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.

 

The 2024 race will kick off the multi-year sponsorship

BOULDER, Colo. — Boulderthon has announced global sports company PUMA as the new multi-year presenting sponsor ahead of its 2024 event, taking place Sunday, Sept. 29. The announcement comes on the heels of PUMA’s launch of the Deviate NITRO 3 running shoe, which will be carried in the Boulder Fleet Feet store in 2024. The brand will expand to additional Fleet Feet Colorado locations in 2025.

“To have a brand like PUMA serve as Boulderthon’s presenting sponsor is truly a dream come true,” said Phil Dumontet, founder and president of Boulderthon. “This sponsorship opens doors for not only our race but also the Boulder community. We can’t wait to see what all we can accomplish with PUMA by our side.”

The sponsorship kicked off with the Boulderthon x PUMA Launch Party at the Fleet Feet Boulder location, consisting of a group run, snacks, drinks, PUMA shoe demos, raffles and more. To continue engaging with the running community, the sponsorship will bring additional year-round activations like community runs and professional athlete panels at Fleet Feet locations.

“We are so excited about the partnership between PUMA and Boulderthon,” said Aubrey Curl, Denver region operating partner at Fleet Feet. “PUMA’s latest running shoes are truly some of the best in-store right now and the community has already had a positive response to them! If you want to try them for yourself, PUMA will be at our annual Boulderthon Course Preview events on 8/24 and 8/29 and at all of our Race Week Events.”

Boulderthon offers five distances for participants to take part in, the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and Kids Run. Boulderthon’s marathon and half marathon courses will take participants through different landscapes set at the foothills of the Flatirons, with views of the Boulder Reservoir, Table Mountain and Haystack Mountain along their way. The fast, flat course features limited elevation change and multiple straightaways, making for high-quality race day performances. The 10K course will run participants through the streets of Boulder showcasing the scenic town, before leading them to Downtown Boulder for the iconic finish on the historic Pearl Street Mall. The Heart to Heart 5K by BCH will be debuting its brand new course this year, featuring an all-road, fast and flat experience for all participants, allowing for wheelchair athletes and those utilizing wheeled vehicles, like duo runners, to take part in the event.

The top-rated, fast-growing multi-distance event became the second-largest race in Colorado in its first year of existence, and the largest fall running event in the state. In its third annual edition, Boulderthon drew 7,000 runners from all 50 states as well as 18 countries, as the signature marathon showcased the world-class city of Boulder. In 2023, Active.com named Boulderthon one of the Top 5 Best Half Marathons in the United States, and the following year the 5K and half marathon courses were both named a top 10 in their categories by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice awards.

For more information on Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, visit www.boulderthon.org, and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT BOULDERTHON® PRESENTED BY PUMA   

Boulderthon, presented by PUMA, was created in 2021 by avid New York Road Runner, Phil Dumontet, with the goal of bringing a world-class marathon to one of the great running hubs of the country. It is a Boston Marathon Qualifying (BQ), USATF Sanctioned Event, measured by a Level A USATF Course Measurer, representing the highest level of certification for a marathon race. The race offers a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K and children’s races. For more information, visit www.boulderthon.org.

ABOUT PUMA 

PUMA is one of the world’s leading sports brands, designing, developing, selling and marketing footwear, apparel and accessories. For 75 years, PUMA has relentlessly pushed sport and culture forward by creating fast products for the world’s fastest athletes. PUMA offers performance and sport-inspired lifestyle products in categories such as Football, Running and Training, Basketball, Golf, and Motorsports. It collaborates with renowned designers and brands to bring sport influences into street culture and fashion. The PUMA Group owns the brands PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd. The company distributes its products in more than 120 countries, employs about 20,000 people worldwide, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach/Germany.

Indy’s largest marathon and premier public urban research university commit to public education, health, and wellness

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Through a shared commitment to Indianapolis and public education, Beyond Monumental is excited to announce that IU Indianapolis joins on as presenting sponsor of the Apex Benefits Monumental Kids Movement and the program’s culminating event, the Apex Benefits Monumental Kids 5K.

“Everything we do as an organization is centered around providing central Indiana students the opportunity and the tools to live a healthy, active lifestyle and achieve things they never thought possible,” said Jed Cornforth, Executive Director, Beyond Monumental. “This partnership with Indiana University Indianapolis allows us to support even more districts, schools and students; we simply cannot wait to celebrate each student’s achievement at this year’s program culminating 5K.”

