Meet the Staff

Keri Letson

Hi! My name is Keri Letson. I was born and raised in a tiny little town in Southwest Missouri called Ash Grove. I moved to Bentonville when I married my husband almost 20 years ago. I love this great community we live in! I ran for my high school track team, but stopped running when I went to college. I took up running again in 2008, but it was sporadic. Until I stumbled across a sign-up for this newly formed half marathon training group, administered by Mike Rush, that Bentonville Parks and Rec was starting. I signed up on a whim and ran my first half marathon in the Spring of 2012. After that, I was hooked on running! I've run several half and full marathons since then and hope to qualify to run the Boston Marathon someday! I am so excited to be a part of the Rush Running family so I can pay it forward by helping people reach their running, walking, or healthy lifestyle goals. Stop by the store and say Hi anytime!

Likes: Summer, The Kansas City Chiefs, Ice Cream, and Hot Tamales (the candy!)
Dislikes: Winter, the color pink, eggs, and wet shoes.

Myra Tubb

Hey I'm Myra! I love all things outdoors and adventure! I also love art, reading, coffee, and meeting new people. I grew up in Fayetteville where I played soccer and ran track/cross country up until high school. Then, I switched my focus to running in college. I ran cross country for the University of West Florida in Pensacola for four years and soaked uo the Florida sun. Now I am back in NWA to stay! Can't wait to meet you!

Ashlee Kuykendall

Hello, I'm Ashlee! I grew up in a tiny town in Missouri called Warsaw. I was strongly against becoming a runner for a few years, and would support my sister during her races. I decided to run my first 5k my sophomore year of high school and fell in love. I went to college at Missouri Southern University where I ran cross country and track, then planted myself in NWA after graduating. I fell in love with the active outdoor community here and the good vibes this area brings. I have continued to run for fun with friends and race for the Rush Race Team. I also enjoy cycling around the area, camping, hiking, and photography! Come stop by the shop, I would love to chat and get to know you.

Alex Burghart

Greetings, I am Alexander Burghart, hailing from the esteemed locale of Bentonville, Arkansas. My passion for running was kindled during my formative years in middle school, and has since flourished into a cherished pastime. Currently, I find myself indulging in this pursuit purely for leisure, while concurrently pursuing my academic endeavor at Northwest Arkansas Comunity College.

Hayden Kingfisher

Hello! My name is Hayden Kingfisher. I'm from Louisiana but I have traveled all over in a military family. I've been chasing my older brothers my whole life and somehow that landed me a spot on LSU's track team. I ultimately ended up tranferring to the University of Arkansas where I finished my degree as an evil scientist. I love spending hours with customers to get me out of work, so if you want to hang out and talk shop, come by and see us!

Niki Michaelsen

Hey there!

My name is Niki Michaelsen, I am Houston Texas native. I started running for fun when I was a kid, ran through high school, and then cross country and track at BYU. After graduating BYU I moved here to Arkansas with my husband and I love it! I love all things food and exercise! Really glad I work in a place that I feel like I can help others enjoy exercise too!

Grace Shoemaker

Hi! My name is Grace. I was born in Louisiana and moved to Northwest Arkansas in 2012. I started to participate in cross country and track soon after moving here, and fell in love with running! Currently I run track for Bentonville High School, focusing mainly on hurdles. Besides running, I love all things music. I play guitar and I’m a member of the chamber choir at BHS. Be sure to stop by the store and say hi!

Kristi Kelly

Hi! Im Kristi. I moved to NWA from Colorado a few years ago and absolutely love the kindness of the people here! I've been a non committal runner for most of my life (still am, hehe) but a few years ago I started doing trail races and fell in love with running all over again. I am a mom and a visually-impaired runner who loves to run "half-blind half marathons." I love working at Rush because I get to meet folks from all over who love to run or need a safe place learning how to start!

Ethan McCarthy

Wassup! My name is Ethan McCarthy. I'm initially from Wisconsin, but Bentinville has grown to become my home. I am a senior as Bentonville High School and team-captian sprinter on the Bentonville track team (200m and 400m). Although I won't be sprinting in college, I plan to be a lifelong runner competing in marathons and trathlons! I am passionate about running, shoes, and an occasional hill-workout. I am extremely blessed to be a part of Rush Running where I can connect with passionate runners and my community.

