About Us
Our History
A Running Passion was established in December 2016 to honor the life and legacy of Will Fulford, a beloved member of the Maine running community. Following his untimely passing, the support received from student-athletes, parents, and community members led to the creation of the Will Fulford Scholarship Fund. Ashley Potvin-Fulford, Will’s wife, spearheaded the initiative, and later expanded it to provide running shoes, sports equipment, and financial assistance to students in need. In March 2017, the non-profit organization A Running Passion was officially launched. It aims to enhance the lives of young people through sports, following Will’s coaching business and his dedication to guiding student-athletes and nurturing their passions and aspirations.
May you always remember that hard work and determination are the roads to the exceptional.
Will Fulford
Our Mission
A Running Passion carries on the legacy of coach Will Fulford by enhancing the lives of young people involved in the sports of cross country and track and field through education, guidance, coaching, programming, and removing financial barriers associated with participation in those sports.
We Believe
that sports cultivate confidence, independence, resilience, and academic achievement.
We Strive
to empower young people to have the will and strength to pursue their goals in sports, academics, and life with the belief that every young person’s journey towards growing and learning is an investment for our community and future.
We serve
student athletes and coaches in Southern Maine by providing opportunities to compete at the highest level in sport and in the classroom.
Executive Director
Ashley Potvin-fulford
Ashley Potvin-Fulford is a 2011 graduate of Norwich University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Education while competing on the varsity ice hockey and rugby teams. After graduation, she made her way back to her hometown of Biddeford, ME and worked at a non-profit organization that continues to help revitalize the downtown, the Heart of Biddeford. In that same year she served as a volunteer coach for the Biddeford High School girl’s hockey team. Through her coaching position, she rediscovered her desire to work with young people and picked up several other coaching positions. In the fall of 2012, she held a job at Massabesic Middle School where she and Will Fulford eventually met. Their relationship flourished over common goals in coaching and teaching. On July 9, 2016 Will and Ashley got married and were able to enjoy an all too short, but incredibly loving and supportive life together.
Ashley currently resides in Biddeford and is the head coach of the University of New England Rugby Women’s Rugby team. In her spare time, she enjoys running, hiking, reading, traveling, and finding other opportunities to work with young people involved in athletics.
Our Board
Kristin Dechene Campbell
Board President
Kristin Dechene Campbell is a 2016 graduate of the University of New England, were she was coached by Will as an inaugural member and later President of the Club Track and Field Team. After graduating, Kristin earned her M.B.A from Queens University of Charlotte before returning to Maine. Kristin is a member of the A Running Passion race team, and enjoys trail running and camping with her husband and two dogs.
Maeve McGowan
Vice President
Maeve McGowan is a 2019 graduate from the University of New England where she studied environmental science and ran cross country for Will. She grew up in Midcoast Maine where she was deeply impacted by unique landscapes and wildlife. She now works to protect these resources at a nonprofit land trust where she coordinates fundraising and land conservation. Maeve currently lives in Portland, Maine and enjoys hiking, birding, and of course, running
Maureen Fulford
Treasurer
Maureen is Will’s Mom. She taught Physical Education for 36 years and is now retired and regularly watches her granddaughter, Winny and grandson Murray. Maureen has been a regular volunteer for A Running Passion since its creation by helping to organize various fundraisers and events. She knows how passionate her son Will was about running and helping others to become successful in life. She wants to keep her son’s memory and legacy alive and is thrilled to be a part of ARP serving on the board. A quote she believes in and lives by is “Love never dies…love always wins.” Will’s love and passion for his students and athletes lives on. Maureen believes that by assisting Ashley and the other board members, she can keep Will’s love alive.
Caitlin Desaulniers
Secretary & Race Team Captain
Caitlin graduated from the University of New England in 2019 with a degree in Applied Exercise Science. At UNE she ran track for two semesters under coach Will and was a standout on the women’s rugby team. Caitlin joined ARPs race team in 2018, became the race team captain in 2021, and joined the board in 2022. She is currently the Director of Recruiting and Assistant Coach for the UNE Women’s Rugby team. She also assists to coach A Running Passion’s Youth Track & Field team. Caitlin enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, and playing board games with her husband David and their two dogs.
