Runner's & Triathlete's Web  (RWire) Athletics: MarathonFoto Re-Signs as Running USA Conference Presenting Sponsor

Original Running USA: The Industry Conference sponsor since 2004 expands its support of the sport's must-attend conference; also "Official Event Photography Partner of Running USA" for the next three years

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (January 8, 2012) - Running USA, the national industry non-profit organization, has announced that MarathonFoto has re-signed as presenting sponsor of the annual Running USA conference. Running USA 2012: The Industry Conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Houston on January 15-17. This year's theme for the 9th edition is "Passing the Torch: Running Toward the Future", and more than 400 attendees are expected in the Bayou City.

"Running USA and MarathonFoto have been together since the inaugural Running USA conference in 2004, and as partners, we have seen this conference grow every year to become the signature get together for the sport, and we welcome the increased support from MarathonFoto as a presenting sponsor of Running USA 2012 and the morning runs and their generous support will help make this year's conference the best yet. In addition, MarathonFoto is the Official Event Photography Partner of Running USA for the next three years," said Susan Weeks, Running USA CEO.

"We are pleased to be able to expand our support of Running USA and become a Presenting Sponsor for 2012," said Bruce Franke, President of MarathonFoto. "Since attending the inaugural Running USA Industry Conference and becoming a sponsor that same year we have been extremely gratified at the growth of the organization and the impact it is having on the running industry in our nation. We look forward to helping Running USA continue its growth and development well into the future."

SPECIAL RUNNING USA 2012 EVENTS
* Opening reception presented by Leslie Jordan
* Running USA Hall of Champions Dinner and Live Auction presented by Competitor Group
* Allan Steinfeld Development Award
* Trailblazer Luncheon and Award presented by The Active Network
* Cocktail reception presented by MapMyRun.com
* Ashworth Youth Awards Luncheon
* Sponsor Expo
* 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and Chevron Houston Marathon weekend
* Morning runs presented by MarathonFoto

Register today for Running USA 2012. The conference rate is $649 for Running USA members and $849 for non-members (price increase January 13). On-line registration, hotel, travel, schedule, news, attendees list, Olympic Trials VIP package and other information for Running USA 2012 is available at: RunningUSA.org

MarathonFoto located in Fairfield, Iowa is a division of Event Photography Group, Inc. (EPG) the world's largest event photography company. MarathonFoto capture images of over 2 million event participants annually around the world and concludes over 98% of all its photo transactions online. Client events include: The Virgin London Marathon, The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, The Boston Marathon, The BMW Berlin Marathon, The Marine Corps Marathon, The Honda LA Marathon, The Peachtree Road Race, as well as US Road Sports events plus numerous other prestigious events throughout North America and Europe. MarathonFoto pursues a strategy of providing each event participant with the most unique images possible as well as a complete portfolio of digital and print products. MarathonFoto supports its client events through multiple social media channels, distinctive Public Relations photos and Financial Sponsorship.

Running USA advances, serves, promotes and celebrates the sport of running as a clearinghouse and resource center and though its popular annual conference, Running USA wire, Running USA Industry E-News, website, annual marathon, half-marathon and State of the Sport reports, National Runner Survey and youth fitness portal RunningRocks.com and by supporting athlete development.

Running USA's more than 325 members include events with 2-plus million finishers and prize money exceeding $5.7 million, race services companies, running-related media companies and organizations and the athletic industry.

In March 2009, the non-profit industry organization marked a decade of achievement to build and promote the sport. For more information, visit: RunningUSA.org or contact Ryan Lamppa at (805) 696-6232 or ryan@runningusa.org.