ABOUT US
Champions running association
Who we are:
Champions Running Association (CRA) is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit run club serving the Spring, Klein, Champions, Tomball, and Cypress areas – all coming together to get in shape, make new friends, and maybe even tackle a goal race with one of our training groups: Walkers, 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon.
CRA is a community-based running club, not a formal training program. As a member, you have the freedom to train for any number of races during the season—or simply join us for fun runs and fitness without racing at all. While we don’t have paid coaches, our training plans are carefully crafted by certified coaches and passionate volunteers who generously share their knowledge. Every aspect of the club—from organizing group runs to hosting social events and providing hydration support—is powered entirely by our dedicated member volunteers.
How we started:
Founded in 2017, CRA was built from a simple idea: community comes first. From day one, we've offered the support and training plans to help you crush your goals with folks to share miles with. Most importantly, we believe running should be fun. Whether you're chasing a PR or just trying to make it to the next mile marker, it all starts with showing up and embracing the CRAzy spirit that connects us all.
President/Marathon Coach
Assistant Marathon Coach
Assistant Marathon Coach
Assistant Marathon Coach
Half Marathon Coach
Half Marathon Assistant Coach
10K Coach
10K Assistant Coach
5K Coach
5K Assistant Coach
Walkers Coach
Walkers Assistant Coach
VP/Treasurer
Membership/Communications
Community/Social
Community/Social
Leadership Team
MAKING THINGS HAPPEN
President and Co-founder | Marathon Coach (RRCA Certified Coach)
Daniel Dannug
How long have you been running? My run journey started in 2009 and my love for running led to creating CRA and co-founding the group in 2017.
Why do you run? After ten years of half marathons, I finally switched to the full and completed my 3rd Chevron Marathon in January 2023.
Tell us a bit about yourself! By day, I'm a sports chiropractor & acupuncturist and owner of HealthPro Chiropractic and Acupuncture @myhealthpro.chiro.htx. I seek to grow the running community in the area and hope to bring together runners of all levels to push & motivate each other and achieve goals they once thought were unattainable. I'm a three-time Chevron Marathon race ambassador. When I'm not running, I enjoy family time with my wife, Leanne, and our kids.
Vice President/Treasurer | RRCA Certified Coach
Renee Alfaro
How long have you been running? Technically, since 2004. Consistently, since 2012.
Why do you run? I began running after I happened to be at Walt Disney World during their marathon weekend in 2003. After seeing “normal people” that looked like me running and FINISHING the marathon, I wanted to do it. So, I began training in 2004 and ran my one (and only) marathon in 2005 to celebrate a milestone birthday. After a long break from running, where I gained a ton of weight, I started running again in 2012. Since then, I have run 5 half-marathons, 2 10K’s, a ten miler, and numerous 5K’s. Although I previously used running as an excuse to travel and earn cool medals, I now run to improve my health.
How did you get involved in a running group? I could not have finished my marathon without joining a running group. They taught me form, gave me a program I could follow, and best of all, encouragement. After years of being sedentary, I rejoined the running club to hold me accountable for exercising. I knew that if I missed a Saturday or two, the coach would be calling. Now I run to see my friends (or, should I say, my Run Family).
Tell us a bit about yourself! I love traveling, especially to Disney or the Netherlands, and Saturdays in the fall find me cheering on my Huskers! When at home, I’m entertained by my two terrier mixes Phoebe and Penny.
Membership/Communications (RRCA Certified Coach)
Sarah Nguyen
How long have you been running? Since 2003 when I signed up for my first half marathon during my final year of college.
Why do you run? My reasons for running have evolved over the years. My first half was to check it off my bucket list, but I quickly got hooked and started singing up for every race I could find. I fell in love with the training process and runner’s high of crossing the finish line. After losing my dad in a car accident and my sister to breast cancer, running became more than a hobby – it became a form of therapy and daily meditation that continues to ground me before the day begins.
How did you get involved in a running group? I trained for that first half alone using Hal Higdon’s guide. While it got me to the finish line, the experience was a bit isolating. Anything over 3 miles starts to feel monotonous and my motivation dips as I think about my to do list or how nice it would be to just go home and eat! Joining a run group has kept me accountable, pushed me to train smarter and made the entire process more enjoyable with many new friends!
