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 Running Race: 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: 2013

Favorite Flying Irish run: The Halloween run where we’d run through Riverpark Square and the STA plaza in costume.

Favorite Running Race: 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: 2012

Favorite Flying Irish run: 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: 2010
    Favorite Flying Irish run: These are my favorites. It was hard to pick just one  The Hill run, and the  Stairmaster
    Favorite Shoes: Brooks all the way..
    Favorite Running Race: The Rock and Roll Half Marathon  in Nashville.

     

    Membership Director – Michele Smith

    Background: My family is from New York, where I was born and spent my youngest years. We moved to Cali where I grew up and started a family. Most of our family moved to Spokane when my sister’s family returned to the states and retired here. I have lived in Spokane for almost 20 years. I love the outdoors and the River…I also love the coast and would spend more time there if I could. In 2013 I faced an illness that almost killed me. So, I decided to change my life, which included reducing from over 500 pounds to what I am today.  My first year with the club was difficult but Brendan was always there with encouragement. But I would never have continued without the unwavering support of my sister Dianne and nephew Nathan.  All of the Irish were and are supportive, which is why I love the club so much. Wherever you are in your journey there is a runner or walker who will be there to encourage you-it’s what makes the club great.

    Year Joined the Flying Irish:  2014 so this is my tenth year.

    Favorite Flying Irish Route:  I love the 7 Bridges Run, even when I take a wrong turn and increase the length.

    Favorite Local Race/Run:   I love Bloomsday and Cherry Pickers Trot.

    Running Shoes: I’m a New Balance Kinda Gal.