The Apex Benefits Monumental Kids Movement presented by Indiana University Indianapolis is a school-based running club powered by a health and wellness curriculum. Students learn about exercise, proper diet and living a healthy lifestyle. More than 2,000 students are expected to participate in 2024, with 30,000+ graduates from local districts to date representing Indianapolis Public Schools, Lawrence Township Schools, Perry Township Schools and more.

“At a time when young people face more distractions than ever, the Monumental Kids Movement gives kids tools they need to make healthy choices,” Indiana University Indianapolis Chancellor Latha Ramchand said. “We’re thrilled to partner with an organization that makes such a direct and positive impact on the lives of young Hoosiers.”

In 2022, the Apex Benefits Monumental Kids 5K became a standalone event to highlight the program’s mentors and students, as well as provide a free health & wellness expo to all students, teachers, and families.

At the 2024 Apex Benefits Monumental Kids 5K, all participants will have the opportunity for the first-time-ever to finish on the infield at Lucas Oil Stadium on Wednesday, September 25. A medal and t-shirt will be guaranteed for all students participating.

Public registration is very limited and only available for non-program students 17 & under. To learn more and register, visit beyondmonumental.org/events/apex-benefits-monumental-kids-5k.

About Apex Benefits

Apex Benefits is Indiana’s largest employee benefits broker and consulting firm dedicated exclusively to delivering group insurance plans that save employers money and reduce risk. Our team of clinicians, analysts and benefits strategists have the experience to contain health care expenses, reduce pharmacy spend and improve employee well-being. For more than 20 years, Apex has proven to be a long-term partner that does the heavy lifting to make sure Indiana employers don’t pay more than they should for their benefits.

About Beyond Monumental

Beyond Monumental, the 501(c)3 non-profit responsible for the CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, provides the Indianapolis community with a complement of activities built around their premiere event that promotes healthy living & fitness for all ages. Beyond Monumental gives back to the Indianapolis community by supporting youth programming that reinforces healthy lifestyles for young people, with an emphasis on working with urban students and Indianapolis Public Schools, donating over $1.6 million since inception. The CNO Financial Indianapolis Monumental Marathon is a top 15 marathon in the US and is nationally recognized by Runners’ World as one of “Ten Great Marathons for First Timers”. The 17th annual running is scheduled for Nov. 9, 2024. For more information, please visit beyondmonumental.org.

Race series debuts both live tracking and participant timing

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Brooksee, the endurance event production and service company behind the Las Vegas Marathon, Portland Marathon, Mesa Marathon and REVEL Race Series, recently deployed its Laurel timing technology at this year’s Ragnar Wasatch Back, the first time the race has featured live tracking and participant timing for all participants. Brooksee’s handheld timing technology enabled timing on all 36 legs of the relay, previously impossible with legacy timing solutions.

With over 120 timing checkpoints along the course, the race had the most timing checkpoints ever of any road race, providing an unprecedented level of participant tracking. Participants and fans received text message alerts and updates every few miles, easing transition zone alerts on participants’ estimated arrival time to the zones. Brooksee’s Laurel timing platform also offers industry-leading safety features for race organizers, including a ‘Back of the Pack’ view of the last participants and alerts if participants stop moving after custom thresholds.

The 20th Ragnar Wasatch Back took place June 7 and 8. Runners started their journey at Utah State University. From there, participants ran through scenic countryside and many small towns including Kamas, Oakley and Francis. With Brooksee’s Laurel technology deployed on the course, teams could view their splits for each of the 36 relay legs for the first time in the race series’ history. After each team member completed their legs, participants crossed under the iconic Ragnar orange arch at the first-ever Brighton Ski Resort finish line.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ragnar to provide their participants with the industry’s best live tracking platform,” said Phil Dumontet, CEO of Brooksee. “Deploying our Laurel timing technology with Ragnar at Wasatch Back and Road Northwest Passage is an exciting first step as we expand our partnership with Ragnar nationwide.”

Brooksee continued their collaboration at this year’s Ragnar Road Northwest Passage and Ragnar Road Minnesota, where Brooksee’s Laurel timing technology was again featured. The Road Northwest Passage is a point-to-point road relay that starts at the Canadian border in the city of Blaine, Washington, and journeys through parts of the scenic Pacific Northwest, including the Cascade and Olympic Mountain ranges, Deception Pass and the Puget Sound. The relay concludes in Langley, Washington, located on Whidbey Island. The Ragnar Road Minnesota relay race starts in St. Paul and winds through the Minnesota lakes and multiple quaint towns alongside the St. Croix River and wraps up with a finish line at Lake Superior.

