Who We Are

How we got started

Up and Running Again was started in November of 2009, when 4 accountants decided that they could make a difference in the lives of the homeless in Orange County by training rescue mission residents to run a half marathon. In February of 2010, thirteen residents successfully completed the Surf City Half Marathon and changed their lives forever.

As a part of this training the residents consistently claimed that if they could run a half marathon there should be nothing to stop them from getting a job or reconciling with their family.

In March of 2011, Up and Running Again was granted their 501(c)(3) status by the Internal Revenue Service.

Since its inception, Up and Running Again has had over 900 runners complete a half marathon. Many of our racers have gone on to get jobs and move out of the shelter. Several past participants have gone on to college. Many continue on to run full marathons and become lifelong runners.

Continuing to grow, Up and Running Again has groups in Coeur d’Alene, Spokane, San Diego, Orange County, Long Beach, Brea, Raleigh, Sioux Falls, Santa Rosa and Las Vegas. We are continuing to want to spread our impact to new areas.

What we do

Fernando Escobar is overcome with emotion after finishing his first half marathon in Tustin on Sunday, March 3, 2019. Nine months ago Escobar was living under a bridge in Redlands, addicted to methamphetamine and alcohol. "I feel like I defeated a monster," he said of finishing the race. He hugs Angelina Cabrera. Both are living at the OC Rescue Mission's Village of Hope. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)

Our Team

Steve Tierney

Chief Running Officer

Steve is the founder and Chief Running Officer of Up and Running Again. With no prior running experience, Steve attended a goal setting seminar in 2008, motivating him to run his first marathon. After experiencing personal life impact through the accomplishment of such a significant goal, Steve felt led to use running to impact others. In 2009, he officially launched Up and Running Again at the Orange County Rescue Mission. He is now a seasoned marathoner and has completed more half marathons than he can count. He and his wife, Michelle, have three children. Steve is also the proud owner of Up and Running Again’s mascot, Coach, a black and white spotted standard poodle. Coach is a big hit at any program he runs with.

Greg Clarke

Executive Director

After a career in government work, Greg joined Up and Running Again as Executive Director in 2015. He is a seasoned marathoner, half-marathoner, triathlete, cyclist and is a certified USATF coach. His encouraging spirit, executive skills, and coaching knowledge are a huge benefit to Up and Running Again. Greg has three adult children and two grandchildren and is happily married to his wife, Liz.

Brittany Watrous

Program Coordinator

Brittany joined Up and Running Again as a Program Coordinator in 2014. Brittany is very passionate about running and has completed multiple ultramarathons, marathons, and too many half marathons to count. She is also a seasoned triathlete. Brittany’s heart for the people Up and Running Again serves is evident in all that she does. Her administrative skills and attention to detail keep all of our Up and Running Again programs running. Brittany and her husband, Jason, have four children.

Christie Lipscomb

Marketing and Development Coordinator

With prior experience at a fundraising agency, Christie joined Up and Running Again as Marketing and Development Coordinator in 2019. As a newer member of the team, Christie can still count how many half marathons she has run – six – as well as how many marathons – two. Christie oversees the marketing and fundraising efforts of Up and Running Again and is passionate about connecting people with opportunities to impact lives with their generosity. She and her husband, Luke, have one son and a daughter on the way.

Site Locations

How we got started

What we do

Our Team