Tell us a bit about yourself! My day job involves marketing communications and program management in the Tech industry. But, my full-time job is managing a busy family of five that loves it when I bring home breakfast after a long run. I'm always up for a new fitness challenge, but NEVER Habanero again. My husband understands that running keeps me sane! My kids are 13, 12 and 8 years old.
Coaches
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Champions Running Association is led by these amazing coaches below. Please reach out to them with any questions you have!
Full Marathon Coach / President
RRCA Certified Coach
Daniel Dannug
How long have you been running? My run journey started in 2009 and my love for running led to creating CRA and co-founding the group in 2017.
Why do you run? After ten years of half marathons, I finally switched to the full and completed my 3rd Chevron Marathon in January 2023.
Tell us a bit about yourself! By day, I'm a sports chiropractor & acupuncturist and owner of HealthPro Chiropractic and Acupuncture @myhealthpro.chiro.htx. I seek to grow the running community in the area and hope to bring together runners of all levels to push & motivate each other and achieve goals they once thought were unattainable. I'm a three-time Chevron Marathon race ambassador. When I'm not running, I enjoy family time with my wife, Leanne, and our kids.
Full Marathon Coach
Coleman Green
How long have you been running? I started running very inconsistently in 2018 during my freshman year of college! Since then my running was super on and off until I ended up joining CRA in 2022. Since then I've been running every day and loving doing it!
Why do you run? I run for my health, for community, to get outside, but mostly because I love it! It took me a long time to find enjoyment in running, but once I started doing it with people I love I began to see all the joys of it. Now running is my release, and it feels wrong to not run!
How did you get involved in the running group? Nepotism mostly. My dad, Jesse, has been involved for longer than I've been running. I would pop in and try running here and there whenever I was in town. Once I moved back from college I found that my dad wasn't the only family member in the run club, every person I ran with was my family member!
Tell us a bit about yourself! I've got a 1,000+ run streak day and wouldn't do it any other way! I'm married to my fellow Marathon coach Emily and we've got a beautiful little cat as our baby. When I'm not running I do food reviews on YouTube, and work as a School Psychologist. I love to yap so if you end up next to me on a run, be warned!
Marathon Assistant Coach
Emily Green
How long have you been running? Running journey began when I joined my high school Cross Country team, sparking a passion that has stayed with me ever since. I continued running into my college years at Sam Houston State University, but like many, my routine was interrupted when Covid hit.
Why do you run? I run for a lot of reasons. Initially, it was about living a healthy lifestyle, but over the years, it's grown into so much more. Running has become my outlet for stress, a time for peaceful reflection, and a way to challenge myself both mentally and physically. While all of these reasons have had a profound impact on my life, what keeps me running above all else is the community. The running community is filled with incredible people who support, encourage, and inspire each other, and I’m grateful to now call many of them best friends.
How did you get involved in a run club? It wasn't until I joined CRA in 2022 that I found my renewed love for running — and it has been one of the best decisions I've made.
Tell us something about yourself! Outside of running, I work as an HR Consultant at Achilles Group. I love spending time with my husband and fellow Marathon Coach, Coleman Green, and our cat, Milldred — who is a frequent topic of conversation for me! If you’re a fellow cat lover, I’m always happy to swap stories. In my downtime, you’ll usually find me reading, listening to podcasts, or working on Swedish weaving projects.
Marathon Assistant Coach
Morgan Jones
How long have you been running? I started running in 2012, focused purely on weight loss. Running very quickly became my safe place and an outlet during all of life’s inevitable trials and tribulations.
Why do you run? I run to inspire others who may not fit the traditional mold of a ‘runner.’ For me, running is less about perfection and more about consistency, perseverance, and community. I believe that every runner has a place on the road, the trail, and at the starting line — no matter their background, pace, or body type. Through my journey, I hope to motivate others to embrace running on their own terms and find confidence, resilience, and joy along the way.