“In addition to providing our athletes with accurate timing splits, a way for their families at home to track their progress and a fun, competitive live leaderboard, the added safety feature of Brooksee timing is what’s most important to the Ragnar team. With 3,000+ participants spread across 200 miles of course, our staff simply cannot be everywhere at once,” said Rachel Harrison, road race operations manager at Ragnar. “Brooksee timing and tracking allows our staff to know where every runner is along the course. We even set up “wrong turn” checkpoints that would automatically alert a runner and their team if they missed a critical turn in the course and were headed in the wrong direction. This feature prevented multiple situations of locating lost runners which is always scary and takes away from the magic of a Ragnar experience.”

Brooksee’s Laurel technology is helping the company work towards its mission to make endurance events more exciting for fans, easier to manage for organizers and more enjoyable for runners. Running is one of the lowest spectator sports globally, and Brooksee is providing an extensive update to technology that hasn’t been innovated since the 1990s. Laurel technology brings a new level of data to the sport, unlocking personal bests for runners with real-time ranking stats in-race, higher levels of on-course support and a birds-eye view of all participant locations on course for race organizers.

For more information about Brooksee, visit www.Brooksee.com, and follow them on LinkedIn. You can also follow the Las Vegas Marathon on Instagram and Facebook, the Portland Marathon on Instagram and Facebook, the Mesa Marathon on Instagram and Facebook and the REVEL Race Series on Instagram and Facebook.

 

August 18, 2024, Brooklyn, NY — NYCRUNS, the Brooklyn-based runner-centric organization with a mission to create the very best running events throughout the New York City area, has introduced the NYCRUNS Local Elite Athlete Race Entry Program, it was announced by NYCRUNS Founder & CEO Steve Lastoe.

“We’re always looking at new ways to embrace our local running community and make our races more inclusive,” said Lastoe. “The New York City area is filled with talented athletes looking for challenging races. Our hope with the NYCRUNS Local Elite Athlete Race Entry Program is to incentivize the most competitive runners in the area to engage with NYCRUNS events throughout the year.”

The new program provides athletes competing in select NYCRUNS half marathons who meet the program criteria with complimentary entry to all NYCRUNS races (excluding the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon) for a one-year period from the date of the qualifying race.

Qualifying events include the New Jersey Half Marathon at Newport, NYCRUNS Falling Leaves Half Marathon, NYCRUNS Big Apple Half Marathon, and NYCRUNS Central Park Half Marathon.

To unlock the benefits of the NYCRUNS Local Elite Race Entry program, runners must be a NYCRUNS Member and achieve a qualifying half marathon time standard of 1:20:00 or faster in the Men’s Division or 1:30:00 or faster in the Women’s or Non-Binary / Gender Non-Conforming Divisions.

Further details on the NYCRUNS Local Elite Race Entry Program and qualifying criteria can be found here.

The Local Elite Athlete Race Entry Program is separate from the elite athlete entry process for the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon.

ABOUT NYCRUNS

NYCRUNS is a Brooklyn-based runner-centric organization with a mission to create the very best running events throughout the New York City area. Beginning with the first event in 2011, hundreds of thousands of runners have participated in NYCRUNS races. In 2024, NYCRUNS will host over 75,000 runners across two dozen events, including the flagship NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon. NYCRUNS races are accurately measured, electronically timed, and produced by a highly trained team of event and medical professionals. NYCRUNS strives to be a relentlessly positive part of the New York City running community, a meaningful partner to local businesses and causes, and a great place to work. For more information, visit NYCRUNS.com.

 

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION    

Founded in 1887, the B.A.A. is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. is committed to a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle. The B.A.A. advances its mission and vision by organizing mass-participatory running events such as the Boston Marathon, creating or supporting community fitness events, and sponsoring a running club that serves the greater Boston area.

The B.A.A. believes that everyone—no matter their race, gender, or background—should be able to advance their well-being safely and without fear or discrimination of any kind. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace and community that is diverse, equitable, inclusive and promotes a sense of belonging for all. To learn more about the B.A.A., please click here. 

