LaRaun Clayton is a proud U.S. Army veteran, nonprofit executive, and 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500) who believes movement, community, and connection can change lives. A former lululemon and On Running ambassador, LaRaun stays moving, whether he’s flowing on the yoga mat, lifting at CrossFit, running through the streets of Cleveland, or figuring out where tacos fit into the training plan.
Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, LaRaun has called Cleveland home for more than two decades. He loves this city and everything that comes with it: the people, the art, the culture, the food, and the energy. He’s also a self-appointed espresso martini connoisseur. By day, LaRaun serves as Vice President of Veterans and Housing Programs at Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana, leading programs that support veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness across the region.
On race day, LaRaun is easy to spot. Look for the hair, the fit, and somebody somewhere in the middle of the pack having a good time. He completed the Cleveland Half Marathon in 2019, came back for more in 2021 and takes on the challenge series each year. The half remains his favorite distance, although the Cleveland Full Marathon is still sitting there waiting for him. Maybe 2027 will be the year?!
LaRaun runs because he can. He runs for the challenge, the community, the energy at the starting line, and the feeling that comes with doing something you once weren’t sure you could do. He may not be chasing the podium, but he is absolutely showing up for the vibes.
When he’s not running, working, teaching yoga, or lifting something heavy, you can probably find him somewhere around Cleveland enjoying life or hanging out with his rescue pup, Indy-Monroe.
For LaRaun, running is another reminder of something he carries into every part of his life: we can do hard things, and we can have a damn good time while doing them.