How did you get involved in a run club? I first noticed CRA at the ARAMCO half in 2022. I remember the sea of neon and the palpable sense of community. It was in that moment that I promised myself that if I ever moved to the area, I would join. As life would have it, I relocated to the Tomball area in 2023 and won a membership by pure luck. With the support of my CRA family, I successfully completed my first marathon in January of 2025.
Tell us something about yourself! II am a Perinatal Safety Specialist/Maternal Program Manager, working to improve the quality of maternal care and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Outside of running, you can find me searching for the next best coffee shop or hiking remote trails with my family (especially my sweet boy, Bear).
Half Marathon Coach
Heather Blue
How long have you been running? Since 2015
Why do you run? My ‘why’ has evolved over time. Most of my life my attitude towards running was that it was only something I would do ‘if my life depended on it’ or ‘if I was being chased by a bear’. When I started running, my ‘why’ was because I needed an activity/outlet that was versatile & affordable: something I could do that I could do alone, do anywhere, didn’t require special equipment, & would be a physical challenge. Today, I run as a way to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
How did you get involved in a running group? When I mentioned to my friend, Renee Alfaro, that I was struggling to find an outlet that would check the affordable/local/can do it solo but would be a way to meet new people boxes, she suggested a run club. I was initially hesitant (remember, I hated even the idea of running), but with Renee’s suggestion & the encouragement of another friend, I decided to give it a try. The run club gave me a program to follow, coaching support and a social group where I was able to work my way from off the couch to completing a half marathon. What I most love about CRA is the supportive familial vibe. The club meets each member where he/she is at, with coaches genuinely supporting runners and walkers of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds, with different starting points and different goals.
Tell us a bit about yourself! I’m regularly asked where I’m from and/or asked to repeat certain words as I have a drawl some folks aren’t accustomed to hearing (I’m proud to come from a long line of native Texans 😊). I enjoy meeting new people, making new friends and occasionally organizing ‘day/field trip’ runs outside of our typically CRA run routes. When not working or running, you can typically find me enjoying time with my husband and our two dogs at a park or on a dog friendly restaurant patio.
Half Marathon Assistant Coach
RRCA Certified Coach
Robert Jones
How long have you been running? Since 2019
Why do you run? I started running as a way to help me improve my health. Initially I viewed running as just a tool I used to burn calories and help me drop some pounds. Thanks to CRA I learned to love running and enjoy the process of improving my abilities. Running provides me with a time to clear my mind and relieve some stress in the process.
How did you get involved in a running group? I was recruited to join Champions Running Association in September 2020 by my brother in law. I had never run with other people before, but I am glad I gave it a chance. Everyone I met was welcoming and supportive. CRA introduced me to the social aspects of running and the awesome running community in Houston. CRA is more than just a group of people who run together. What makes CRA great are the other members, people who really support each other with running knowledge, encouragement, and companionship. Everyone is welcome in CRA no matter their experience or skill level. I’ve found some amazing friends in the Champions run family!
Tell us a bit about yourself! I grew up in the Houston area and graduated Baylor University (Sic’Em Bears!). I work as an attorney at a local law firm. When I’m not working or running with CRA I enjoy spending time with my wife Sandy and my two daughters Grace and Reagan.
10K Coach / CKC Spring Coach
RRCA Certified Coach
Hector Ornelas
How long have you been running? I’ve ran off and on my entire life, but everything changed in January of 2019. In January, I set a goal to run another full marathon by May of 2020. I never expected to fall in love with running and just thought I would cross a marathon off my list and be done, but that was far from the case. Once I found out my “WHY”, running became a part of me
Why do you run? I run for my family, I run to set a good example for my kids, I run because it gives me an outlet to release all of my stresses, I run because its fun, I run because I love my running community, but most importantly, I run because I CAN.
How did you get involved in a running group? When I decided to run another marathon, I knew I needed to do it the right way this time and in my head, right was joining a running club. I wanted to be surrounded by like minded people who had the same goals as me. Joining a running club has meant everything to me! I’ve meet some amazing people and get inspired daily by all of their accomplishments.
Tell us something about yourself! One thing you should know about me is that I’m a die hard longhorn fan and college football fan, so be ready to discuss this on our fall morning runs! I’m the proud father of four amazing kids, Santiago, Gabriel, Sophia, and Lilianna.
