Rush Running Staff

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.

HIRING/TRAINING MANAGER

Hey, I'm Allie. I moved to NWA 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 40 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.

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 to work on my MBA, which I graduated with in 2024! 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!

BENTONVILLE FLOOR MANAGER

Hi, I’m Kelsey! I moved to Bentonville from Phoenix in 2017. I am an All-Star cheerleader turned distance runner! I cheered competitively for 6 years and after graduating from BHS in 2020, I wanted to keep active. I started running in 2021 and absolutely fell in love with it and the supportive running community that we have here in Bentonville! I have run over 8 half marathons and plan to run a full marathon one day! Aside from running I enjoy yoga, lifting, and spin classes. I am really big into nutrition and overall wellness. I am currently at NWACC studying to become a Physical Therapist Assistant!

BENTONVILLE FLOOR MANAGER

My name is Sam, I fell in love with running later in life, but it gave me a new found purpose. I spend most of my time running, lifting, hiking, and just about anything else that gets me moving. I am currently a personal trainer continuing my education in order to help people stay or get back to being active so they can enjoy the activities they love the most.

FAYETTEVILLE FLOOR MANAGER

Hi, my name is Benjie! I grew up in Pennsylvania, Washington, and Central Arkansas, and just recently moved to NWA. I started running recreationally when I was in college at UCA, and I love being able to share my love of running with other people! When I'm not running, I enjoy playing the guitar, skating, playing soccer, and hanging with friends!

FAYETTEVILLE FLOOR MANAGER

Hi I’m mieka, I have loved running since my freshman year of high school. I’ve learned so many incredible lessons through running and being active. I’m grateful for the sport. In last 7 years I have challenged myself run many half’s, full and ultra race. Recently gotten into triathlons. I love the benefits and growth that comes from running and being active. I’m currently on grad school for counseling and have seen lots of overlap between physical and mental health and hope to be advocate for integrating both. 

BENTONVILLE TEAM LEAD

Hi! I'm Kristi. I moved to NWA from Colorado 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 TEAM LEAD

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 TEAM LEAD

Hi, I’m Emma! I’m originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma but moved here to attend the U of A! I started running in college and, to my surprise, became addicted. Outside of Rush, I work as a Collections Assistant at the Rogers Historical Museum! I love anything related to running, Razorback athletics and my miniature dachshund, Frankie.

FAYETTEVILLE TEAM LEAD

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

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 Gavin and I’ve grown up all around Texas and I am currently at the University of Arkansas working on my Biology degree. I love to be outdoors and I love fitness and I love pushing myself. Rush is perfect for all of these things and the environment is fantastic!

SALES ASSOCIATE

My name is Ethan Carlson and I grew up in Northwest Arkansas. I was very active coming out of high school and soon found out that’s the only way I can live. starting my freshmen year at the University of Arkansas I attended basic training and then decided to run 10 ultras ranging from 50k to 100milers in a year. I’m the combative instructor for the ROTC program at the University of Arkansas and hold a blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. My next adventure is completing an Iron-Man!

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi friends! My name is Jalen and I’m from England, Arkansas! A friend introduced me to running freshman year of college in 2023 and ever since then I’ve fallen in love with running! When I’m not running you catch me outdoor climbing, with a good book, or drawing out a totally not funny joke with friends!

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi, my name is Elijah Drain, and I was born and raised in Northwest Arkansas. I’m a sophomore at Bentonville High School where I run cross country and track. I’ve always loved being active, and running quickly became one of my biggest passions. Outside of running, I enjoy spending time outdoors and hitting the trails on my mountain bike. What I love most about Rush Running is getting to share my love for the sport while connecting with others in the community who feel the same way.

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi my name is Abel Garcia. I run cross country and track for Bentonville High School. My family got me into running when I was younger and have loved it ever since. I have always loved talking about shoes and can't wait to help others search for the right shoes. Rush Running has always been the best place for all my needs.

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi, my name is Logan Hurley. I have lived in NWA my whole life, and currently am a student athlete at Bentonville High School, where I run Cross Country and Track. I like to enjoy the scenery of Bentonville and  surrounding area by running and biking on the trails and greenways, so naturally I go through lots of shoes! Rush Running has been a catalyst for my exploration of NWA, and it has always been a great experience to shop at Rush. 

SALES ASSOCIATES

I’m Owen Kelley. I currently run 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

Hi, I’m Emerson! I was born in Phoenix, but have grown up in NWA. I started running in middle school, and have been coming to Rush since then. I’ve always enjoyed long distance, from running cross country in junior high to now having raced the Bentonville Half several times. My goal is to one day compete in marathons throughout the country, especially the NYC marathon. Outside of running, I love music and traveling. 

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hi, I’m Mary! I grew up in Texas and later moved to Arkansas to attend the University of Arkansas, where I’m studying interior design. I discovered a passion for running during my senior year of high school, and it’s been a big part of my life ever since. One of my goals in life is travel and compete in international marathons. Running aside, I love doing anything outside and trying out new things!

SALES ASSOCIATE

Hey-o! I’m Leah. My Strava profile says I’m an Olympic Hopeful—and honestly, no one’s fact-checked it yet, so let’s roll with it. I’m a wife, mom of two, professional question-asker, passionate advocate for friends on the margins (both locally and globally), and a full-time hype girl. I trained for and ran my first half marathon in garage-sale shoes a size too small—then I found Rush Running and finally understood what sole mates really are. Getting to be on staff here? Absolute dream come true.

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, I’m Ava Parker. I am a Bentonville native and am currently an undergraduate at the University of Arkansas and am studying elementary education. I have been running since elementary school, and ran cross country for Bentonville High School.

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 Simon Shelly. I was born in South Africa and moved here when I was 7. I now attend and play soccer at Bentonville High School. I really enjoy spending time outdoors. From soccer games hours away, to running around Bentonville, the outdoors will always be my home. Rush has always been the best for any of my athletic needs and it is always a welcoming place to visit.

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

Hello, my name is Ryan Taylor! I’ve lived in Bentonville for years and Arkansas all my life. I attend BHS as a student. I’m not the strongest runner but I’m a pretty decent walker, I don’t run often but I love a good quality shoe. I love expressing myself through baking and writing. I love helping others find the shoe for them and sharing as much knowledge as I can!