Life is a race. What are you running for? Run51 is challenged to point the hearts and minds of young men and women to what truly satisfies. While popular culture often promotes the corrupt and destructive pleasures of money, power and sex, Run51 promotes freedom, peace and love given to us through the gift of the cross.

Comprised mostly of former athletes, Run51 strongly identifies with athletic culture and a desire to perform well. However, its success is not based on only winning a physical prize, but on the knowledge that the members have freedom to run for something much greater.

Jason “JB” Burris went to the Ultimate Training Camp in the early 2000s. He saw a need for more relatable music to bridge the gap between Christian songs and the contemporary urban context and sound that many of today’s athletes connect with. As a drummer, he gathered some of his friends and formed the UTC Band to bring this vision for worship to another level. From there, the mission expanded and skyrocketed into a full-blown movement. Run51 is now a collective of worship directors, youth pastors and Cru staff from around the country who are passionate about reaching people where they are at. Lead female vocalist Crystal Whitaker, lead male vocalist (and emcee) Chaz Miles, bassist Lance “Shellz” Shelton and keyboardist/producer Jeremy “JGreenChords” Green have joined JB on his mission and haven’t looked back.

Run51 is quickly expanding its reach. It has performed for audiences across the country, playing with Kutless, KJ-52, Sanctus Real, Moriah Peters and Switchfoot. The group still has a heart for college athletes and performs around the country for UTC, Athletes in Action and Fellowship of Christian Athletes events because that’s where it all began. However, they now use the universal languages of sport and music to reach the next generation of leaders no matter what they intend to go pro in.

Run51 is excited to keep growing, learning and impacting lives. There is no box that the band can be placed neatly in. But its energy is sure to captivate those who need to hear their message the most.

Run to Win.

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!” 1 Corinthians 9:24

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Galatians 5:1

-Written by Victoria Hernandez

Love God, Love People, Make Good Music, Change the World.

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