10K Assistant Coach
Lezlie Walla-Nance
How long have you been running? I started running in 2019. I ran a mile without stopping for the first time in my life that year.
Why do you run? Battling weight since a kid, I had tried every form of exercise but eventually would always quit. Whenever I attempted running again, my “eye of the tiger” vision was run a 5k. After having bariatric surgery, I knew I had to make a total lifestyle change. Running was one of the big changes I made and I’ve stuck with it. The runner’s high is real.
How did you get involved with a run club? I became a runner on the treadmill. The gyms closing during Covid forced me to become an outside runner. As restrictions lifted, I wanted to keep it up and wanted to join a running group. An old friend of mine from high school ran with CRA and encouraged me to join. There's not a word I can think of that could adequately sum up what CRA is to me. It’s family, it’s encouragement, it’s inclusion, it’s pushing each other, it’s showing up when one of us needs the accountability, and it’s getting great content for the ‘gram with lots of group run selfies. Now, my partner and two middle kids show up to run 5ks and 1ks with many other CRA kids. And the CRA adults are on the sidelines cheering the loudest for them.
Tell us a bit about yourself! Outside of work/family/working out, you'll find me at the barn with my horse. I’ve ridden Hunter/Jumper since I was 6 years old and am just as obsessed now as I was then.
5K Coach
Courtney Dunham
How long have you been running? Since 2020
Why do you run? I have always been active, but could not wrap my mind around people who just ran. If it was not to chase some kind of ball then why do it??? In May of 2020 that all changed when I ran ran 2.23 miles in honor of Ahmaud Arbery without stopping. Running without bouncing a basketball at the same time,changed my perspective of the activity. The next day, I challenged myself to run 3 miles without stopping and cried tears of joy for accomplishing something I never thought I could.
How did you get involved in a running group? I joined the CRA Half Marathon group in August of 2020 and coached 2022-2023. I have finished 8 half marathons and earned over 80 medals in 5ks,10ks, 10milers and half marathons. I also served as a 2022 Aramco Half Marathon Ambassador, volunteered as a Girls on the Run Coach and continue to inspire anyone I meet with my story. My new fitness challenges include Hyrox and Deka with BC Fitness.
Tell us a bit about yourself! I'm an energetic, supportive and knowledgeable individual who finds gratification in all that I do. As a full-time mother and Market Leader at Bimbo Bakeries, I fully understand the discipline of making time for yourself. I'm an overall health advocate and desire to help people catapult into a higher version of themselves. But first it starts with finding and understanding your "Y" for the grind: insYde grind. When I'm not running or training for Hyrox, I'm spending time with family, her sole sisters, active in outreach ministries or catching up on TV series.
5K Assistant Coach
RRCA Certified Coach
Lorie Matthews
How long have you been running? I started running during the pandemic of 2020.
Why do you run? I run to clear my mind, to test my limits, and to feel fully present in my body. Every mile teaches me something—about resilience, about patience, and about myself. It’s not just about fitness or speed; it’s about freedom, focus, and finding peace in motion.
How did you get involved in a running group? I contacted a friend that was already a part of CRA and asked about running. I'm not a fan of cardio really so I was not eager to run at all, I just wanted to make sure my heart and lungs were strong. And I believed running would do that. And to my surprise it has now become a passion of mine. So much so, I became a certified running coach through RRCA.
Tell us a bit about yourself! I'm a wife, grandmother, and RRCA Certified Running Coach. After 35 years in the Natural Gas Clean Energy industry I decided to pursue my passion for fitness. to assist those who are new to running that have a desire to compete in competitive racing. I've run half marathons, many 10k races, and countless 5K races in which I've podiumed many times! For the last 5 years I participated in the Annual Mudgirl Race, TriGirl Duathlon, Island Girl Duathlon, Muddy dash, and competed in Hyrox Mixed Doubles with her husband and in 2025 Hyrox Doubles Women. Whatever your fitness goals are, I'm ready to help you you jumpstart your fitness. I offer a judgment-free space specializing in helping beginners take the first step towards a healthier, happier lifestyle. With patience, kindness, and encouragement, I'll guide you at your own pace—no yelling, no pressure, just support. Whether you’ve never run before or struggled to stick with it, I'm here to help you build confidence and find joy in movement within a positive, accountability-based community.
