Class of eight will attend the Industry Conference presented by haku in Louisville, Feb. 2-4
Dec. 3, 2024 – Running USA is proud to announce the 2025 class of the Emerging Leaders Program, a group of eight exceptional individuals who are shaping the future of the running industry. This year’s cohort represents a diverse and talented mix of professionals from across the country who are committed to advancing innovation, access, community engagement, and the overall growth of running events and organizations.
The Emerging Leaders Program, now in its fourth year, aims to provide rising stars in the industry with mentorship, educational opportunities, and the chance to connect with influential leaders in the running community. Participants will take part in the world’s largest B2B running conference, including unparalleled networking opportunities that will foster their professional development and expand their impact on the sport. Each is also offered an opportunity to present their work to the more than 600 conference attendees.
“Each year, we are inspired by the caliber of applicants for the Emerging Leaders Program,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “This year’s class, the largest to date, reflects not only the talent within this industry but also the passion and dedication that will drive the running community forward for years to come.”
The 2025 honorees are:
India Calloway: India Calloway is a high-energy race announcer, emcee, and host bringing a passion for running and a captivating voice to events of all sizes. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, and willing to travel, India has experience energizing crowds at events ranging from local 5k races to the iconic TCS New York City Marathon finish line.
James Dowell: James Dowell is the Co-founder of Prolyfyck Run Crew. Prolyfyck is a black-led run crew based in Charlottesville, VA. Founded in 2019, Prolyfyck’s mindset centers around community and abundance rather than competition.
Mariah Dyson: Mariah Dyson is a stuntwoman, Nike coach and the founder of GirlGangCrazy. As a non-profit based in South LA, GGC is a love letter to girls and women-identifying folks that highlights the intersection of sports and sisterhood.
Tes Sobomehin Marshall: Tes Sobomehin Marshall is the founder and director of runningnerds, LLC, based in Atlanta, GA. Dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive running community, runningnerds offers a range of road race experiences.
J Solle: J Solle is the Race Director of the FRNY LGBT Pride Run®, the largest pride charity run in the world. Working with races and recently, the United Nations General Assembly, J has championed the inclusion of LGBTQ+ athletes in road running to ensure all athletes, especially trans and non-binary athletes, are represented and able to run as their authentic selves.
Maria Vargas: Maria Vargas is the founder of Brand Spark Co., a communications management company that helps race directors drive the sport’s growth through streamlined communication backed by in-house software. Her innovative communications and marketing practices enhance race operations, improve runner experiences, boost sponsorships, and drive sell-outs.
Kayleigh Williamson: Kayleigh Williamson made history as the first woman with Down syndrome to complete the New York City Marathon (2023). She has also completed the Austin Marathon and dozens of half marathon events and authored a book, “It’s Cool To Be Me.” Kayleigh will be joined by her mom, Sandy Williamson, who has completed numerous races by Kayleigh’s side.
Lance Woods: Lance Woods is the co-founder of WeRun313, Detroit’s largest and fastest-growing run club, which he helped establish in 2019. Under his leadership, the club has attracted thousands of participants looking to improve their health and fitness and garnered national recognition.
The program will officially kick off at the 2025 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku in Louisville, where members will have the opportunity to meet one another, participate in workshops, and hear from industry trendsetters.
About Running USA
Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.
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 haku is the best-attended, most esteemed gathering of running industry professionals from around the world. 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, Orlando and heads to Louisville, KY for the 2025 event.