PAT Fulford
Pat Fulford (Will’s youngest brother) grew up in Kennebunk, Maine and graduated from the University of Maine in 2014 with a degree in Kinesiology & Physical Education. Pat works in Special Education and coaches basketball at the Middle School of the Kennebunks. He also cooks at Mabels Lobster Claw in Kennebunkport, Maine. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, being by the ocean, and watching Boston sports. He currently resides in Portland, Maine.
Charles Melton
Charles Melton is a 1983 graduate of Maryville College in Tennessee. Charles worked as an Operations Manager for FedEx at the Portland Jetport for 17 years and then accepted an early buy-out to stay home with his (then) two young daughters. He began volunteering at the Northern York County YMCA and worked as a volunteer race director for their sprint triathlon. This morphed and transitioned into a new career as a race director for local road races. Charles retired from race directing in December of 2017. He now enjoys running, cycling, traveling and camping with his family. Charles currently lives in Biddeford, Maine with his wife Suzanne and their younger daughter Lily. Will coached both of their daughters Lani and Lily at Biddeford High School in cross country and track.
Patty williams
Patty Williams is a 2004 graduate of the University of New Hampshire (BS) and a 2006 graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (MS). She is a native of Saco, ME and returned to the area in 2009 to work at the University of New England where she is currently an Associate Director and SWA in the Athletics Department. Patty is a member of the A Running Passion race team and a long time regular at the pub runs as well as the annual Will to Run and Irish Eyes are Miling races. She also enjoys trail running and has done multiple Ragnar relay races.
Maureen Fulford
Maureen is Will’s Mom. She taught Physical Education for 36 years and is now retired and regularly watches her granddaughter, Winny and grandson Murray. Maureen has been a regular volunteer for A Running Passion since its creation by helping to organize various fundraisers and events. She knows how passionate her son Will was about running and helping others to become successful in life. She wants to keep her son’s memory and legacy alive and is thrilled to be a part of ARP serving on the board. A quote she believes in and lives by is “Love never dies…love always wins.” Will’s love and passion for his students and athletes lives on. Maureen believes that by assisting Ashley and the other board members, she can keep Will’s love alive.
Jordina Coleman
Jordina Coleman is a native of Biddeford, Maine. She embarked on her academic endeavors at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where she embraced the challenges and opportunities presented by the world of higher education. Beyond the academic realm, Jordina is recognized as a former recipient of the Running Passion Award and the prestigious Hobey Baker Award, achievements that underscore her remarkable dedication to sportsmanship, leadership, and a genuine love for the game. These awards not only showcase her prowess in sports but also highlight her ability to excel both on and off the field. Committed to making a positive impact in her community, Jordina actively engages in volunteer work. She enjoys watching hockey and embracing the great outdoors.
Ryan Dyer
Ryan Dyer grew up and graduated high school in Gorham, Maine and attended the University of Southern Maine where he was college teammates on the cross country, indoor and outdoor track teams with both Will and his brother John. Ryan currently works as a JMG specialist for Gorham High School, while coaching the Girls XC, indoor and outdoor track programs at rival Bonny Eagle High School. In his spare time, Ryan loves to hike in the whites, spend time with his fiancée and her two daughters and their new addition, Greta the Golden retriever.
Nicole Potvin
Nicole Potvin is a graduate of the University of Maine at Orono where she earned a BS in Secondary Education. She has worked in customer facing roles in the insurance industry for the last 33 years, specializing in disability claims and risk management. Nicole grew up in Biddeford and currently lives in Old Orchard Beach. In her spare time, Nicole enjoys walking, tending to her flower beds, cooking, playing pickleball, and traveling. Nicole is an avid sports spectator, in particular Boston teams as well as high school and collegiate sports. Nicole has been a dedicated fan of ARP since its inception and is excited to officially be part of the board.