OUR TEAM
OUR STORY
Wild Coast Running began in 2020 with a simple goal: to bring quality footwear, apparel, and specialized running events into the Southern Oregon Coast.
What started as a small local shop has grown into a hub where people come for reliable advice, quality shoes, and friendly faces.
NOT A RUNNER? NO PROBLEM.
We help everyone, from people who stand on their feet all day to those with mobility concerns, and anyone who hikes, walks, or trains. Along the way we have continued to support the community as coaches, volunteers, and run leaders because we believe running is meant to be shared.
Shoe fitting matters to us because it affects your everyday comfort and your long term movement, it’s why we fit shoes in person. Seeing you walk and run helps us match you with shoes that support your stride and your goals. All foot shapes and sizes are welcome, and we take pride in finding the right fit for everyone who walks (or runs) through our door.
​
At the heart of the shop is a simple purpose: we want you to leave feeling comfortable, confident, and ready for whatever comes next.
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM
AMARISSA WOODEN
OWNER
Amarissa genuinely enjoys spending time with people. You will often hear her say she retired from healthcare after 20 years to tie shoes for a living. She loves every minute of it. Amarissa has lived in Southern Oregon all her life. Although she ran track in high school, she became a "runner" in adulthood. When she is not at the shop, you will find her balancing her time directing races for the South Coast Running Club, coaching high school cross country, volunteering around the community, and training for her own running events. She is a RRCA (Road Runners Club of America) Certified Running Coach and a member of the Shoe Fitters Society with a certificate in shoe fitting.
BEN SWANK
MEDIA MANAGER
A North Bend grown full time student and Track Athlete at Southwestern Oregon Community College, Ben handles all of our social media. He’s been working in content creation for over five years and is looking to continue in media production after college. Ben loves helping people find solutions using over two years of experience fitting shoes, and five years of running Cross Country, Track, and a Marathon. While he currently is focusing all of his athletic training into Javelin, he plans to return to distance running after his Javelin career.
LEXIE JONES-ORTEGA
RETAIL MANAGER
Lexie is an adventurous spirit with a deep passion for running, the great outdoors, and exploring new places. Originally from Idaho, she made the move to Coos County in 2017, where she has continued to embrace a life of discovery and exploration. Whether it's traversing scenic landscapes or expanding her knowledge, Lexie is always on the go, seeking new challenges and adventures in both the natural world and life itself. She is also a member of the Shoe Fitters Society, holding a certificate in shoe fitting, and is an ISSA Running Coach.
AMARA HALVERSON
RETAIL ASSOCIATE
Amara enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, and exploring the outdoors. She also loves bringing her camera along on adventures with friends. Amara competed in wrestling, track, and cross country at Southwestern Oregon Community College from 2020–2022, then continued wrestling at Eastern Oregon University from 2022–2024, where she also played lacrosse in the spring of 2024. In June 2025, she graduated from Eastern Oregon University with a degree in Health and Human Performance, concentrating in Community Health. Amara brings all of her experiences and expertise to the table as she invests in her community and contributes greatly to the team.
THE WINE WALK CREW
EVENT TEAM
This is a top-notch, high energy, fun-loving group of friends who love to support the local running community and pour wine during the Wine Walk.