Head Coach
ALAN’S STORY
Alan grew up in El Paso, Texas where he was a high school star–winning five State titles. He ran collegiately at the University of Colorado and capped off his career with an NCAA Championship in the Outdoor 5,000 meter run as a senior. It was at Colorado that he met his wife Shayne (née Wille). They were married in 1997. Alan and Shayne would both go on to compete in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games. Alan ran the 10,000 meters in Sydney and the Marathon in Athens–where he finished 12th. Shayne ran the 1500 in Sydney and the 5,000 in Athens. She was also a World Indoor Championship Bronze Medalist in the 3,000 meters. The couple remained in Boulder and had four children. Their oldest son, Cruz, was a 4:01 miler in high school and now attends the University of Mississippi. The Culpeppers will be moving to Flagstaff in the summer of 2022 as Alan begins his journey with HOKA NAZ Elite.
AS A COACH
Alan thrived as a primarily self-coached athlete during the entirety of his professional career from 1996 through 2008. He also coached at the high school level after his retirement, helping lead his son Cruz to become one of the nation’s top milers. Most recently he returned to El Paso, Texas where he served one year as the Director of Operations and the assistant cross country and track and field coach for the Miners. He took over as the HOKA NAZ Elite Head Coach in May of 2022.
AS AN ATHLETE
Alan was an NCAA Champion at 5,000 meters while at the University of Colorado. As a pro he was a two-time Olympian (10,000 meters in 2000 and Marathon in 2004). He finished his career with personal bests of 3:38.64 for 1500, 3:55.12 for the mile, 7:47.30 for 3,000, 13:25.75 for 5,000, 27:33.93 for 10,000 and 2:09:41 in the marathon. He was the Olympic Trials Marathon Champion in 2004 and a top-6 finisher at the Boston and Chicago Marathons.