Alan Whitehead founded the Kona Run race event in 2003 in Northville.  Since then, created the Wicked Halloween Run in 2011, Shamrock Race in 2012, and Kona Chocolate Run in 2013 all held in Plymouth, the Kona Strawberry Run in 2015, the Kona Cheesecake Run in 2016, the Buffalo Wild Wings Race & Strohs Legend Run in 2017, the Jolly Pumpkin Run and Moonlight Run at Fox Hills in 2018, and then the Bark & Brew 5K and Founders Beer Run in 2019.  Alan derived the name Kona Running Co. from his frequent visits to Hawaii & drinking Kona Coffee.  Alan was on the Race Staff at the Detroit Free Press Marathon in 1999-2001 & Race Director of the Parade Company’s annual Detroit Turkey Trot in 2004-2005.  The Kona Running Company donates to local charitable organizations like the Karmanos Cancer Institute, University of Michigan CS Mott Children’s Hospital, Northville Educational Foundation & the Farmington YMCA.  Alan also has part ownership of USA in Motion.

Alan Whitehead
Race Director/Owner

Roger Thayer
Operations Director 

Ron Smerigan
Course Director 

Mark Koehl
Registration Director

Susan Koehl
Mgr, Packet Pickup

Larry OSullivan
Director of Finish Line Ops

Jon Flott
Mgr, Course Ops

Jill Whitehead
Director of Volunteers

Sandy Kaip
Director of Food Ops

Kim Johnson
Director of Sponsorships

Chris Ford
PA Announcer

Franz Grunta
Course Ops

Morgan LaPan
Course Ops

Andrew Juno
Course Ops

Julie Juno-LaPan
Director of Medical

Angie Maher
Mgr of Fluid Stations

Michele Ford
Mgr of Race Info/Awards

Lauren Lapka
Director of Media/Marketing

Suzi Stock
Start/Finish Ops

Christa Bekker
Mgr, Course Marshals

Cindy La Lone
Mgr, Course Marshals

Linda Thayer
Volunteers

USAinMotion.com
For online registration & website support

Enmotive.com
For timing & photo services