Louisville, KY (Dec. 6, 2024) – Running USA, the trade organization for the running industry, today announced three compelling new general sessions for the 2025 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku. These thought-provoking sessions will bring together industry leaders, community advocates, and innovators to tackle critical topics shaping the future of running events. They join a previously announced keynote address from explorer, author and educator Tori Murden McClure.
“From the keynote address to the dozens of unique and timely breakout sessions, the programming at the 2025 Running Industry Conference presented by haku truly addresses the key topics impacting the running event industry right now,” said Jay Holder, Running USA’s Executive Director. “Not only do I expect the presentations to be informative and groundbreaking, but I am very excited for the conversation that will follow each one.”
Taking place in vibrant Louisville, Kentucky, from February 2-4, 2025, the conference promises to inspire attendees with engaging discussions and actionable insights. The three new general sessions include:
Building Community: Leveraging Running Events to Strengthen Communities and Inspire Year-Round Engagement
This dynamic panel will explore how running events can serve as a platform to foster community connections and inspire participation beyond race day. Attendees will gain strategies for cultivating grassroots networks, creating inclusive spaces, and building partnerships with civic organizations to drive year-round engagement.
Panelists:
● Tes Marshall, Founder and Director, runningnerds
● Stephanie Burdorf, Community Engagement Manager, Lou City FC and Racing Louisville FC
● Julie Howell, Chief Revenue Officer, Louisville Sports Commission
● Lisa Mills, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, Louisville Sports Commission
● Jackie Hoffman, Founder and CEO, Peace Runners 773
How to Build an Accessible Race Experience for Adaptive Athletes
Presented by Achilles International, this session will provide a deep dive into creating accessible and inclusive race experiences for adaptive athletes. Featuring inspiring stories and practical guidance, the panel will cover everything from race-day logistics to the athlete journey and lessons learned.
Panelists:
● Francesco Magisano, Director, Achilles NYC
● Alex Hetherington, Director, Marine Corps Marathon
● Adam Popp, amputee runner with Achilles
● Kayleigh Williamson, first woman with Down syndrome to complete a marathon, joined by her mother and running partner, Sandy Williamson
● Moderator: Emily Glasser, President and CEO, Achilles International
Sustainability No Matter the Size of Event Presented by Hydrapak
This session will address how events of any size can adopt impactful sustainable practices. From industry-wide strategies to innovative solutions, panelists will discuss actionable ways to reduce environmental impact while engaging participants and stakeholders.
Panelists:
● Matt Helbig, CEO/Founder, Big River Race Management
● Roger McClendon, President, Green Sports Alliance
● Sarah Spranger, Marketing Brand Manager, Hydrapak
● Moderator: Tina Muir, Founder and CEO, Running for Real
Stay tuned: two additional general sessions will be announced before the end of the year, along with the full breakout session schedule. The 2025 Running USA Industry Conference is the must-attend annual event for professionals across the running and endurance sports industries worldwide. More information on the conference and to register is here.
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.
