We curate the best clinical evidence to take athlete health and patient care to the next level.
About Us
RICH WILLY, PT, PHD
Rich is Montana Running Lab’s scientist and educator. He’s an internationally known speaker on the treatment of running-related injuries who has more than 20 years’ experience as a physical therapist. His expertise is in treating runners of all ages and ability levels, including professional and elite runners.
Rich’s research aims to develop clinically effective treatments for common running-related injuries, such as patellofemoral pain, Achilles tendon injuries, and bone stress injuries.
He’s published 70 peer-reviewed papers on two populations: endurance runners and the military. Among his papers, Rich is the first author of the recent Patellofemoral Pain Clinical Practice Guideline. His research has been funded by the United States Department of Defense, the Foundation for Physical Therapy, and the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy.
Rich and his work are regularly featured in mainstream publications, such as Runner’s World and Outside Magazine.
He received his PhD in Biomechanics and Movement Science from the University of Delaware and his Master of Physical Therapy from Ohio University. In addition to Montana Running Lab, Rich is an Associate Professor in the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science at the University of Montana.
Elizabeth Willy
Elizabeth is Montana Running Lab’s marketing officer. She has 15 years’ experience managing marketing and communications for higher education and nonprofit organizations.
Her experience translating and communicating the meaning of scientific research began in 2007 at the University of Delaware. There, she wrote and placed ocean-related research stories with global news outlets and led the marketing of a public marine science education event that attracted over 10,000 attendees annually.
Since then, she’s managed marketing and communication strategy for organizations including the Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Division of Health Sciences at East Carolina University. At ECU, she also led joint media relations efforts from ECU’s medical school and its related medical practice.
Elizabeth earned bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish from Ohio University and a master’s in English from Colorado State University. By day, she works for the nonprofit University of Montana Foundation, where she directs communications, marketing, and brand management.