August 14, 2024 – Running USA, the nonprofit trade organization for the running industry, announces the release of a new timely Industry Insights report, which covers the largest standalone races and multi-event weekends, 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons, and marathons for the first half of 2024. This report provides a look at growth trends in events, highlighting significant increases in participation across various distances.

In this new data set, Running USA examines the performance of races in the first six months of 2024 and compares them to the same period in 2023. The findings reveal that many events have experienced impressive double-digit growth percentages, with some surpassing pre-pandemic participation levels. This surge reflects the industry’s ongoing recovery and continued expansion, providing a strong indicator of renewed vitality within the running community.

“The numbers don’t lie,” said Jay Holder, Running USA’s Executive Director. “In communities from coast to coast, more Americans are signing up for road races than they were last year. That’s because event organizers and their partners are delivering experiences in which everyone from beginners to elite runners want to take part.”

The report, made possible through Running USA’s collaboration with Athlinks, aggregates finisher data from timed and scored events. It aims to instill confidence within the industry by showcasing successful races and offering insights into effective strategies. By identifying key growth drivers and best practices, the report serves as a valuable resource for event organizers seeking to replicate success and foster further growth.

The report is available at no charge to Running USA members of all levels (you must log into your runningusa.org account to reflect your membership status). Non-members can access the report for $99. Download the report here. For more trending research, please visit runningusa.org.

Running USA will host a panel discussion featuring representatives from four events that made the top 100 lists. Sign up here. Scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, this virtual session will provide attendees with firsthand insights from events that have achieved notable increases in participation. Panelists will share the strategies and practices that contributed to their success, offering actionable takeaways for other event organizers.

Panelists include:

● Dan Lakin, Sr. Event Operations Manager and Race Director, Ventures Endurance (Louisville Triple Crown of Running)

● Becky Radliff, Director of Marketing and Events, Eugene Marathon

● Ashlee Snider, Director of Marketing, Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers (Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K)

● Mike Wattigny, Marketing & Creative Director, Fresh Junkie (Louisiana Marathon)

This panel discussion is a unique opportunity for event organizers to learn from leading industry experts and gain valuable insights into achieving growth and success. Join the conversation.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the running industry across North America. As the premier trade organization, Running USA supports growth and innovation through education, research, and best practices. The organization fosters networking and collaboration among event organizers, sponsors, vendors, and athletes. Running USA is also part of a global alliance focused on enhancing the global running community, including affiliations with the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.

 

Valuable new member benefit available for submissions now

(August 7, 2024) – Running USA today announces the launch of its new online running event calendar, now available for all levels of membership to submit their events at runningusa.org. This innovative calendar is designed to be a valuable resource for members and an essential tool for runners nationwide as they search for their next road race.

The online event calendar offers a streamlined and user-friendly platform for race organizers to submit their events effortlessly. Members of Running USA can now easily upload details about their events, ensuring they reach a wide and engaged audience of potential participants. This feature is a significant enhancement to the membership benefits, providing greater visibility and promotional opportunities for all types of races, from local 5Ks to major marathons.

“Our goal is to support the running community by making it easier for event organizers to share their races and for runners to find exciting events to participate in,” said Jay Holder, Running USA Executive Director. “This calendar is a testament to our commitment to fostering the growth and success of running events across the country.”

Key Features of the Running USA Online Event Calendar:

Easy Event Submission: Race organizers with active memberships can quickly submit their events through a simple online form, making it hassle-free to get races listed.

Comprehensive Event Listings: The calendar provides detailed information about each event, including date, location, distance, registration link, logo, the kind of race swag offered, photo offerings and more.

Search and Filter Capabilities: Runners can easily search for events based on criteria such as location, date, or distance, helping them find the perfect race to suit their preferences and goals.

Member-Exclusive Access: This feature is available to all levels of Running USA membership, ensuring that all members can benefit from increased event exposure and participation.

This new online calendar is set to become an indispensable tool for both race organizers and runners. It will help event organizers increase participation and reach their target audience more effectively, while runners will have a go-to resource for discovering and registering for races that match their interests and training goals.