Ben Ledbetter

Hi! I'm Ben Ledbetter. Running became a staple of my life in 2009, as a Freshman in high school. I ran Cross Country and Track at Colorado Christian University. Since graduating and moving to NWA, I have the amazing opportunity to share my passion for the sport as an employee of Rush, as an assistant coach at John brown University, and as a member of the community. You can catch me on the Greenway with my wife on a bike, and my daughter in a stroller.

Connor Austin

Hey!! My name is Connor Austin, and I was raised in Rogers, Arkansas. I am currently a student at the University of Arkansas, majoring in Business Finance. I began running in the 8th grade when I joined the track team. I switched over to XC and track for the next 4 years of High School, where I ran for Rogers High School, and was Captain of the varsity team. Although I’m not running at Arkansas, I still love to run and workout whenever, and plan to race all the local races in NWA. I love working at Rush Running because it allows me share my knowledge about running with the rest of the Northwest Arkansas community. I’m a huge sneaker head and have loved shoes/ running for the most of my life.

Lizzy Costner

My name is Lizzy Costner. I grew up in Lativa and I was adopted here in Arkansas. I started to run for fun but then joined Cross Country and Track in high school. Then I ran for Ouachita Baptist University. I studied Kinesiology- Exercise Science and Dietetics. Now I get to train young athletes to help prevent injuries and to help strengthen their weaknesses in their sport. I love a healthy lifestyle and to help others be the best version of themselves.

Bella Shelton

Hi! My name is Bella Shelton! I a, originally from Pennsylvania but Arkasnsas has been my home for the past 10 years. I currently go to Bentonville High School where I play soccer for their team, along with playing on a club soccer team. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. I am so happy to be part of the Rush Running Family!

Olivia Castillow

Hey yall! My name is Olivia Castillo, Im originally from Little Rock, Arkansas but I've also lived in Pensacola Florida for a number of years. I am currently a Walton student at the University of Arkansas. I grew up running track fro both middle/ high school years as well as simultaneously playing for my local club soccer team. I don't currently run for Arkansas but I have recently become a gym enthusiast! Outside of my Rush life I am an avid equestrian and have had the privege of training/competing with some of the top riders in the nation. I am the staff's certified "horse girl"!

Mac May

Hello. My name is Mac, I'm a Memphis boy. started running in middle school and never looked back. I moved to NWA in 2020 and have loved it. I enjoy all physical activities and talking. Working at Rush has taught me so much about the values of community and hard work. Stop by the Fay shop if you ever want to chat.

Kate Vanden Bosch

Hi! My name is Kate Vanden Bosch. I am a vasity basketball athlete at Haas Hall Bentonville. I found my passion for basketball through my previous cross country team and continue to love all things athletic. I can't wait to see where this passion leads me in the future! Aside from that, I love science and coding and hope to pursue a career in engineering after I graduate from high shcool! Come stop by to talk shoes and if you have any engineering tips!

James Reeves

I liked Rush Running so much as a customer and race team member that I decided it only made sense to make Mike & Ali pay me. So here I am. And I have appointed myself the Director of Fun. I’ve been running in some form or fashion ever since I was a kid. Back in the days before iPhones, X-box and the like. You know, when our parents told us to go outside and play. Sure, I’ve taken breaks from time to time (the longest about 10 years) but I always come back to running. Pavement or dirt, road or trail, 1 mile to 50 miles. It doesn’t matter to me. The longer I have run the more I realize what a gift it is. One passed to me from my father. My mission is to pass it on to others. That’s why I’m here. Here are my rules…

1. No grouchy pants allowed
2. Keep it simple
3. Be kind to everyone
4. Believe in something
Stop by the shop and say hello. Just ask for Red Dirt.

Cameron Dalton

My name is Cameron Dalton and I 've grown up practically my entire life in Northwest Arkansas. Running has always been a part of my life in some campacity, from running local 5ks as a kid to cross country and track for Bentoville High School. Now I attend school at the University of Arkansas, and still love being outdoors on the road or trail any chance I can get! Preferably the trail though- I do love OZ trails. I love getting to work here and helping others achieve all their goals, whatever those may be!

