Kara Goucher

Kara is one of America's most accomplished distance runners and one of the sport's most respected voices. A two-time Olympian, World Championship silver medalist in the 10,000 meters, and three-time NCAA champion at the University of Colorado, Kara has inspired runners of all levels through her achievements on the track, roads, and marathon course. She earned podium finishes at both the Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon and represented Team USA at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

Today, Kara is a lead distance running analyst for NBC Sports, where she provides expert commentary for the Olympic Games, World Championships, and major road races. She is also the co-host of the popular Nobody Asked Us podcast with fellow Olympian Des Linden and the bestselling author of The Longest Race, a candid memoir about elite sport, integrity, and advocacy for clean competition.

Known for her authenticity, passion, and commitment to the running community, Kara continues to inspire athletes by sharing insights on training, racing, resilience, and finding joy in the sport. Her experience as an elite competitor and trusted commentator makes her a sought-after speaker for runners of every ability. She is also a local, living close by in Boulder.

At the Running Summit, Kara will close the event with a powerful and personal conversation on elite performance, resilience, and what she’s learned from a lifetime in professional running—on the track, the roads, and at the highest level of the sport.

Dr. Ray Browning

Dr. Ray is a former Colorado State University researcher and lifelong endurance athlete with a deep background in human performance, biomechanics, and running efficiency. Before and during his academic career, Ray was also a highly successful Ironman triathlete, earning multiple wins and podium finishes and competing at the front of some of the sport’s most competitive races.

His work has focused on how people move—especially during walking, running, and cycling—with an emphasis on improving efficiency, reducing injury risk, and helping athletes train smarter. Over the years, he has bridged the gap between lab-based research and real-world endurance performance, translating complex science into practical tools that athletes can actually use.

He has been part of the development of modern carbon-plated racing shoes and Nike's Breaking2 project. 

At the Running Summit, Dr. Ray brings a mix of elite racing experience and applied science, offering an approachable, athlete-first perspective on how to stay strong, efficient, and healthy for the long run.

Brittany Charboneau

Brittany is a professional runner, entertainer, and one of the most dynamic personalities in the sport today. A former collegiate runner, she has built a standout career across both the roads and the trails, known for combining high-level performance with creativity and joy in the sport.

On the roads, Brittany broke through nationally with a victory at the 2022 Disney Marathon, where she famously ran much of the race dressed as multiple Disney characters while still competing at the front of the field. She has continued to compete at a high level in competitive road racing, earning recognition for both her speed and her unique approach to the sport.

In trail running, Brittany has expanded her impact even further, embracing the challenges of mountainous terrain and longer, more technical courses. She has become a familiar face in the trail community, racing and training on rugged courses that highlight endurance, strength, and adaptability—skills that complement her road racing success and reflect her love of the outdoors and Colorado mountain culture.

Known as “The Funny Runner,” Brittany blends elite performance with storytelling, humor, and a refreshing perspective on what it means to be a competitive athlete. Her approach resonates with runners across all disciplines, from marathoners to ultrarunners to everyday athletes looking to enjoy the sport more fully.

At the Running Summit, Brittany shares insights on mindset, versatility across road and trail running, and how to stay connected to the joy of running while still chasing big goals.

Craig Depperschmidt, PT, DPT, PRC

Craig is a longtime endurance athlete, coach, and community leader in the Colorado running scene. With years of experience as both a competitive runner and a mentor to athletes of all levels, Craig has built a reputation for helping others train with purpose, consistency, and a long-term mindset.

His background spans road racing, trail running, and coaching group athletes through structured training cycles focused on durability, smart progression, and sustainable performance. Craig is especially known for his practical, no-nonsense approach—meeting runners where they are and helping them improve without overcomplicating the process.

Beyond coaching and racing, Craig is deeply involved in the local running community, supporting group runs, events, and initiatives that make the sport more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Craig is one of the relatively few clinicians, in Colorado and world-wide, who is Postural Restoration Certified™. He also is an instructor for the Postural Restoration Institute.

At the Running Summit, Craig brings an athlete-first perspective on training, consistency, and what it really takes to build fitness that lasts.