At its heart, ACP Running is a celebration of Missouri’s high school running community. This dedicated branch of Alan Combs Photography was born from my passion for capturing authentic moments and telling stories that go beyond the race. Inspired by my experiences photographing my son’s team and connecting with athletes and coaches, I realized there was a need for something more: a way to document and share the unique journeys of runners across the state.
A Unique Contribution to the Running Community
ACP Running fills a gap in today’s running world. With fewer local papers offering photography coverage, many athletes no longer have access to quality images of themselves in action. My goal is to change that. I provide professional, affordable photos that athletes can cherish, whether they’re seasoned champions or developing competitors just starting their journey.
Beyond the photos, ACP Running connects people. It’s not just about capturing finishes or medals—it’s about showcasing the humanity behind the sport. By highlighting struggles, challenges, and moments of encouragement, ACP Running creates a space where athletes can inspire and be inspired.
Sharing Stories and Expertise
Through social media, I interview athletes and share their perspectives. These stories allow others to see runners as more than athletes. They are individuals with unique paths, dreams, and hurdles to overcome. Sharing these experiences enriches the community and strengthens the bonds between athletes, coaches, and fans.
Additionally, as a certified USATF Coach, I offer running tips and coaching to athletes. I frequently post tips on social media, focusing on everything from training strategies to mindset improvements. For those looking for more personalized guidance, I provide one-on-one coaching opportunities tailored to individual needs. Athletes can reach out to me through my social media channels to explore how I can support their running journey.
A Personal Connection to Running
Running is more than a profession for me—it’s a lifelong passion. As a former high school and collegiate runner in Missouri, I understand the dedication and challenges the sport requires. Today, I continue to set goals and strive for improvement in my own running journey. This personal connection helps me relate to the athletes I work with and fuels my desire to continually learn and grow within the sport.
How You Can Support ACP Running
You play a vital role in helping ACP Running grow. Here’s how you can support the mission:
Engage on social media: Like, comment, and share posts on Facebook and Instagram to help the stories, tips, and photos reach more people.
Purchase images: I keep prices affordable so more athletes can enjoy high-quality photos of their moments on the track or trail.
Contribute financially: If you’d like to support the broader vision, you can Venmo me at Alan-Combs-2.
Looking to the Future
My vision for ACP Running is to grow it into a recognizable and beloved brand within the running community. I dream of launching a podcast and creating a standalone website, but these ambitions require sponsorships and financial backing. Until then, I’ll continue to use social media to connect with athletes and expand the reach of this mission.
A Team Effort
Since starting ACP Running about a year ago, it has truly become a family effort. My wife, Marcey, has joined me in capturing the incredible moments of Missouri’s running community. This year alone, we photographed over 10,000 images at the State Cross Country Meet, ensuring that countless athletes have access to high-quality memories of their achievements.
Together, we can all build something truly meaningful—a space where runners’ stories are celebrated, their journeys are documented, and their community is strengthened. Thank you for supporting ACP Running!