Marathon Kids Announces Jason Daniel as New CEO
A Message from Marathon Kids Board Chair Mary B. Rice-Boothe, EdD
Hello Marathon Kids/Austin Runner Club Community!
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am absolutely thrilled to announce and warmly welcome Jason Daniel as the new CEO of Marathon Kids/Austin Runners Club team!
Jason brings a wealth of experience, having served in impactful leadership roles at the Greater Austin YMCA, where his visionary approach and dedication to fostering health and wellness for youth and adults alike set him apart as a leader who truly makes a difference. His passion for promoting healthy, active lifestyles and his proven ability to inspire teams make him the ideal choice to guide Marathon Kids/Austin Runners Club into an exciting new chapter.
This is an extraordinary moment for our organization. Marathon Kids/Austin Runners Club stands at a pivotal crossroads of growth and innovation as we work to amplify our mission of transforming lives through the power of running. We are expanding partnerships, embracing new ideas, and adapting our programs to ensure we continue building vibrant, inclusive communities where individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can thrive.
Personally, my journey with Marathon Kids began in 2020, driven by my unwavering belief in the transformative power of movement for both the physical and mental well-being of young people. When we joined forces with the Austin Runners Club, I was deeply inspired by the opportunity to foster a love of movement that spans a lifetime—from childhood to adulthood. This shared commitment to cultivating healthier, more connected communities has propelled us forward, and I couldn’t be more excited about the road ahead.
Jason’s leadership marks a significant step forward in this journey. His collaborative spirit, strategic vision, and deep dedication to health and wellness are precisely what we need to continue making a meaningful impact. I am confident he will work hand-in-hand with our incredible staff, board volunteers, partners, coaches, schools, and communities to take Marathon Kids/Austin Runners Club to new heights.
I invite you to join me in welcoming Jason to the team! I am eager for all of you to have the chance to meet him, share your hopes and dreams for the organization, and hear his inspiring vision for the future. Together, we will continue to champion the joy of running, celebrate the strength of community, and transform lives—one step at a time.
Here’s to an exciting new chapter for Marathon Kids/ Austin Runners Club!
Mary B. Rice-Boothe, EdD
Board Chair, Marathon Kids/Austin Runners Club
A Message from Marathon Kids CEO Jason Daniel
Greetings everyone! I'm thrilled to join the Marathon Kids/Austin Runners Club team as the new Chief Executive Officer. My name is Jason Daniel, and I bring a deep connection to and passion for youth and adult health and wellness, along with 16 years of experience in nonprofit leadership to this important role.
In my previous roles at the Greater Austin YMCA, I was fortunate to lead cross-functional teams in programmatic, business, and executive operations. I implemented and managed evidence-based programs created to improve health outcomes. And I worked with staff, volunteers, and partners to ensure that the organization was meeting the needs of the community.
I deeply believe in the power of Marathon Kids' programs to inspire and empower children to lead healthy, active lives. I'm committed to working collaboratively with our dedicated staff, board volunteers, partners, coaches, schools, and communities to expand our reach, strengthen our impact, and innovate and adapt our service model.
In my first few months on the job, I plan to dive right in, implementing a process to help us operationalize our high-level goals and advance the organization toward its desired strategic outcomes. I will be focusing on capacity building as it relates to Marathon Kids fundraising strategy and the execution of the Austin Runners Club race portfolio.
I'm eager to connect with many of you in the days ahead and am excited to build upon the incredible foundation that has been established at Marathon Kids/Austin Runners Club. I look forward to a bright future where we transform lives through running, and build active communities of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Sincerely,
Jason Daniel
CEO, Marathon Kids/Austin Runners Club