06/12/2026
Trust. Believe. Conquer. The Mission Continues.
Over the past few weeks, I've spent time reflecting on my dad, Thad "RunnerDude" McLaurin, and everything he built through RunnerDude's Fitness.
One thing I know for certain is this:
RunnerDude's Fitness isn't going anywhere.
Run The Boro isn't going anywhere.
And the mission of helping people discover what they're capable of isn't going anywhere either.
Many of you may not know that, years ago, I worked alongside my dad as a coach, trainer, and educator. Together, we helped people take their first steps, train for races, gain confidence, and accomplish goals they never thought possible. Those were some of the most fulfilling years of my life.
Like many people, life took me down different paths. I stepped away from coaching, gained weight, lost confidence, and found myself disconnected from a part of who I once was.
But one of the greatest lessons my dad ever taught me was that it's never too late to start again.
Today, I find myself standing at a crossroads. While I wish my dad were still here to continue leading the way, I also know that this is an opportunity to show others something important:
You can stand back up.
You can rediscover yourself.
You can become who you once were—and maybe even more.
My own journey back to health, fitness, and running is just beginning. I'm not starting from a place of perfection. I'm starting from a place of experience, knowledge, struggle, and hope. I want to use that journey to show others that no matter how far you've drifted from your goals, there is always a path forward.
With the support of my family, our amazing community, and all of you, my renewed focus and passion are to continue creating a space where everyone belongs—whether you're training for your first mile, your first 5K, your next marathon, or simply looking to improve your health and quality of life.
The truth is, a return to RunnerDude's Fitness had already been on my heart. The conversations were happening. The ideas were forming. The plans were being made.
Dad's passing didn't create that vision.
It simply sped it up.
In the coming months, you can expect to see the continued growth and resurgence of:
-Run The Boro
-RUNegades training groups
-Race training programs
-Boot camps and fitness programs
-Corporate wellness groups
-Community events
-Opportunities to support and encourage one another
And much more.
As things develop, updates and announcements will be shared here. Some things will happen quickly, while others will take time. But the mission remains the same as it has always been:
Helping people trust, believe, and conquer one step at a time.
Thank you for the love you've shown my family. Thank you for supporting my dad throughout the years. And thank you for believing in the future of this community.
I'm excited, nervous, hopeful, and determined all at the same time.
Most of all, I'm ready to get back to doing the work that made me feel most alive—helping people discover what they're capable of.
Let's continue the mission together.
Trust. Believe. Conquer.
— Duncan McLaurin
RunnerDude's Fitness