For more information about the Running USA online event calendar or to become a member, visit runningusa.org. Questions about membership? Read out to Nancy Brandon, Director of Membership and Sponsorship.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.

 

Participants to attend 2025 Industry Conference Presented by haku in Louisville, KY

July 31, 2024 – Running USA announced today that applications are now open for its 2025 Emerging Leaders Program to improve access to the running industry. This initiative is designed to support and empower the next generation of industry leaders, particularly those from minority and/or women-owned businesses.

Participants selected for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Program will receive no-cost attendance at the highly anticipated 2025 Industry Conference, presented by haku, taking place in Louisville, KY. This invaluable opportunity allows program participants to network with industry professionals, gain insights from seasoned experts, and develop the skills needed to build successful running-related businesses.

The Emerging Leaders Program aligns with Running USA’s mission to strengthen and grow the endurance industry by providing education, advocacy, and development resources. By focusing on under-represented organizations, Running USA is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the running community.

“As the running industry welcomes new runners and walkers, it is critical to amplify fresh faces and voices” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “Our Emerging Leaders Program not only offers educational opportunities but also creates a platform for these present and future leaders to thrive and make a lasting impact.”

Applications for the 2025 Emerging Leaders Program will be accepted until Sept. 13, 2024. Interested candidates can apply here.

For more information about the program or questions, contact Michael Clemons at michael@runningusa.org.

About the Industry Conference

Since its origins as a small gathering of Running USA’s founders in Southern California in 2004, the Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku is the best-attended, most esteemed gathering of running industry professionals from around the world. Moving locations each year, the conference has been held in Los Angeles, San Diego, Savannah, Houston, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Orlando and heads to Louisville, KY for the 2025 event.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.

 

Barbara Wright and Evan Snitkoff, co-race directors for the Key West Half Marathon in Florida, know firsthand how CPR training and the availability of an AED (automated external defibrillator) can save a life. Not just once, but twice at their event, a runner has been struck down by a cardiac event and saved by other participants and event volunteers.

“Each of these times (lives were saved) was just a miracle. Each incident happened to have four different people nearby, who happened to be there at that moment, who knew what to do,” Wright said.

Because of these incidents, Wright and Snitkoff are so committed to the importance of CPR training that they have offered entry fee discounts and this year, are giving a free piece of swag to anyone who runs in the event and presents an active CPR certification during race weekend. They also heartily encourage fellow event producers to get CPR certified and have AEDs easily available on your event course.

“It doesn’t take a lot of time and it goes a long way,” said Snitkoff. “We encourage both race directors and participants to get certified. You might be able to help a fellow runner.”

**

Opportunity for Running USA members to receive free CPR/AED certification and crisis management training on Sept. 17 in Atlanta, Ga

This regional training will be free of charge to active members of Running USA and its global affiliates and available for a reduced cost to industry partners. It is being held in partnership with Los Angeles-based Joffe Emergency Services and hosted at Atlanta Track Club’s midtown Atlanta headquarters. Registration is open now.

**

In the most recent incident at the Key West Marathon, runner Mike Raymond suffered a seizure and actually died on the course, but was brought back by the efforts of fellow runner Dr. Taylor Curley, chief resident at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital.

Dr.  Curley, who started CPR as soon as she saw Raymond go down on the course, was assisted by race volunteer Kathryn Nass, a retired emergency nurse. Another bystander ran to grab an AED from a nearby cruise ship. (The event has three AEDs on course during its event, in the hands of professional EMTs.)

We shared an article about Raymond’s on-course incident in our Running USA news back in April, so it was great to hear that he is well on his way to a full recovery. He plans to speak at the 27^th Key West Half Marathon in January 2025.

“The last thing I remember is that I took a picture of the cruise ship at Mile 12. Right after that, I went down. I had no symptoms whatsoever,” said Raymond, who had major heart bypass surgery after the incident.

While he is just gradually beginning to run again with the permission of his cardiologist, Raymond already has his sights set on 2026 Key West Half events, including the multi-distance “Big Pecker Challenge.”