ABOUT THE ROLE  

Reporting to the Director of Technical Operations and serving on the Race Operations and Production team, the Operations Coordinator will help ensure B.A.A. events are planned and executed to the highest level. They will assist and facilitate a variety of tasks that directly impact the experience of the B.A.A.’s participants, Race Committee members, vendors, and many others who are involved in B.A.A. events.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the Director of Technical Operations with the management and maintenance of the B.A.A. Racing App, medical tracker, and other Race Operations-related software/app solutions, as assigned. Provide user training to internal and external parties.

Help to maintain the B.A.A. inventory platform by supporting data entry, process documentation and user training, as needed.

Facilitate timely contract management, ensuring appropriate approvals and steps are taken on contracts related to the Medical Contributor Program, Course Medical tents, and others, as assigned.

Facilitate contract, vendor, and personnel administration for the Race Operations Center (ROC).

Coordinate and assist with both internal and external meeting series, such as Public Safety, Race Committee, and the Race Operations and Production team meetings. Ensure related tasks are planned and executed on time and within budget, including, but not limited to the following elements: meeting schedules, venues, food and beverage programs, check-in procedures, agendas, participant communications, etc.

Support the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures.

Provide support on event day(s) to expedite racecourse set up, product distribution, and logistics, as assigned by the Chief of Race Operations and Production. Assist with overall event execution.

Help conduct evaluations to identify areas for improvement post-event.

Facilitate the medical device transportation and usage program from B.A.A. races.

Provide ad hoc support to the Race Operations and Production team, and perform other related duties as assigned.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

There are innumerable ways to learn, grow and excel professionally. We know people gain skills through a variety of professional, personal, educational, and volunteer experiences. We respect this when we review applications and take a broad look at the experience of each applicant. We want to get to know you and the unique strengths you will bring to the work. This said, we are most likely to be interested in your candidacy if you can demonstrate the majority of the qualifications and experiences listed below.

• 1-2 years of related work experience in an event operations, hospitality, or related field preferred.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize and pivot in the moment (e.g., during events or meetings).
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking.
• Exceptional customer service skills with the ability to work with a wide variety of stakeholders in an inclusive manner.
• Can work well independently, in a team environment, and at live outdoor events.
• Genuine enthusiasm for supporting people (internal and external) at events, particularly sports and running-related experiences.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in Salesforce a plus.
• Flexibility to attend night and weekend events.
• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds.

WORK EXPECTATIONS AT THE B.A.A.

We are a hands-on team and seek employees who are passionate about our work and service to our community. The Operations Coordinator is a 40 hours/week, exempt position. The role will require flexibility to work on some weekends and evenings throughout the year. Additionally, there will be longer work hours surrounding B.A.A. race events. Limited local travel required.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range is competitive and commensurate with lived and professional experience. The B.A.A. will promote your professional growth and development by providing access to:

• Competitive health & dental insurance plans
• Life insurance, short term, and long-term disability plans funded 100% by the B.A.A.
• 401(k) matching dollar-for-dollar up to 4% after one year of service, elective deferrals may begin upon hire
• An annual allotment of professional development funding (up to $2,000 per calendar year)
• Paid vacation based on years of service
• 11 paid holidays, 9 scheduled and 2 floating

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to this position, please prepare a resume and cover letter to the attention of the B.A.A. Human Resources team and submit your materials to opportunities@baa.org.

The B.A.A. is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of an individual’s race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

(Fayetteville, AR) – Start 2 Finish, a rapidly growing event services provider with offices in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Memphis, TN; and St. Louis, MO is expanding into the Northwest Arkansas region with a new office that opened on July 1 in Fayetteville, AR. After acquiring offices in Atlanta and St. Louis in 2023, this expansion into the Northwest Arkansas region marks another significant milestone in the company’s growth.

“We are thrilled to bring our expertise to Northwest Arkansas,” said Brent Barrett, founder of Start 2 Finish. “This region is known for its active community and vibrant race scene. We look forward to supporting the local races with our professional services and aim to continue to elevate the overall event experience for the participants.”

Start 2 Finish brings to Arkansas a long history of working in the state with races including the Little Rock Marathon (the largest running race in Arkansas), the Firecracker Fast 5K (the oldest running race in Arkansas) and Trifest for MS (the largest triathlon in Arkansas) among others. Already the Northwest Arkansas office is adding races to the Start 2 Finish calendar. “The Morgan Nick Foundation is excited to partner with Start 2 Finish in May 2025, bringing real-time results directly to athletes as they participate in the 12th Annual Everyday Hero 5K/1 Mile,” Said Colleen Nick, Director of the Morgan Nick Foundation.

