About the Founder

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.