2025 Flying Irish Board
Grand Poobah – Natalie Sorger
Background:
I have lived in Spokane most of my life, I grew up on a farm on Green Bluff. I started running in Middle school, track and cross country. A friend invited me to run with Flying Irish at the season opening run March 2017. I was hooked, I never had so much fun running before. Who knew that 8 short years later the club that I love so much would vote me into the position of Grand Poobah.
Year Joined the Flying Irish:
2017
Favorite Flying Irish Route:
River Run
Favorite Race/Run:
Cherry Pickers Trot and of course Bloomsday.
Secretary – Allison Armfield
Background:
I didn’t start running until I moved to Spokane and did my first Bloomsday in 2012. The energy was infectious and I was immediately addicted to running. This inspired me to sign up for various fun runs, eventually my first half marathon, and led me to check out local running clubs – including the Flying Irish! Fast-forward more than a decade later and I now have a box full of countless race medals and a husband I met through this wonderful running community! I love the accountability and social aspect of running clubs and hope to support others in their running journey as your Flying Irish Secretary!
Year Joined the Flying Irish:
2013
Favorite Flying Irish Route:
The Halloween run where we’d run through Riverpark Square and the STA plaza in costume.
Favorite Race/Run:
Bloomsday
Sponsor Liaison – Robert Teal
Background:
I’ve been a long-time member and formerly club Secretary and now looking to help with my past experience bring back some of the old fun memories for newer members to enjoy. Flying Irish created a weekly habit and brought back a love of running and brought me out of my introverted shell.
Year Joined the Flying Irish:
2012
Favorite Flying Irish Route:
7 bridges.
Treasurer – Dianne Mahaffy
Background:
I am originally from Long Island NY. I have lived in many states and a few countries as a military spouse. We moved to Spokane from Japan in 2005.
I started running in 2003 with my husband while he was training for his PT test. I have run ever since. My oldest daughter was the one who introduced me to the Flying Irish back in 2010. We would meet every week and run together. It has always been fun running with FI.
Year Joined the Flying Irish:
2010
Favorite Flying Irish Route:
These are my favorites. It was hard to pick just one: The Hill run, and the Stairmaster.
Favorite Race/Run:
The Rock and Roll Half Marathon in Nashville.
Favorite Running Shoes:
Brooks all the way…
Membership Director – David Holt
Background:
On Thursday, March 8, 2012, fate struck! While at work, seemingly just another day at the office, I happened to be thumbing through the Spokesman Review newspaper and noticed a co-worker of mine, who they called the “Grand Poobah,” wearing some bright green tights that’d rival the hair bands of the 80s. Accompanying the photo was an article about how the Flying Irish season had opened the week prior with 400 runners at their new home, Ripples.
After deciding to join the club, I have had the opportunity to meet countless friends, run around Spokane wearing God-knows-what, pound a metric buttload of pavement, consume just as many adult beverages, and have an unfathomable amount of fun. I even met the love of my life, whom I now call my wife: Allison.
A lot of things have come and gone during my time as a member, but a few things remain the same. The Flying Irish, with the unofficial, but aptly attributed, tongue-in-cheek slogan of “A drinking club with a running problem,” is a community welcoming of anyone and everyone as long as they don’t take themselves too seriously. It has given me and many others a reason to get outside and be active when the demands of everyday life make it easier not to. I believe one run with the Flying Irish can change people’s lives. It certainly has changed mine.
Year Joined the Flying Irish:
2012
Favorite Flying Irish Route:
IDK, maybe the Stairmaster? It’s tough, but makes the post-run beer taste even better!
Favorite Race/Run:
The Hauser Lake Icebreaker Run 10k. It’s a nice scenic run around the lake for a good cause.
Favorite Running Shoes:
Anything minimalist with a large toe box. I call ’em ballerina slippers!
