Founder/CEO — Charles Miller
Great Lakes Race Management was founded by Charles Miller, a seasoned professional with a lifelong passion for Fitness, Health, and Event Management.
Charles is a graduate of Central Michigan University, where he earned a double major in Community Recreation & Event Management and Sport Administration, along with a minor in Community Health. He completed his studies with a strong academic record, graduating with a 3.74 overall GPA.
With over 10 years of experience in Event and Program Management and 8+ years in the Endurance Sports/Race industry, Charles brings a well-rounded and highly practical background to every event. His professional experience includes roles such as Recreation Coordinator at the Legacy Center Sports Complex, Event Coordinator with Olympia Entertainment (supporting events for the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons), Sports and Physical Activity Program Manager at the Crim Fitness Foundation, Program Manager/Personal Trainer at Genesys Health Club and Event Manager with EnMotive.
In addition to his Event Management expertise, Charles is deeply rooted in the fitness industry. He has been a Certified Personal Trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE) since 2019 and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). His training philosophy emphasizes a comprehensive approach to performance, integrating strength training, cardiovascular endurance, flexibillity and hybrid HIIT methodologies.
Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside some of the industry’s top professionals, including David Lawrence at Michigan Elite Conditioning for Athletes, where he evaluated, programmed, and trained elite-level high school athletes, NCAA Division I and II competitors, and Professional Athletes. His experience includes working with NFL and professional athletes such as Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell, Mazi Smith, and Thomas Bryant, among many others.
A competitor at heart, Charles has participated in Powerlifting, Triathlons, and distance running, giving him firsthand insight into the athlete experience and race-day expectations.
Charles currently resides in Fenton, Michigan, with his wife Ashley and their two sons, Malachi and Colson.
Throughout his career, Charles has timed and supported events ranging from intimate races with fewer than 100 participants to large-scale events hosting 10,000+ runners. Notable races he has timed or assisted with include the Detroit Free Press Marathon, Detroit Turkey Trot, Crim Festival of Races, Big House 5K, Rock CF Rivers Half Marathon, and the entire Run Mackinaw Race Series.
Volunteer Coordinator/Everything😂 — Ashley Miller
Ashley Miller is Charles's beloved wife!
Ashley studied at Central Michigan University and has a Bachelor's Degree in Exercise Physiology; Cardiac Rehab. Ashley has held positions in: Cardiac Rehab, Nutrition Education at the Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) and is currently the Lead Volunteer Coordinator at the Care Team Hospice. Ashley was an avid athlete growing up in Hartland and excelled in Gymnastics & Softball. She currenlty coaches competitive gymnastics at Hartland Gymnastics Academy, where she has a heart to help reshape the culture of the sport and build up young, confident athletes — she has 20+ years of Gymnastics Coaching experience!
In her free time, Ashley enjoys being an amazing mother to her two sons: Malachi and Colson.
She also enjoys working out, laying in the Florida sun, staying active and spending time with family.
Ashley completed the Detroit Freepress US Half Marathon in 2012 and the International Half Marathon in 2013!
Operations Director — Jon P. Miller II
Jon Miller is Charles's brother.
Jon studied at the University of Michigan and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain Management. He obtained his MBA Masters Degree in 2020 from the University of Michigan with a concentration in Supply Chain Management.
Jon has worked at LINC, Volkswagon, and Johnson Controls. Jon also started Genesee County Landscape/Snowplowing in 2009.
Jon enjoys spending time with his daughter, Rose and his Dog, Buddy. When Jon isn't working - he enjoys being in the great "Up-North Michigan", fishing on Lake Ponemah and Hunting.