The new office will operate as Start 2 Finish Northwest Arkansas and will serve as a hub for Start 2 Finish’s comprehensive event services, including race timing, event management, and marketing support. This strategic location allows the company to better meet the needs of local event organizers and participants, offering enhanced accessibility and personalized service.

Contacts:

Atlanta Region: Jessie Xayaseng ~ jessie@s2fevents.com

Charlotte Region: Jen Forsyth ~ jen@s2fcharlotte.com 

Memphis Region: Adam Shelton ~ adam@s2fevents.com

Northwest Arkansas Region: Faith Myers ~ faith@s2fevents.com

St. Louis Region: Jake Goldsborough ~ jake@s2fevents.com 

 

AUGUST 11, 2024 – VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA – The Getem Services Big Blue 5K presented by Bon Secours held at Old Dominion University on August 10 was a resounding success, raising money for the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. The event, which brought together athletes, alumni and supporters from across the community, showcased the university’s pride and promoting health and wellness.

Participants of all ages, from seasoned runners to first-time 5K participants, took to the streets of Old Dominion University to support the Old Dominion athletic teams. The race featured a scenic course that winded through the university campus, providing a unique opportunity for participants to experience ODU’s beautiful grounds.

One of the many highlights of the 3.1 mile loop around the campus are the cheering squads made up of the university’s athletic teams which included the Men’s Soccer, Field Hockey, Volleyball, Swimming and Football teams. The very popular 50 yard-line finish on Kornblau Field is a favorite among participants who look forward to that photo finish.

“We are thrilled with the success of the Getem Services Big Blue 5K,” said race director, Jerry Frostick. “Not only did we raise a significant amount of money for the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation, but we also brought together the community in a fun and healthy way. We are grateful to all of our sponsors, volunteers, and participants for making this event possible.”

Mike Kapetanakis of Virginia Beach, Virginia, won the Big Blue 5K with a finish time of 17:24. The winner of the 5K on the women’s side was S. Konnar Ansell of Chesapeake, VA. She broke the tape in 20:29.

The Getem Services Big Blue 5K will return earlier in 2025 on April 26. To learn more about the race, visit www.bigblue5k.com.

About J&A Racing

J&A Racing is a nationally recognized race management company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With a portfolio of 9 events, J&A Racing’s mission is to promote and support healthy lifestyles and the sport of running through all stages of life. Since 2003 when J&A Racing owners, Amy and Jerry Frostick, took over the Shamrock Sportsfest, the Yuengling Shamrock Marathon Weekend has become one of the most popular running events in the country growing from 3,000 participants to a record 30,000 in 2015. Additionally, J&A Racing organizes the ADP Corporate 5K; the Getem Services Big Blue 5K; Chartway Virginia Beach 10 Miler and 5K; the Crawlin’ Crab Half Marathon & 5K; Old Point National Bank Wicked 10K; the Chartway Norfolk Harbor Half Marathon, 10K & 5K; the BayPort Credit Union Surf-N-Santa 5 Miler; and the Sun Up to Sun Down 50K. For more information on J&A Racing’s events, visit jandaracing.com.

The popular running event has announced its annual theme celebrating the participant experience at Race Weekend

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend has announced its 2025 theme: “Tradition & Triumph.” The 2025 theme was chosen by organizers with the goal to capture the elements that inspire participants to toe the line and that carry them to a victorious finish throughout race weekend. Registration for Race Weekend is open for all distances, including the marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, mile, marathon relay, youth run and all eight multi-event challenges.

For the past 11 years, the event has selected an annual theme to highlight areas of pride for the state of Illinois, happenings in the community, pop culture and more. Leading up to the announcement each year, the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend team teases the theme across social media. The theme is also captured in a poster, featuring details that memorialize race weekend and images that call the theme to mind. Around 1,000 copies of the poster will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at the health and fitness expo.

“Both in training and on the race course, participants are taking part in countless rites, rituals and stories that are woven into the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend’s identity – ones that stem from the ancient sport of running, the B1G conference, the University of Illinois, the C-U community and the participant’s unique background and experience,” said Jan Seeley, race director of Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “As participants cross the finish line, they triumph over figurative and literal obstacles and experience the satisfaction of reaching their goal. As we watched the 2024 race unfold, it became clear that these two concepts should come to the forefront as our 2025 theme.”

The 2025 edition of the race will include both new and continuing traditions.

