Member Feature 

Nationally recognized race announcer India Calloway will serve as the main stage emcee for the 2027 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku, taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 2, 2027, at the M Resort in Henderson, NV. Known for bringing energy, authenticity and connection to every crowd, Calloway will lead attendees through the running industry’s premier annual gathering, bringing her infectious enthusiasm to three days of education, networking and connection. An Atlanta-based runner and the founder of Miles from India, Calloway has built a career around celebrating runners and creating memorable experiences throughout the endurance industry as a speaker and emcee. Her resume spans Atlanta community races and events to major stages, including at the TCS New York City Marathon, Chicago 13.1, Big Sur Half Marathon and Atlanta Track Club’s Publix Marathon Weekend. Central to Calloway’s approach on the microphone is a commitment to making the sport welcoming for runners and participants of all paces, abilities and body types. She believes every participant deserves to feel seen, celebrated and inspired.

In this episode of Running USA's Five Questions, Executive Director Shawn Sullivan sits down with Gretchen Schoenstein, creator and host of Finish Line Moments, to discuss her inspiring journey from overcoming serious health challenges to completing 131 half marathons. Gretchen shares how storytelling connects runners and strengthens race communities, the importance of creating memorable and inclusive race experiences, and how Finish Line Moments celebrates the personal stories behind every finish line.

In this edition of Five Questions, Running USA’s Leah Etling sits down with Kristian Midtgaard, a leader at Roster Athletics, to discuss the evolving global landscape of running, track and field, and race management technology. Midtgaard shares the origin story of Roster Athletics, how the company is working to simplify race and competition management for organizers worldwide, and why creating better participant experiences remains at the heart of innovation. The conversation also explores the growth of running across international markets, lessons learned from industry gatherings including the Running USA Industry Conference and the World Athletics Africa Running Conference, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the sport. From artificial intelligence and digitalization to the continued importance of human connection and community running, Midtgaard offers a thoughtful perspective on where the industry is headed and how stakeholders can work together to sustain running’s remarkable momentum worldwide.

Jan Seeley, director of the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend, shares how she built one of the Midwest’s premier running events, from its unexpected early growth to a community-driven experience that now draws thousands each year. She reflects on the power of local partnerships, creative race themes, and adapting through challenges like the pandemic to keep the event thriving. With a focus on making every runner feel welcome and seen, Seeley highlights how the race goes beyond competition to inspire lives, support the community, and create lasting memories.  

Todd Oliver shares insights from 20+ years in the running industry, from managing events across Indiana and beyond to applying lessons from motorsports and tennis to elevate race experiences. He discusses how regional differences shape what runners value, why strong execution often matters more than extras, and how runner retention is the ultimate measure of success. Oliver also highlights the opportunity to better support and formalize run clubs to strengthen community engagement across the sport.