Welcoming New Running Director Alanna McDonough

Please join us in welcoming Alanna McDonough as the Outdoor Center’s new running director. Alanna has been a part of our running community for the last 5 years as a running camp coach and brings an extensive running background both in competing and coaching to her new role.

Alanna is the head men’s and women’s Cross Country coach and assistant Track & Field coach at Thomas College in Waterville, ME. She also spent time coaching at Hamilton, Smith, and Colby colleges and earned her master’s degree in Exercise and Sports Studies while at Smith. She was a 3x All-American in the steeplechase and mile while competing for Colby.

“Craftsbury camps and its people have been a critical part of my own running experience for years now,” Alanna says. “They have seen me through the ups and downs of starting a professional career, the challenges of a pandemic, and provided me with a new sense of community and love for the sport since finishing collegiate running. I'm honored to be able to give back!”

We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to Susan Dunklee for her leadership within our running community - for bringing her motivational, people-oriented, and fun-loving verve to directing camps, organizing races, and more. Susan has already begun her transition into the Outdoor Center’s biathlon department and we look forward to her work there.

Susan says, “Many Craftsbury campers will recognize Alanna from years of helping coach camps. She brings a wealth of experience and a passion for all things running. I've learned a lot from her and enjoyed working with her these past couple summers. I'm confident Craftsbury Running will be in good hands under her leadership.”

Alanna has onboarded alongside Susan for the past few months to ensure a smooth transition and will officially step into her new role as of this week. The 2024 running camp schedule is up and open for registration! We hope to see you there.

“I am super grateful to follow in the footsteps of some very amazing Craftsbury running directors, who have grown and nurtured these camps and their magic community,” Alanna shares. “I look forward to the opportunity to continue welcoming campers and coaches in to experience the beauty of Craftsbury, and the supportive family of runners that make these camps what they are.”