Coleman Wilson

Hey all! I’m Coleman, also known as black lung to some, I have been working at Rush Running for 4 years now and loved every minute of it! I currently attend Arkansas State University and run cross country and track for the Red Wolves! I’m majoring in Mechanical Engineering hopefully to someday to work for a shoe company and design shoes! I also graduated from Bentonville High school in 2019 and am the current Mile school record holder. I have an absolute passion for running and would love to help you find your own addiction to it! Please don’t hesitate to come in and ask any questions, I’m more than willing to help!

Payton Brack

Hey my name is Payton. I've lived in Arkansas my whole life and moved to NWA during the summer of 2022 and love it. I run for Bentonville on their Cross Country and track team, but I have been running since middle school. I love the compedition and the comradery. I'm happy to work in a place that encourages people in the community and strives to grow it.

Miles Rush

My name is Miles Rush. I am a freshman in high school who has loved to run and play sports since I was little. I am on the Bentonville XC and track team and hope to make it to run in college and love anything about running, and running shoes.

Hunter Kemp

What's up! My name is Hunter Kemp and I am a Fayetteville native. I started running competively my Freshman year of High School and ended up winning three state championships before graduating in 2023. Rush Running has helped me a lot throughout my running career, and I hope to provide the same lasting help that I have been given in the past.

Deon Stewart

Jared Tubb

Jared Tubb- I went to Fayetteville High School, where I played football. After I graduated I started studying Agriculture Business at the U of A. I am definetly a gymbro at heart, but gamble with running here and there. Also, may or may not be the slowest Rush staff member. I love hiking and camping. Come stop by, I would love to chat!

Julianne Lewis

Hello! I was born in Dallas, Texas and moved here when I was 4. I stayed and went to college here to get my undergraduate degree in English and graduate degree in Drama. After that I moved all around Texas to Connecticut to North Carolina and Tennessee. I returned to Fayetteville with my two girls, I have been dedicated to indoor exercise enthusiast ever since I can remember. I have dabbled with running off and on, but find I like the constant temperatures and weather indoors. Also, I have degenerative issues in my back, My love of learning exercise led me to get certifications in group exercise (aerobics) personal training, and you (500 hr.). My latest love has been Orangetheory! I really connect with our customers whp do group exercise and walk. Come by the Fayetteville store and tell me about your favorite classes!

Allie Kaminski

Hey, I'm Allie. I moved to Northwest Arkansas from Iowa when I was in 9th grade. I'm a volleyball has-been turned distance runner. I was an All-State volleyball player for Rogers High School before returning to Iowa to play volleyball at Graceland University. It wasn't until I finished my senior volleyball season that I decided I wanted to return to NWA and set the goal to run the Bentonville Half Marathon. The rest is history! Since then I've run over 20 half marathons and 9 marathins, including qualifying for and running the Boston Marathon in 2022. I've been a member of the Rush Running Race Team and volunteer for the Bentonville Half Training group since 2018 solely because I love this community so much. If you're looking for a running group (no matter your pace) come see me- I bet I can get you hooked up with a group.

Owen Kelley

Hi I’m Owen Kelley. I’m going into my junior year running cross country and track for Bentonville High School. I found my passion for running through my dad who is a big runner. Outside of running I enjoy playing and coaching baseball, cooking (poorly), and hanging out with friends. What I love about Rush Running is that not only do I get to share my passion of running but I also get to connect with fellow members of the community at the same time.

Meritt McCarty

My name is Meritt McCarty. I was born and raised in Arkansas. I started running cross country and track in middle school and I've been hooked ever since! I love to be with my family and enjoy the outdoors. I'm so grateful I work in a place where we are all like family and where I can help people get hooked on running too!!!

Mike and Alison Rush

Mike and Alison Rush started running in middle school and haven't looked back since. Mike continued his running career at the University of Arkansas and has coached at Fayetteville High School and local runners of all distances, from the 5k to the marathon. Alison also ran for Arkansas, finishing her senior year as the LadyBacks' first runner and qualifying for the Olympic trials in the 10K.