Champions Running Association (CRA) is more than just a place to log miles, it’s a community built on encouragement and a genuine love for running. Founded and led by Daniel Dannug, CRA has grown from a small idea into one of the Houston area’s most welcoming running group, grounded by a simple but powerful motto: “Running is Our Passion. Community is Our Mission.”
For runners new to the group, Dannug describes CRA as “a non-profit running group focused on building community and fitness thru our love for running.” That focus on inclusivity has been central from the beginning. “We were all brand new runners at one point,” he says, explaining that CRA was intentionally designed to support experienced runners while also welcoming newcomers to the sport. Today, CRA offers training groups for everyone, from walkers and 5K runners to marathoners, creating a space where goals of all sizes are celebrated.
The club’s roots trace back to the fall of 2016, when Dannug noticed a lack of a strong running community in the area during his own running journey. He shared the idea with a few fellow runners, and momentum quickly followed. CRA launched its first official season in summer 2017 with 85 members across five training groups. Since then, the growth has been steady and significant, culminating in a record-breaking season of more than 500 members. Recent additions like a Trail/Ultra-Marathon group and a Triathlon & Duathlon group reflect how far that “small idea back in 2016” has come.
While many run clubs offer strong training, CRA prides itself on something deeper. “We really try to focus on community, camaraderie and relationships with all of our runners,” Dannug explains. Walkers cheer on marathoners, 5K runners support half marathoners, and social events are intentionally designed to help members connect across groups. Dannug himself makes it a priority to learn members’ names, so runners feel recognized and valued. “They know they just aren’t another runner, but a member of our running family,” he says.
CRA’s training culture is equally intentional. All head coaches are certified run coaches who create custom plans for their groups, ensuring consistency and care across the board. On Saturdays during the fall season, group runs are structured but upbeat, stretching, drills, miles, and plenty of encouragement. As one group finishes a fall training cycle, CRA transitions into its laid-back spring season, affectionately known as the Cool Kids Club, where the emphasis is simply running for fun and community.
One of CRA’s favorite race-day traditions shows up in the corrals at Chevron/Aramco, where members sport their best thrift-store robes on cold mornings. Practical and playful, the robes keep runners warm before the start and add to the club’s energy, something that was on full display this year with more than 140 CRA members racing the half and full marathon. Fueled by the club’s “26 in ’26” push, it marks the largest Chevron/Aramco presence in CRA history, including 20+ first-time marathoners and 16 first-time half marathoners. As Dannug puts it, the tradition and turnout reflect the heart of the club: “They know they just aren’t another runner, but a member of our running family.”
Memorable moments abound, but one stands out for Dannug: the Texas Independence Relay. With nearly 60 CRA members participating, van-decorating parties, music, and nonstop support, it became a snapshot of just how large the group has become.
Looking ahead, CRA has plenty to celebrate. From a trip to the Zion half marathon to a 10th anniversary season launching this summer, the future is bright. And at the heart of it all, Dannug is quick to give credit. “This group wouldn’t be possible without our Coaching and Leadership Team,” he says, offering special thanks to longtime leaders Sarah Nguyen and Renee Alfaro, and to his family for their unwavering support.
