Running USA’s annual awards in recognition of outstanding contributions to the running industry are announced each year at the organization’s annual Industry Conference.
Awards
LEAD COLLECTIVE presented by Let’s Do This
The Running USA LEAD Collective, short for Leadership, Equity, Advocacy, and Development, is a national initiative that elevates underrepresented voices in the running events industry. Built from the foundation of the Emerging Leaders Program, the LEAD Collective connects passionate professionals with the tools, mentorship, and visibility they need to make a lasting impact.
What LEAD Offers
● One-year leadership and mentorship experience within the Running USA community
● Complimentary conference registration, travel stipend, and hotel accommodations
● High-visibility opportunities including mainstage introductions and speaking sessions
● Dedicated networking and connection with industry leaders
● Alumni network of past program participants
● Year-round education, collaboration, and community impact storytelling
Hall of Champions
The Running USA Hall of Champions recognizes the leaders who have made the sport and business of road running the successful and beloved industry it is today. An honor reserved for those who have given their time, energy and passion to improving the sport in new directions.
Criteria for Selection
Hall of Champions nominees should have significant accomplishments as an entrepreneur, executive, contributor, athlete, owner, or volunteer or other role that has supported road running as a business and have been or be currently involved with Running USA.
Awards of Excellence
The Running USA Awards of Excellence recognize outstanding contributions, initiative, leadership or innovation in the running industry. Honorees can be individuals or a group, program or organization and should be demonstrably driving positive change in the industry.
2026: Jackie Hoffman, Founder and CEO, Peace Runners 773.
2025: Erica Edwards O’Neal, Senior Vice President for Culture, Diversity, Equity & Social Responsibility, New York Road Runners
2024: Vanessa Peralta-Mitchell, President, VCPM Inc. and founder of the Game Changers program
2023: Michael Nishi, COO, Chicago Event Management; founder, Race Management Program
2022: Alison Mariella Desir, co-founder, Running Industry Diversity Coalition
Criteria for Selection
Nominees can be individuals or a group, program or organization. Nominators will be asked to describe their outstanding contributions, initiative, leadership or unique innovation that has positively influenced the running industry. Two honorees will be selected, so multiple nominations are welcome.
Women’s Leadership Award
This award goes to a woman who has been a leader and a pioneer in the sport and has served the sport with distinction, furthering not only the support and accomplishments of women in the industry, but the running industry as a whole.
Criteria for Selection
The criteria for selection is written submissions by Running USA members, noting the accomplishments of potential honorees within the running industry. The Running USA Awards Committee considers each submission, then selects the individual to honor at the upcoming Running USA Industry Conference.