In anticipation of the race weekend, the event will be launching a new campaign to train staff, volunteers, participants and the community in Hands-Only CPR, a lifesaving skill that will empower their team to create a safe and prepared environment for all participants.

2024 marked the return of the marathon distance for the first time since 2019, growing the participant field and Race Weekend experience. The race also implemented additional inclusive race features that made the event more accessible to Deaf athletes. By working directly with Deaf athletes, race organizers were able to ensure that needs were met for Deaf runners to experience Race Weekend to its full potential. Some of these features include ASL interpreters, volunteer training of basic ASL signing and working with PACE, a local organization dedicated to ensuring the full participation of people with disabilities in all spheres of society. These Race Weekend features are returning for the 2025 event, and are expected to remain a part of the annual event for years to come.

Other notable additions from the 2024 event include the creation and launch of the new non-profit, Kicks for CU Kids, built in partnership with local running store Body n’ Sole Sports. The organization aims to provide free running shoes and socks to youth in need who participate in the 5K or Busey Bank Illinois Youth Run, allowing them to reach their goals confidently during race weekend. In 2024, the organization raised close to $20,000, which included a generous donation of $10,000 from the Village of Savoy.

The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend is one of the largest running events in the nation, with nearly 10,000 registrants in 2024. Since its inception, the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend has donated $1.846 million to charities in the community and generated an estimated $5 million in economic impact annually.

For more information about Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, visit www.IllinoisMarathon.com and follow the event on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

About Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend

The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend is an annual running event that takes participants through the scenic streets of Champaign-Urbana & Savoy, Ill. It is one of the 100 largest races in the United States, drawing over 15,000 runners in past years. Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend is led by award-winning Race Director Jan Seeley. The event made a triumphant post-pandemic return and remains committed to fostering a happy, healthy community in central Illinois. The 2025 edition will take place on April 24-26, 2025, and will feature a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, 4-person relay, youth run and multi-event challenges. To learn more about the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, visit www.IllinoisMarathon.com.

An avid runner, Tamara Keith is Senior White House correspondent for NPR and appears weekly on the PBS News Hour as part of its Politics Monday segment. She is a former president of the White House Correspondents Association.

Tamara has run the Marine Corps Marathon as well as many other races. She will speak on the juxtaposition of running and politics, how she has kept up her running with a packed schedule and what it is like covering former and current politicians and staff who run regularly.

In addition to the keynote the program, December 13 – 15 in Hollywood, FL will include:

• Sponsorship Overview Current and Future Climate (Faculty: Andrea Dowdy)

• Calculating Race Needs (Faculty: Dave McGillivray)

• AI Impact Today and Tomorrow (Faculty: Doug Thurston)

• The Ins and Outs of Event Insurance (Faculty: Terry Diller)

• Permitting All You Need to Know (Faculty: Andrea Dowdy, Dave McGillivray, Doug Thurston)

• Participant Demographics (Faculty: Laurel Park)

• Rethinking Elite Athletes (Faculty: Eli Asch)

The full program and schedule for the meeting are available at www.rrm.com

Exhibitors at the meeting will include companies offering awards, competitor numbers, signs, banners, registration and timing services, apps, web services, apparel, social media services, and event photography.

Thousands of race officials, corporate sponsors, marketing executives, sports organization representatives (RRCA, USATF, RUSA, PRRO) and others involved in organized running events have attended this annual fall gathering since its inception in 1983.

Phil Stewart, Road Race Management President, said, “The meeting venue across from the beach at the Hollywood Beach Marriott, just 6 miles from the Ft Lauderdale/Hollywood airport, offers a tranquil environment for event directors not only to stay abreast of cutting-edge topics facing the sport, but also to unwind and network in a relaxed atmosphere. Many race committees reward committee members or staff with a trip to this meeting, finding it a great way to offer a special thank you and educational opportunity while rejuvenating key workers for next year’s event and running next to the beach is an added plus”

The Road Race Management meeting is sponsored by Ashworth Awards, Gatorade Endurance, John Elliott, Hightech Signs, Leslie Jordan, Inc., MarathonFoto, MarathonGuide.com, Marathon Printing, MYLAPS Sports Technology, National Event Services, and Publix Gasparilla Distance Classic.

In addition to conducting the meeting, Road Race Management publishes the twice-monthly free Road Race Management E-News (sign up here). The company hosts several industry-leading websites including the Online Guide to Prize Money Races and Elite Athletes, the Doping Sanctions site and the Longest Serving Race Director site in addition to its acclaimed main site at www.rrm.com