Katherine and Danny Dreyer to stay connected and support ChiRunning and ChiWalking in retirement as four Master ChiRunning Instructors acquire company and assume operations.
West Ossipee, NH (March 11, 2021)—Katherine and Danny Dreyer, co-founders of ChiLiving, which includes ChiWalking and ChiRunning, have officially announced their retirement from the company. For more than two decades, Katherine, Danny and the ChiTeam have taught thousands of people the skills that bring joy to running and walking for a lifetime. Five Master ChiRunning Instructors from around the world have stepped up to assume the Operations and Executive Leadership roles to ensure transition while building upon what the Dreyers have established. In one transaction, Master Instructor Harrison Wong purchased all of Asia and in a separate transaction, Master Instructors Constanza Lisdero, Lisa Pozzoni, Sarah Richardson and Vince Vaccaro purchased the remaining areas of the globe.
Katherine Dreyer co-founded ChiLiving and co-authored ChiRunning, ChiWalking and ChiMarathon with her husband and business partner, Danny. For more than thirty years, Katherine successfully combined her healthy living with her career. Well-versed in T’ai Chi, Eastern philosophy, meditation and mindful practices, Katherine wrote, taught and spoke about all things related to health and wellness. In retirement she looks forward to continuing her work as a ChiLife Coach. Danny Dreyer, a leader in revolutionizing the running world for the last two decades, based his work on his 30-year practice of T’ai Chi and 45 years of running and racing. He has taught thousands of runners all over the globe how to embrace the principles of intelligent movement to bring energy efficiency and injury prevention to runners and walkers. He has also effectively trained hundreds of Instructors how to accurately teach the methodology of ChiRunning and ChiWalking to help share it with the world.
“We are excited to transition the company into the hands of four very dedicated and invested Master ChiRunning Instructors who wanted to keep the tradition going and formally purchased ChiLiving from us,” said Katherine Dreyer. “Their involvement will allow us to enter retirement with ease and grace while maintaining the integrity of the curriculum we have built.” Danny Dreyer added, “We first started CR because we cared about how people felt when running and walking and wanted to offer a way to do it safely and efficiently.”
The Asain arena was sold separately to Master Instructor Harrison Wong, of Hong Kong who assumed all roles across Asia. ChiRunning’s new executive leadership team in the remaining locations consists four Master ChiRunning Instructors, including Constanza Lisdero of Basel, Switzerland, Run With Constanza; Lisa Pozzoni of Tempe, Arizona, The Running University; Sarah Richardson of Montpelier, Vermont, Rise And Shine Running; and Vince Vaccaro of Freedom, New Hampshire, Tri Tek Events. Combined, the team brings more than 40 years of ChiRunning/Chiwalking experience.
“We are excited about keeping the legacy of ChiRunning/ChiWalking going while having the opportunity to promote life-changing techniques along with a world-class brand,” said Lisdero. “The four of us are all taught by Katherine and Danny, and have been working diligently to learn the ropes of managing an international organization.” Richardson added, “We want to continue to help walkers and runners of all abilities experience the joy and ease we know is possible. In addition, we want to support all certified instructors and help make them successful.”
ChiRunning has helped thousands of runners improve their running form—reducing and preventing injuries, and decreasing recovery time. Runners of all ages and levels have improved their efficiency and performance, and experience effortless runs that are easier and more enjoyable. “ChiRunning lets people run as long as they want for as long as they live. It’s great we get to share this with runners,” said Vaccaro. “There is longevity in the ChiRunning process,” noted Pozzoni. “It’s so much more than just a training plan: it’s a life-long practice for safe and efficient running, as well as moving through life in an intentional and mindful way.”
For more information about the company transition, view Katherine and Danny’s farewell video. For more information about ChiRunning or becoming a certified ChiRunning Instructor, visit chirunning.com.
About ChiLiving
For more than 20 years, ChiLiving, the parent company of ChiRunning and ChiWalking, has helped thousands of runners and walkers of all ages and abilities improve their form through a technique developed to prevent injury prevention and increase energy efficiency. Experience mindful and effortless movement that is easier and more enjoyable while decreasing recovery time. Founded and developed by Katherine and Danny Dreyer, and operated and led by five Master ChiRunning Instructors from around the world, ChiRunning aims to create an international community of like-minded runners who care for their bodies and maintain joy in their practice by using the ChiRunning, ChiWalking and ChiLiving principles for a lifetime. For more information visit chirunning.com.
