Hi, I’m Elise Turner! Born and raised in northeastern Ohio, I now live in Avon with my husband and our 3 cats and pittie. I grew up playing all kinds of sports and missed the competition and community as an adult. To reignite that fire, I found endurance running 7 years ago and the Cleveland volleyball scene 3 years ago. This year, to push myself further, I started triathlon training, and I feel so lucky to begin this journey as a Tri CLE ambassador! Cleveland’s supportive community inspires me, so I’m excited to learn, grow, and share my journey to encourage others to take on new challenges!"