He has stayed in touch with those who helped him that fateful day and recently visited the emergency room doctor who treated him once he was moved from the course to the hospital.

“It took a while,” Dr. Curley said of the initial on-course efforts. “We defibrillated him once and after around eight or nine minutes, EMS arrived and took him away. At that point, he had a heartbeat again.”

It’s safe to say that running – or race directing – with CPR training might just help you save a life.

Running USA announces its newly elected Board of Directors, who begin their three-year terms August 1

(July 24, 2024) – Running USA member representatives have approved the election of a slate of three new board members to three-year director terms which will begin August 1, 2024 and conclude July 31, 2027.

The newly elected board members, whose biographies can be viewed here, are:

Emily Glasser, President and CEO, Achilles International

Bryan Lively, Vice President of Global Sales and Service, GivenGain Foundation; CEO and President of ACL Squared Consulting

Jarod Matheney, Director of Experiential Event Operations & Logistics, ALSAC/St. Jude

“Thank you to all who applied to be a part of Running USA’s Board of Directors. We had an overwhelming response and believe the new board members will aid us in taking Running USA to the next level. I am proud to say this is our most diverse board and as promised, we will continue to expand and evolve our recruitment efforts to allow for even greater opportunity to members,” said Kathleen Titus, President of the Running USA Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors will hold its next quarterly meeting in-person in Louisville on August 20. Any current member of the organization is welcome to attend.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.

Louisville, KY, (July 16, 2025) – In response to attendee feedback, Running USA today shares exciting programming updates for the 2025 Industry Conference presented by haku, to be held in Louisville, KY from February 2-4, 2025. Registration is now open and hotel reservations at the Galt House Hotel can be made here at a discounted rate.

Speed Networking Makes a Comeback!

On Sunday, February 2, the popular Speed Networking event returns, providing attendees with the perfect opportunity to forge new connections across the running industry. This event is especially beneficial for first-time attendees and those looking to expand their professional network.

“Speed networking has been one of the all time greatest hits at the Industry Conference, so we’re thrilled to bring it back to our 2025 event,” said Michael Clemons, Operations Director for Running USA. Be sure to arrive by Sunday mid-day to be able to participate. Event registration will open at 11am.

Targeted Content Tracks

In response to attendee feedback, this year’s sessions (outside of the general sessions) will be organized into five specific content tracks:

● Event Management & Operations

● Business Development & Partnerships

● Marketing & Communications

● Customer Experience & Relations

● Wildcard: Content that may not fall into one of the above categories

“While anyone can go to any session they choose, we don’t want attendees to have to choose between two sessions that fall under the same category. Setting up these tracks will ensure that during each breakout session, the diverse programming options will meet the needs of all industry professionals,” said Clemons.

Round Table Sessions for Peer-to-Peer Discussion

Additionally, the conference will feature Monday afternoon Round Table Sessions, offering a platform for individuals in various sectors to meet, network, share ideas, and tackle challenges. Focus areas for the round tables include:

● Small to Medium (less than 5,000) Event Management & Operations

● Large Event Management & Operations

● Business Development & Partnerships

● Marketing & Communications

● Customer Experience & Relations

● Vendors & B2B Sales

These sessions are designed to foster collaboration and support among industry peers.

Register Today

Don’t miss out on the world’s highest esteem event specifically for running industry professionals. Secure your spot at the 2025 Industry Conference by registering here. Don’t delay – a price increase is coming on Sept. 2, 2024.

For those interested in participating in the annual Conference Expo, a great chance to showcase brands and products relevant to the running industry, Expo registration is now open. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

About the Industry Conference

Since its origins as a small gathering of Running USA’s founders in Southern California in 2004, the Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku is the best-attended, most esteemed gathering of running industry professionals from around the world. Moving locations each year, the conference has been held in Los Angeles, San Diego, Savannah, Houston, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Orlando and heads to Louisville, KY for the 2025 event.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.

 

July 9, 2024 – Running USA today unveiled a new research report titled Industry Insights: A Look at the Country’s Top Races, offering an in-depth look at the top 100 largest races in the U.S. prior to the pandemic in 2019 and how those events and their participation changed as the industry began to return to normalcy in 2023. This trend report is now available for download.

