Meet the Crew: Lily’s Aid station- the 571 S Crew

Pickled theme station in 2025

Some people become part of the heart of a race from the very beginning. Lily Medina is one of those people.

Lily has been a Midwest States super volunteer since our inaugural year, showing up for our runners, learning the race, and becoming part of the community that makes this weekend so special.

When she isn't volunteering or running trails, Lily is a kindergarten teacher, mom to Iris and Dahlia, and dog mom to their mini Australian Shepherd, Manchas.

Lily has been running for about six years, with the last four focused on trails. For her, running is much more than miles.

"I fell in love with running because of the time it allows me to be with 'me' and my thoughts. It really is a form of therapy and peace for me."

Running has taken Lily to some pretty incredible places, but one of the things she loves most is the community she's found along the way. Many of the runners she's met have become dear friends.

That same love of community is what draws her to volunteering.

Lily genuinely enjoys helping other runners and has embraced the opportunity to learn from them. She listens, asks questions, observes, and soaks up the enormous amount of knowledge that exists within the trail and ultra community.

"Runners and their experiences provide such a pool of knowledge and resources. It feels like a disservice not to take advantage of these learning opportunities."

And after years of running, volunteering and taking care of others, Lily has a pretty wonderful wish for everyone who heads outside:

"I hope wherever your feet carry you, whether it's roads, trails, mountains, meadows or paths, you find joy in being able to move and an appreciation for everything that surrounds you."

We are incredibly lucky that Lily has chosen to spend so much of that time with Midwest States and our runners.

When you see her out there on race weekend, say hello. She's been helping make this race what it is since year one. 💚