(Louisville, KY. April 11, 2024) – Running USA is excited to announce that Tori Murden McClure, esteemed explorer, author, and President of Spalding University, will deliver the keynote address at the 21st Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku in Louisville, Kentucky, scheduled for February 2-4, 2025. Registration for the event is open now.
Tori Murden McClure is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Her extraordinary accomplishments and unwavering commitment to leadership and adventure make her the ideal keynote speaker for the premier gathering of industry professionals in the running community.
Best known as the first woman and first American to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, Tori captured the world’s attention with her daring 81-day journey in 1999. Additionally, she achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first woman and first American to ski to the geographic South Pole during a 50-day, 750-mile expedition.
“I am excited to discuss my adventures in the backcountry, skiing to the South Pole, rowing a boat alone across the Atlantic Ocean, and the urban adventures as President of Spalding University in Louisville,” McClure said.
Tori’s dedication to leadership extends beyond her personal achievements. As President of Spalding University, she has spearheaded initiatives that have earned the university recognition as the World’s First Compassionate University. Her diverse career includes roles such as a chaplain at a Boston hospital, director of a Louisville women’s shelter, policy assistant in the Louisville Mayor’s Office, and the first full-time employee of the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville.
Moreover, Tori’s academic journey is as remarkable as her adventures. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College, a Master of Divinity from Harvard University, a law degree from the University of Louisville, and a Master of Fine Arts in writing degree from Spalding.
Tori’s memoir, “A Pearl in the Storm: How I Found My Heart in the Middle of the Ocean,” chronicles her remarkable journey across the Atlantic and serves as a testament to her resilience and determination. The book has inspired countless readers and has been adapted into the stage musical, “Row,” which premiered at the esteemed Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts in 2021.
“We are honored to have Tori Murden McClure as our keynote speaker for the 2025 Running USA Industry Conference,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “Her unparalleled spirit of adventure, coupled with her profound insights on leadership and perseverance, will undoubtedly inspire and empower our attendees.”
The Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku is the premier gathering of professionals in the running industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and collaboration. The 2025 conference promises to be a transformative experience for all attendees.
For more information about the Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku and register for the event here. Hotel reservations at the Galt House Hotel are available now.
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 Race Roster has grown to becoming the best-attended, most esteemed gathering of running industry professionals from around the USA and the world. Now 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 and heads to Louisville, KY for the 2025 event.
About Running USA
Running USA is a non-profit organization committed to the growth and success of the running industry. Our promise is to deliver quality education, exceptional industry content, valuable research and ample networking opportunities. We connect. We support. We educate. Running USA brings together an entire community. As the voice of endurance running, we’re all about connection and collaboration. Whether we’re connecting race organizers with sponsors, partners and athletes, or connecting our members with vital information and best practices, our goal is to raise the profile of running and help more people get more out of it. For more information, visit runningusa.org.