Foundation and Contributing members of Running USA can access the report for free, while Basic level members can obtain it at a 50 percent discount. Non-members can purchase the report for $300.

A webinar reviewing highlights from the report will be held July 24 at 2pm ET. You can sign up here.

In collaboration with Athlinks, Running USA has conducted a thorough analysis of race finisher data from 2019 and 2023, presenting the most accurate depiction of the running event industry’s recovery post-pandemic. The report delves into the types of events and geographic locations that are thriving, as well as areas that still have growth potential and participation trends by demographic. It includes a detailed breakdown of the top 100 timed races in the United States and comparative data between 2023 and 2019.

“This side-by-side comparison paints an accurate picture of the recovery the industry has experienced since the height of the pandemic,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “It also shows us the difference in the speed at which some races and distances have recovered and the encouraging trajectory we are seeing across the country.”

The running industry faced significant challenges during the pandemic, with 2020 seeing a near halt in activities. Following more than a year of canceled, virtual-only, or reduced-capacity events, a substantial recovery began in the fall of 2021. Although 2021 and 2022 experienced a gradual return to normalcy amidst various restrictions, supply chain issues, and participant hesitance, 2023 and 2024 have marked record participation levels for many events. Even those events yet to reach 2019 numbers show a promising upward trend.

The report not only examines individual events but also highlights the top 25 event weekends in 2023, considering all timed race distances, including kids’ runs and pet-friendly dashes. Additionally, it lists the top ten events in each state, providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the running event industry.

For more information and to download the report, visit runningusa.org today.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.

 

Hello Members of Running USA!

I hope your summer is off to a great start. For those of you with big summer races, best of luck on your preparations or congratulations on a successful event. Please know that Running USA is here to help spread the word of your achievements and innovations as well as to help align contract staff, vendors, sponsors and event directors. Our team is working on a suite of offerings that will expand these opportunities, but in the meantime, please feel free to reach out to Michael, Nancy, Leah or myself should there be anything we can assist with.

We have an exciting summer here at Running USA. I am currently in Paris where I am part of the press operations team at Stade de France for the Olympic Games. If you find yourself here for the Games, I’d love it if you let me know so we could connect.

This week Running USA released an in-depth report on event finisher numbers in 2019 versus those in 2023. While it is clear there are many events that are still not quite where they were prior to the pandemic, it’s also clear that many events are well ahead of that mark. There is a renewed interest in what we all do and the trajectory is very encouraging. You can find the full report here.

Additionally, Running USA is in the midst of collecting responses for the 2024 Global Runner Survey presented by Active. This survey provides invaluable insight into the habits, desires and demographics of our current and future participants. We are asking everyone to share the link so we can get more responses than ever before. Find the survey here.

Finally, we will be concluding the summer with our first ever Safety Day. In partnership with Atlanta Track Club and Joffe Emergency Management, Running USA is offering free CPR certification, AED training and crisis communication skills to members on September 17 in Atlanta. Register here. If you can’t make it to Atlanta, never fear. There are more events to come!

As always, we welcome your feedback and enjoy hearing from you.

 

Happy Running,

Jay

The 2024 Running USA Board of Directors election is underway. With the full support of the Running USA Board of Directors, this year’s election has a recommended slate of candidates.

Recommending a slate of candidates allows the Governance and Elections Committee to streamline the election process and identify candidates who can best support the organization and its current needs. These candidates are recommended based on their experience, leadership and commitment to our sport.

All terms will be for three years, concluding in June 2027.

2024 Director Slate:

Emily Glasser

President and CEO, Achilles International

Emily Glasser joined Achilles International as Interim Executive Director in August 2019 and was named President and CEO in November 2019. Emily brings over a decade of experience managing strategic partnerships for top tier cultural institutions and innovative mission-driven startups. Her skills have been developed at large institutions such as Deutsche Bank and MoMA as well as the startup, Goalsetter.

