Member Feature 

Running USA Executive Director Jay Holder sat down with Nathan Nicholas of Nicholas Hill Group to address updates and improvements to the Running USA insurance program, a foundational member benefit. With market-driven changes taking place, this discussion shed light on what members need to know moving forward. You can view the entire conversation in the video above, and highlights are summarized below. Why the Change in Insurance Carriers? Nicholas Hill Group, a longtime insurance partner for Running USA, recently transitioned the program to a new carrier after Everest Insurance exited the market at the end of 2024. This unexpected development, announced around the holiday season, required a swift response. “We didn’t see it coming,” Nicholas explained. “ We had to pivot quickly and find a new home that aligned with our priorities—stability, simplicity, and affordability.” Despite the challenges, Nicholas Hill Group secured a new carrier that maintains the program’s core benefits while enhancing its accessibility and operational efficiency. What's Staying the Same—and What’s Changing? Same: Rates per participant: The per-participant fee structure remains unchanged, offering continuity in pricing. Simple online platform: Members can still complete the entire process—quote, purchase, certificate issuance—in minutes. Coverage scope: From small charity walks to large ultramarathons, all events continue to be covered under the policy. Changes: Minimum Premium and Additional Insured Fees: These upfront costs have increased slightly. Events with fewer than 100 participants may see higher base costs due to the new carrier’s state-filed rates. Policy Length Limitation: Organizers can currently only insure events up to April 1, 2026. This is a temporary structural constraint based on the one-year term of the master policy and will be extended as the program renews. Broader availability of optional coverages: Enhancements like liquor liability (for events where alcohol is sold or served by the organizer) are now available in more jurisdictions than before. Optional Enhancements and Built-In Protections Nicholas highlighted several optional add-ons that members can use to tailor coverage: Liquor Liability Insurance: Now available in more locations, this add-on is essential if your event includes alcohol sales or direct service. Non-Owned Auto Coverage: For events involving volunteer or rented vehicle use. Participant Accident Coverage: Included automatically, this helps with medical expenses if someone is injured at the event. Event cancellation coverage—still available—remains a separate offering. Due to increasing weather-related disruptions, it’s more relevant than ever. Nicholas strongly recommended organizers consider it and noted that Running USA has resources to help members evaluate this option. The Importance of Critical Mass Why should more Running USA members use this insurance platform? Nicholas explained: “The more members participate, the more leverage we all have to negotiate better rates and enhanced coverage.” With increased participation comes increased bargaining power—essential for influencing future policy changes, such as addressing coverage gaps for common issues like service animals at races. "This is your program," he emphasized. "It belongs to Running USA members. The more people who use it and share their experiences, the better we can make it." How to Sign Up or Learn More The good news is that the Running USA insurance program has emerged from transition stronger and more capable than ever. With stable pricing, familiar processes, and added flexibility, the program remains a cornerstone benefit for event organizers across the country. To learn more or secure coverage for your events, visit this webpage. For additional questions, contact membership@runningusa.org.  

On the heels of a wildly successful 2025 Flying Pig Marathon weekend, we talked with Doug Olberding, President and CEO of Pig Works, about what’s next for one of the country’s most beloved running events. A longtime board member and passionate supporter of the Flying Pig, Doug stepped into the CEO role in 2024 after more than 25 years teaching sports studies at Xavier University. He’s not just an academic—he’s also a runner who’s completed seven marathons and helped develop the economic impact report that showcases the event’s value to the Cincinnati region. In this conversation, Doug shares his vision for the future of Pig Works, how the team builds on tradition while embracing innovation, and why community is at the heart of everything they do.

Meet Aaron Velthoven, the passionate Race Director behind the Detroit Free Press Marathon. In this video, we take you behind the scenes to learn how Aaron helps bring one of Detroit’s most iconic events to life—uniting runners from around the world with a unique international course, rich local tradition, and unforgettable race-day energy.

​Trisha Drobeck serves as the Executive Director of Run Wild Missoula and the Race Director for the Missoula Marathon, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the organization. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, she moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana, where she majored in journalism. After graduation, she embarked on a career in sales, where she worked for 15 years  before transitioning to nonprofit leadership in 2021.​ Drobeck's journey into running began post-college when a friend encouraged her to train for a marathon. Her dedication led her to break the three-hour marathon mark in 2011, qualify for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, and win the Missoula Marathon four times. Notably, she set the women's course record in 2015 with a time of 2:46:54 . As Executive Director, she focuses on fostering an inclusive and welcoming running community in Missoula, reflecting her deep commitment to the sport and the local community.