Originally from Minnesota, Dr. Running received his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. He taught in the public schools of Minnesota and Wisconsin before receiving his Master of Arts degree and PhD in music education from the University of Minnesota. While attending the University of Minnesota, he studied conducting with Craig Kirchhoff, theatre with Kari Margolis, and educational philosophy with Dr. Paul Haack. Dr. Running served as conductor of the East Central Grad Band, assistant conductor of the Encore Wind Ensemble, and premiered his concerto for saxophones, Dre, with the University Campus Orchestra.