FOUNDERS, MFCEO

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.

GENERAL MANAGER

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. 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.

APPAREL/ACCESSORIES BUYER

Hi! My name is Keri. I was born and raised in the tiny little town Ash Grove, MO. I moved to Bentonville when I married my husband almost 20 years ago. I love it here! 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. 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.

HIRNG/TRAINING MANAGER

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 30 half and full marathons, 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. 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.

BENTONVILLE FLOOR MANAGER

Hi! I'm 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!

BENONVILLE FLOOR MANAGER

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 had 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 daughters in a stroller.

BENTONVILLE FLOOR MANAGER

Hey there! My name is Niki Michaelsen, I am a 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 here! I love all things food and exercise! Really glad I work in a place where I feel like I can help others enjoy exercise too!

FAYETTEVILE FLOOR MANAGER

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 Fayetteville shop if you ever want to chat.

FAYETTEVILLE FLOOR MANAGER

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Hi guys, I’m Scotlyn! I grew up in Gainesville, Florida where I ran cross country and track in high school. I continued my running career at Lenoir-Rhyne University where I graduated in 2023. I moved to NWA after graduation where I continue to work towards my MBA! I love this community and experiencing the incredible support you all have to offer. Stop by and say hi or ask me any of your Saucony questions!

SALES ASOCIATE

Hi, my name is Seth. I was born and raised in Bentonvile, Arkansas. I run for Bentonville West. I’m a musician and an athlete and love to be outdoors. I love to run because it makes me feel free and alive. I get to get outside and see nature. Rush Running is the perfect place for me to expand that community and spread my love for running to others!

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi, I’m Malea! I’m from Marion, AR and ran track and cross country in junior high and high school. I’m currently a biochemistry major at UArk on a pre PA track. I enjoy running for fun as well as going to the gym, trying new recipes, and hanging out with my dog Maverick!

SALES ASSOCIATE

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 competition and the comradery. I'm happy to work in a place that encourages people in the community and strives to grow it.

SALES ASSOCIATE

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 Community College.

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hey y’all! My name is Olivia Castillo, I’m 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 for 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 priveldge of training/competing with some of the top riders in the nation. I am the staff's certified "horse girl"!

SALES ASSOCIATE

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.

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hello my name is Alex! I am a senior at Bentonville High School. I’ve been working at Rush Running since 2021, and I love helping customers! Stop by and ask me about shoes, or fishing!

SALES ASSOCIATES

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.

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hello! I was born in Dallas, Texas and moved here when I was 4. After college, I moved all around Texas to Connecticut to North Carolina and Tennessee. I returned to Fayetteville with my two girls, I have been an 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. My love of learning exercise led me to get certifications in group exercise and personal training. My latest love has been Orangetheory! I really connect with our customers who do group exercise and walk. Come by the Fayetteville store and see me!

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hey, I’m Wyatt. I grew up here in Bentonville, Arkansas where I ran cross country and track at BHS. I am currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas studying Supply Chain Management. Stop by the Bentonville or Fayetteville store to say hi!

SALES ASSOCIATE

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!!!

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi! My name is Halle Michaelson. I was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina before relocating here to go to the University of Arkansas. While I didn’t like running growing up, I took a liking to it after going through two ankle surgeries in high school. As someone who knows first hand the impact of injuries on physical and mental health, I strive to help people find a pair of shoes that will help them on their journey to feeling their best. When not at work, you’ll find me hanging out with my husband, watching fridge organization videos, and wishing I had a dog.

SALES ASSOCIATE

SALES ASSOCIATE

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.

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi! My name is Bella Shelton! I am originally from Pennsylvania but Arkansas 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!

SALES ASSOCIATE

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!

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi! My name is Ryder Smith and I’m from Bentonville, Arkansas. I was introduced to running by my dad and fell in love with distance running. Running helps me clear my head and push my body to new limits. Currently, I go to Haas Hall Academy where I run cross country and track. I wish to continue running in the future!

SALES ASSOCIATE

Jared Tubb here- 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 definitely 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!