November 16, 2021 — Creigh Kelley will be honored with the annual MarathonFoto/Road Race Management Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2021 Road Race Management Race Directors’ Meeting in Hollywood, FL. The award is made for contributions to the sport of long‐distance road running over the course of a lifetime. Scores of nominations were received that read like a Who’s Who of running. The 10‐member committee had the difficult task of reviewing the nominees.
“Creigh’s arc over the landscape of running is long, encompassing being a runner, a running store owner, a race director, an agent, a USATF Official and of course, the ‘voice’ of thousands of races across the country over the past 40 years. The sport is far better for his tireless commitment and service,” said Phil Stewart, Road Race Management President.
Creigh Kelley has been one of the most influential players and leaders in the industry and sport. His influence in so many sectors has made him a household name in the running world.
As founder and President of BKB Limited, he managed and produced hundreds of events in Colorado and across the country. He has been an integral part of Denver’s Colfax Marathon since its inaugural race in 2006 and has been the Director since 2008.
But as his nominator said, “There is more to Creigh than just these incredible accolades. Creigh has not only helped athletes attain their best, but is responsible for opening the doors to many to have a career in this amazing sport and industry. He loves nothing more than to mentor and give the opportunity to those who have an interest in what we do.
“Recently he took the lead and developed the State of Colorado’s guidelines for safe events during COVID‐19, which led to being the framework for other states and municipalities as well as being used internationally.
“Creigh has done more than some could dream to do and impact in one lifetime in achievement and is very deserving of the award.”
Kelley also founded the Kiptur Primary School Foundation in Kenya and secured the help of hundreds of donors to build classrooms, a library and kitchen and more.
He received the award on November 16 at the Road Race Management Directors’ Meeting keynote dinner.
Road Race Management (www.rrm.com) is a member‐based organization that publishes a newsletter and many other publications designed for race and industry professionals, and conducts a prestigious annual national race directors’ meeting and trade show in Florida. MarathonFoto (www.marathonfoto.com) is the leader in race and endurance sports photography.