Through her work with Achilles, Emily hopes to advance understanding of the importance of inclusion and accessibility in all elements of society and culture. An avid runner, Emily believes firmly in the elevating power of sport for all.

Emily is a graduate of Dartmouth College and resides with her husband and two daughters in New York City.

Bryan Lively

Vice President of Global Sales and Service, GivenGain Foundation; CEO and President of ACL Squared Consulting

Bryan Lively is the Vice President of Global Sales and Service for the GivenGain Foundation and the CEO and President of ACL Squared Consulting. The GivenGain Foundation is laser focused on helping events, charities and individuals raise more than they ever expected in a fun and meaningful way.  ACL Squared Consulting provides business planning and expertise as well as fundraising coaching and strategies to help businesses and nonprofits alike grow and thrive to their full potential.

Bryan has worked in non profit technology, events and the charity spaces over the last few decades. He has been instrumental in the growth of every brand he has built and touched. Bryan leads the Board of Directors for charities Project Purple and Chike Springer Foundation as well as sits on many for-profit boards.

Bryan prides himself on being balanced to truly enjoy everything life has to offer. Outside of the office, Bryan enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys running all distances, cycling, yoga and travel.

Jarod Matheney

Director of Experiential Event Operations & Logistics for ALSAC/ST. JUDE

Jarod Matheney is the Director of Experiential Event Operations & Logistics for ALSAC/ST. JUDE. There he oversees the operations for St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend and manages the entire participant and guest experience. Jarod manages a team who dedicates their career to providing operations and logistics to all our program team events from galas to golf tournaments to seminars and endurance events. Jarod has over 10 years of facility management and small to large scale event operations experience throughout his career in Higher Education and now in the Non -Profit world.

Jarod received his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from the University of Central Arkansas and later received his Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel (Higher Education) from Arkansas Tech University.

Jarod is a passionate and energetic professional who seeks to create one of a kind event experiences for all participants, guest, volunteers & spectators that will last for a lifetime.

June 13, 2024 – Running USA is excited to announce the launch of the 2024 Global Runner Survey, sponsored by ACTIVE. We invite runners from around the world to participate in the world’s largest runner survey, which opens today and will accept responses until July 19. Your valuable input will help shape the future of running events, products, and services.

Why Participate?

This year’s survey features a revamped set of questions designed to capture a broader and more detailed picture of the global running community. By participating, you contribute to a vital resource that provides deep insights into the opinions and preferences of runners everywhere.

We are also offering the chance to be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card if you complete the survey this year! Start your survey here.

How to Participate:

We encourage all runners to take part in the survey and share their unique experiences and perspectives. The survey is open to everyone, and it takes between 10-15 minutes to complete. You can complete or share the survey here.

How to Spread the Word:

We urge running groups, clubs, and event organizers to spread the word about this survey. Share it with your community through direct email or social media over the next three weeks. Data collection will conclude on July 12.

Email: Send out a few reminders to your database of runners encouraging them to participate. Use the survey link: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7861197/2024-Race-Trends-Global-Runner-Survey

Social Media: Share the survey link on your social media platforms with a call to action for your followers to join in. Need a graphic to go with it? Download one here.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a global understanding of the running community and to gain access to tailored data that can benefit your events and initiatives.

Results of the survey will be released in late summer and be shared with the global running community. Detailed reports will be available for free to current members of Running USA. To learn more about membership in the nation’s leading trade organization for the running industry, click here.

Thanks to our Survey Sponsors

Running USA would like to thank ACTIVE, our title sponsor for this year’s survey. ACTIVE delivers premier software solutions proven to help organizations and municipalities grow and thrive for years to come. Their industry-leading suite of products has everything needed to provide unparalleled experiences for both staff and customers alike. Learn more at activenetwork.com.

Treat Public Relations is a supporting sponsor of this year’s survey. Treat Public Relations is an award-winning agency and the endurance event industry’s premier public relations and strategic communications partner. Based in Orange County, Calif., Treat Public Relations represents endurance sports events, race organizers, athletes, and nonprofits across the United States. Learn more at treatpublicrelations.com.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.