Posted: February 7, 2005

Athletics:Running USA 2005 Conference Report

With a record number of 250 attendees, the Running USA 2005 Conference on February 3-5 in San Diego was a resounding success. The annual industry conference, powered by The Active Network and National Sports Network, featured a variety of keynote speakers and workshops which covered the spectrum from economic impact to youth fitness to event production to media operations to sponsorship trends and more.

"Our conference again brought together our "Family", the people who make our wonderful sport what it is, and the on-site response to the conference has been overwhelmingly positive and uplifting," said Basil Honikman, executive director of Running USA.

For 2005, Running USA plans to concentrate on: expanded media operations, youth fitness, Team Running USA, marketing assistance, a national rankings system and its 2006 conference.

Conference Highlights

At the Friday evening banquet presented by The National Sports Network, the second class of the Running USA Hall of Champions was announced:

* Rich Benyo, Marathon and Beyond
* Jim Davis, MarathonFoto
* Julia Emmons, Atlanta Track Club/Peachtree Road Race
* Ed Froehlich, Quad-City Times Bix 7
* Bob Larsen, Olympic and Team Running USA Coach
* Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon/DMSE

On Saturday, February 5 at the Celebration of Women in the Industry luncheon presented by MarathonFoto, Elizabeth Phillips, current USATF Women's LDR Chair, was recognized for her long-term contribution to the sport.

During the conference, elections were held for 12 seats on the expanded Running USA Board of Directors and the newly constituted board is listed below.

Dave Alberga, The Active Network
Virginia Brophy Achman*, Twin Cities Marathon
Nick Curl*, City of Los Angeles Marathon
Julia Emmons*, Peachtree Road Race
Fred Finke, USATF LDR Division Chair
Bruce Franke*, MarathonFoto
Andrew Hersam*, Runner's World Publisher
Gordon Kane*, Devine Racing
Doug Kaplan*, National Sports Network
Creigh Kelley*, Winning Time
Glenn Latimer*, Steamboat Classic
Nancy Lieberman, Spirit of St. Louis Marathon
Dave McGillivray*, DMSE
Courtney Page Ferrell*, PLAY
Bill Roe, USATF President
Allan Steinfeld, ING New York City Marathon
Kevin Tordoff*, Saucony
*newly elected

In addition, at the auctions at the Friday banquet and Saturday night's Competitor Endurance Sports Awards, over $25,000 was raised for the Team Running USA program and the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

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 - over 140 strong - includes major U.S. road races, running organizations, members of the athletic industry, athlete legends and media.

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

Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111

(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org
www.runningusa.org.