About
United through running, Athletics United directors, Mike & Kristi Spence and their close friend, Glynn Hadley, began talking about ways in which they could use their passion to contribute to the local community. Having recently left NCAA coaching to spend more time with family, Mike had been interested in starting a running club and wanted to do so in a way that fostered community and integration while also teaching skills that may develop future athletes. So over long runs, coffee, and breakfast, the concept of Athletics United was born. Running is one of the most accessible of all sports and a familiar pastime around the world, and they thought the concept had potential. The club was launched in 2017 as a way to bring community together and was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization in Utah in 2018.
Currently, the majority of club participants range in age from 5-14 years and hail primarily from the United States, Eritrea, and Somalia; however, the club has seen children from Burma, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Sierra Leone. On any given week, 15-25 kids show up for fun and instruction. While the club currently attracts only children, the long-term goal is to have a variety of age groups, including an adult component.
The club runs year round and incorporates weekly practice sessions plus occasional community 5k's a track meet series over the summer. As the club grows, new events and opportunities will be added.
Athletics United is governed by a board of directors who gather regularly for meetings. For questions about board activities and/or minutes. Please contact us.