Posted: January 16, 2004

Athletics: Running USA 2004 Industry Conference a Success

Last Friday and Saturday, January 9-10, more than 150 of the sport's leaders representing the entire running industry gathered in Scottsdale, Arizona for a two-day industry conference presented by Running USA and The Active Network.

"The response to the conference by the attendees was overwhelmingly positive and supportive. Its success will serve as a platform for further improvement in and for the sport," said Basil Honikman, executive director of Running USA.

At Friday's opening day session, Laren Ukman of IEG gave the keynote address followed by four sessions: "The Industry" moderated by USATF CEO Craig Masback; "The Sponsors" with speaker Steve Huey, former sponsorship chief of Compaq Computer and HP and moderated by Dave Alberga, CEO of The Active Network; "The Event" led by Dan Finanger, Twin Cities Marathon race director and "The Champions" with coach Joe Vigil and athletes Deena Drossin and Ryan Shay of Team Running USA.

The second day featured six sessions with the following moderators: "Youth Fitness" (Paul Carrozza, President's Council for Physical Fitness and Sport), "The New Products" (Jon Belmonte, The Active Network), "The Media" (Amby Burfoot, Runner's World executive editor), "Liability" (David Coyne, Running USA general counsel), "Race Director Education" (Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon) and "The Future" (Basil Honikman).

For 2004, Running USA and its members plan to concentrate on: increased media support, family and youth fitness, development of U.S. running stars, marketing assistance and race director education and the 2005 conference.

Running USA Banquet Honors The Sport'S Leaders
At the Friday evening banquet presented by The National Sports Network, Elite Racing president Tim Murphy, Bolder Boulder 10K founder Steve Bosley, Runner's World executive editor Amby Burfoot, legendary distance coach Joe Vigil and ChampionChip's Mike Burns and David Simms were inducted into Running USA's Hall of Champions. See photo at http://www.runningusa.org/

In addition, USATF presented charity awards to the Boston Marathon and the Team in Training program.

Five Selected For Running USA Board
Allan Steinfeld (ING New York City Marathon), Dave Alberga (The Active Network), Sherlynn Everly (Crim Festival of Races) and Nancy Lieberman (Spirit of St. Louis Marathon) were elected to two-year terms on the Running USA Board of Directors at last Saturday's annual meeting. Creigh Kelley (BKB, Ltd.) has also joined the Board as an appointed member. Steinfeld will continue to serve as president of the Board. Nick Curl from the City of Los Angeles Marathon was selected to be vice president and Everly will serve as the Board secretary.

About Running USA
Running USA is dedicated to improving the status of road running and raising its awareness among the public and corporate America and supporting and developing American world-class stars. Founded in March 1999 with USA Track & Field, its membership includes major U.S. road races, running organizations, members of the athletic industry, athlete legends and media.

Its event members represent over 300 races including some of the leading ones in the U.S. with over 1.7 million participants and millions of spectators and over $3 million in annual prize money. For more information on Running USA, its objectives and members, visit its website: www.runningusa.org or call Ryan Lamppa, (805) 696-6232.