Walkers Coach
Caren Green
How long have you been walking? I have always enjoyed walking and joined CRA last June with the group.
Why do you walk? I walk to stay fit and keep moving. Although I sometimes find it hard to get up on a Saturday morning, I feel so accomplished when have walked.
How did you get involved in a running group? Jesse Green had been bugging me for 6 years to join the walkers group. When I finally did, I realized what I had been missing and never looked back.
Tell us a bit about yourself! I am from London, UK and have lived in America for almost 40 years and in Houston for 13 years. Jesse and I have been married for 32 years. We have two children, Kathryn married to Austin. Coleman married to Emily. I work as a Transaction Coordinator for the Lester | Warren team with Gary Greene and I have been with them for 9 years.
Walkers Assistant Coach
Kimberly White
How long have you been walking? In 2018 I joined my 1st walking group.
How did you get involved in a run club? I began running for exercise at home. I found it difficult to stay motivated and I really didn’t know what I was doing. Then in 2018 my co-worker suggested I join her walking group. I’m so thankful I listened. The wisdom of veteran walkers/runners is invaluable. The motivation to get up on Saturday morning has kept me going and encouraged this journey. Because of this group I have finished the Disney Princess ½ marathon and Aramco ½ marathon. Being part of a group has brought my walking/running experience to a new level.
Tell us something about yourself! I’m a mother of three adult children and a grandmother. I enjoy vacations, Disney has been our go to locations for several years. Recently my husband and I took our first trip out of the country.
Community-Social / CKC Spring Coach RRCA Certified Coach
Jesse Green
How long have you been running? Since 2018, thanks to CRA
Why do you run? I started running as way to lose weight. I was able to lose 100 pounds by running and dieting in little over a year. Once I realized I could do it and not keep making excuses, running actually became fun. Now, thanks to CRA I look forward to running with a great group of friends.
How did you get involved with a run club? My great friend Heather Blue told me about the run group. I was hesitant at first since I was not running regularly and not in very good shape. But Heather was persistent and convinced me to join. I remember one of the first team runs with Coach Lorraine. I told her I was not much of a talker when running and even sprinted a mile or so in order to get away from her and having to talk. Now it is probably harder to get me to stop talking!
Tell us a bit about yourself! I grew up playing baseball, football and basketball all through high school. Went into the US Army in 1987 and worked most of my military time in the Washington Military District. I played softball for the US Army Military District for 3 years and won several military titles. I am married to a wonderful and understanding wife (of my addiction to running), Caren. I have 2 children, Kathryn 29 and Coleman 24.
Community-Social
Angela Leong
How long have you been running? Started running 2017.
Why do you run? I run for the challenge and fitness. I run to be with friends and to build community. Running challenges, me mentally and physically.
How did you get involved in a run club? I got involved in run club to support my friend Daniel. 8 years later I’ve made amazing friends. I’ve managed to run all distances from 5k’s to full marathons. I still have plans for that one half ironman and one ultra. I accomplished all kinds of running goals. I’ve experienced a few setbacks and coming back is always an amazing journey. CRA is community, family, memories, a journey and a story. We as a family enjoy encouraging, motivating, supporting, teaching and being present with our new and current members. With all communities, what you get out of it is what you put into it. “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” What are you waiting for?! “You can do hard things.”
Tell us something about yourself! Born and raised in Houston, Texas. A mom to Maia and wife to Mike Leong. I am not your typical Registered Nurse. I work as a project manager in Clinical
Activations with Clinical Design and Planning. I LOVE sweets and baked goods. If I am not running, I am with family or creative time. I enjoy learning and expressing myself through creative outlets. I am the owner and camera woman behind Angela Leong Photography. I own Halo Halo Studio-a creative space of creative goods from jewelry to artisan crafts to one day workshops. “Be Curious, Go Explore, make it Happen.”