How we got started
Up and Running Again launched in November of 2009 when four accountants decided to make a difference in the lives of the homeless in Orange County by training Orange County Rescue Mission residents to run a half marathon. In February of 2010, thirteen participants successfully crossed the finish line of the Surf City Half Marathon and walked into lives forever changed.
Those 13 participants finished the Gospel-driven training program with new found confidence, hope, and community. Completing 13.1 miles showed them that they are capable of more than they ever imagined and can do other difficult things like stay sober, hold a steady job, be the parent they want to be for their children and so much more.
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 seen over 1,350 runners complete a half marathon and grown to partner with rescue missions all over the United States.
What we do
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 two children.
Site Locations
Orange County Rescue Mission
1 Hope Dr.
Tustin, CA
6:00am – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 6:30 am
San Diego Rescue Mission
120 Elm Street
San Diego, CA
5:30 am – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 7:30 am
Union Gospel Mission
1224 E. Trent Ave.
Spokane, WA
6:00 am – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday at 6:30 am
Coeur D’Alene Mission
196 W. Haycraft Ave,
Coeur D’Alene, ID 83815
Union Gospel Mission
3211 Irving Blvd.,
Dallas, TX 75247
Long Beach Rescue Mission
1335 Pacific Ave,
Long Beach, CA 90813
Wayside Cross Ministries
215 E New York St.,
Aurora, IL 60505
Knoxville Area Rescue Mission
418 N Broadway
Knoxville, TN 37917
Sioux Falls Rescue Mission
701 E. 8th St,
Sioux Falls, SD, 57103
Redwood Rescue Mission
101 6th Street,
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Portland Rescue Mission
P.O. Box 3713
Portland, OR 97208-3713
Springs Rescue Mission
5 W. Las Vegas St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903