Theo Murdaugh

Bio

Theo Murdaugh is the founder and visionary behind Run It Up Dallas, a nonprofit organization that has revolutionized running culture in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Theo brings over 12 years of serious running experience to his mission of making fitness accessible and inclusive for all communities. After spending 15 years in corporate America's automotive sector, working with companies like Nissan and General Motors across seven different cities, Theo developed a deep appreciation for the power of running clubs to build community wherever life takes you. His extensive experience participating in run clubs nationwide revealed a gap in the market: most groups catered to experienced runners but left beginners feeling intimidated and excluded. In March 2023, Theo launched Run It Up Dallas as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a bold mission to promote cardiovascular health and mental wellness, particularly in Black and brown communities where heart disease and hypertension disproportionately impact lives. What started with 30-40 participants exploded into a movement of 200-300 regular runners after a single viral video, making Run It Up one of the largest and most dynamic running communities in Texas. Under Theo's leadership, Run It Up has grown into a sophisticated organization with a 15-person team, offering everything from beginner walking groups to advanced marathon training plans—all completely free. The organization partners with health advocacy groups like the Black Heart Association to provide free health screenings and education, extending its impact far beyond fitness into life-saving health initiatives. Theo continues to balance his automotive sales career with Cars Direct while building Run It Up's national presence. His vision includes expanding to HBCU campuses across the country, hosting health clinics, and proving that running can be both serious training and joyful community celebration. Currently based in Dallas, Theo remains an active runner who prefers half marathons to full marathons and believes that every runner, regardless of pace or experience level, deserves a welcoming place to belong.