Schooley led P3R to achieve record-breaking growth during tenure; P3R Board President Robert Shooer appointed as P3R Interim CEO.
PITTSBURGH, PA – After more than a decade shaping Pittsburgh’s running and sports-event landscape, Troy Schooley will step down as CEO of P3R to launch Thrive Sports Group. The new sports management and advisory firm will focus on producing high-impact sporting events, building strategic partnerships, and creating community-driven experiences across North America and around the world. Thrive Sports Group’s long-term vision includes developing a major youth sports complex that will serve as a transformational asset for the region.
Schooley's departure comes at a time when P3R is experiencing unprecedented organizational strength, record participation, and growing national recognition as one of the premier endurance sports organizations in the United States.
"Leading P3R has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career," said Schooley. "What makes P3R special is not any one individual, but the incredible team, volunteers, partners, board members, and community supporters who have built an organization that changes lives every day through sport and movement. Together, we've created something that will continue to flourish well into the future. As I begin this next chapter with Thrive Sports Group, I’m grateful for the relationships, the memories, and the opportunity to help shape the future of sports in this region.”
To ensure a smooth transition, the P3R Board of Directors has appointed Board President Robert Shooer as Interim CEO and retained a national search firm to lead the search for the organization’s next chief executive. Thrive Sports Group remains committed to maintaining a strong relationship with P3R and supporting the organization’s continued momentum and growth.
“Troy’s leadership has transformed P3R and elevated Pittsburgh’s presence on the national sports stage,” Shooer said. “We are deeply grateful for his vision, his energy, and his unwavering commitment to our mission. Because of Troy, P3R is stronger, more innovative, and more community-focused than ever. As he embarks on his new venture, we wish him tremendous success and look forward to building on the foundation he helped create.”
Under Schooley's leadership, P3R experienced significant growth and expansion. Signature events including the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend, EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler & 10K, and America's Mile reached record participation levels and generated substantial economic impact for the region. P3R also expanded its event management capabilities through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, and Pittsburgh Penguins. The organization played a critical role in helping prepare Pittsburgh for the 2026 NFL Draft, providing expertise in event operations, transportation planning, hospitality, and volunteer management for what became the largest sporting event in Pittsburgh history.
Beyond major events, Schooley championed programs that inspire movement at every age. Kids of STEEL, RUN Varsity, and P3R’s youth sports clinics now reach thousands annually, and the Run for a Reason Charity Program raised more than $1.5 million in 2026 for nonprofit partners. His leadership earned him recognition on the 2025 and 2026 Pittsburgh Power 100 list by Pittsburgh Business Times.
For more information about P3R and its events, visit www.P3R.org.
About P3R
P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming - including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more - that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.
About Thrive Sports Group
Thrive Sports Group is a sports management and advisory firm focused on delivering impactful sports events, strategic partnerships, and community-driven experiences that create long-term value for organizations, brands, and municipalities. Specializing in event strategy and execution, sponsorship development, partnership activation, participatory sports, and sports tourism, Thrive helps clients maximize revenue opportunities, strengthen community engagement, and create meaningful connections with participants and fans.
As part of its long-term vision, Thrive Sports Group is developing a premier multi-sport youth and community sports complex designed to serve as a regional destination for athletic competition, training, wellness, and community engagement. Through its events, partnerships, and facility development initiatives, Thrive is committed to driving economic impact, supporting youth development, and creating sustainable value for communities, clients, and stakeholders.