Posted: February 10, 2006

Athletics: Running USA 2006 Conference Report

With a record number of over 280 attendees, the Running USA 2006 Conference on February 6-8 in San Diego was another resounding success. The annual industry conference, powered by The Active Network and Gen-A Network, featured a variety of keynote speakers and workshops which covered diverse topics such as building the brand to the healthy lifestyle to event production and marketing to the power of public relations and more.

Conference Highlights
At the Tuesday evening banquet presented by the Gen-A Network, the third class of the Running USA Hall of Champions was honored and acknowledged for their contribution, impact and dedication to the sport:

* Leslie Jordan, Leslie Jordan, Inc., apparel
* Carol Lasseter-Rice, Running Times, publisher
* Guy Morse, BAA Boston Marathon, race director
* Bill Roe, USATF President / Club Northwest, official / administrator
* Allan Steinfeld, ING New York City Marathon / New York Road Runners, race director / administrator

In addition, at the conference auction during the banquet, over $30,000 was raised for the Team Running USA program, the Running USA Youth Fitness program and Hurricane Katrina impacted runners.

Also Tuesday, at the Celebrating Women in Running luncheon presented by MarathonFoto, Julia Emmons, Atlanta Track Club/Peachtree Road Race and Mary Wittenberg, ING New York City Marathon/New York Road Runners were presented Trailblazer Awards presented by Her Sports.

During the conference, elections were held for 8 seats on the Running USA Board of Directors and the newly constituted 17 member board with affiliation is listed below.

Virginia Brophy Achman, Twin Cities Marathon
Dave Alberga*, The Active Network
Steve Baskin*, ING U.S. Financial Services, VP, Head of Brand Development & Sponsorships
Nick Curl*, City of Los Angeles Marathon
Julia Emmons, Peachtree Road Race
Fred Finke, USATF LDR Division Chair
Andrew Hersam, Runner's World Publisher
Doug Kaplan, Gen-A Network
Creigh Kelley, Winning Time
Glenn Latimer, Steamboat Classic
Dave McGillivray*, DMSE
Chris Miller#, brightroom, Inc.
Steve Miller*, Devine Racing CEO
Courtney Page Ferrell, PLAY
Bill Roe, USATF President
Allan Steinfeld*, ING New York City Marathon
Kevin Tordoff*, Saucony
*newly elected to a two-year term; #one-year term

The Board also elected the following officers: president, Allan Steinfeld; vice presidents, Virginia Brophy Achman and Doug Kaplan; secretary, Tracey Russell and treasurer, Bruce Franke.

New this year, the Running USA Pro Challenge, on Tuesday afternoon, brought together the Team Running USA athletes and Running USA members who "battled" over a multi-loop course in a special handicapped "race" won by Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director.

For 2006, Running USA plans to concentrate on: youth fitness, the coast-to-coast relay, a comprehensive runner survey, an updated business plan and its 2007 conference.

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 180 strong - includes major U.S. road races, running organizations, members of the athletic industry and media.

Its event members represent over 350 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 at RunningUSA.org or call Ryan Lamppa, (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.

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