Eileen Francisco
Founder
Eileen Francisco is a vegan, long distance runner and race director. She’s a Bay Area native and ex-Peace Corps Volunteer. While traveling, she notices the hungry and homeless animals on the street and has always wanted to do something to alleviate animal suffering. Through her desire to help animals and the environment and with the incredible support of family, friends and the amazing running community, the Animal Run was born. Eileen enjoys making new friends on the trails and very much looks forward to meeting you.
Victor Ballesteros
Director
Victor Ballesteros is proud to support Animal Run. A long-time competitive trail runner, his exploits and adventures have led to the creation of Victory Sportdesign, makers of Victory Bags, the super-organized and functional all-purpose gear bags. When that’s not happening, he and his four legged teammate Lucy are racing fast and taking names!
Eleanor Datu
Director
Eleanor Datu is a financial professional, mother of two, a hula dancer and animal lover. She is supporting Animal Run to make sure it stays solvent.
Mike Stough
Director
Mike Stough has been an avid runner and animal rights advocate for over 15 years. He currently works as a Creative Director at First Republic. He also is the founder and President of Eagles for Earth, the company’s employee run environmental stewardship group. He lives in El Cerrito with his wife and three adopted chihuahua mutts.
Gus Luong
Director
Phong “Gus” Luong initially went vegan ten years ago for health reasons, but now champions animals and the environment in a three-prong approach to encouraging ways to reduce the use of animal products. Besides working in e-commerce for over twenty years, Gus is a self-taught sewist and makes outdoor and lifestyle gear for UnalomeOutfitters.com. He also enjoys running, backpacking, and being out in nature.
Michelle Bierman
Director
Michelle first began running when she signed up to train for a half marathon while raising funds for animals in need. After several years working with the organization, the program was discontinued but Michelle continued to run and advocate for animals so she was excited when the Animal Run came to life. She currently works in the fitness industry, in addition to volunteering as a leader for South Bay based Bay Area Run Crew. A Bay Area native, you can often find Michelle running, walking or hiking with her trail loving rescue pup, Mocha.
Jennifer Tobits
Director
Jennifer Tobits is a canicross and ultra runner who has four amazing four-legged coaches and teammates. A supporter of several animal rescue organizations, Jennifer is an admin for Bay Area Urban Mushers and a founder of the San Francisco chapter of Canicross USA. She and her wife also have three adorable rescue cats (who are not ultra runners). In her free time, she loves hiking with her dogs and restoring her old house. Thrilled to support Animal Run, Jennifer is looking forward to growing the yearly fundraising event.