Running USA has announced three new breakout sessions for the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku, taking place February 1–3, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri. The expanded lineup brings fresh expertise and innovation to the endurance industry’s premier annual gathering.
Elevating Your Event with Elite Athletes and Race Ambassadors will feature Hawi Keflezighi, Founder of Hawi Management, who will share insights on building authentic partnerships with elite athletes and ambassadors to elevate brand visibility, credibility, and community engagement.
In AI Solutions to Everyday Challenges, Johanna Goode, Marketing Director at RunSignup, will explore how race directors and event professionals can apply artificial intelligence to streamline operations, improve marketing efficiency, and enhance participant experience.
Student Power: How Partnering with a University Marketing Club Sparked Growth, Innovation & Leadership will be led by Beth Salinger, Founder of Endurance Marketing Inc. and Race Director of Run Madtown. Salinger will share a case study on leveraging student collaboration to drive creative growth while developing future industry leaders.
These sessions join a growing roster of educational content designed to inspire innovation and foster collaboration across the running industry. Previously announced sessions include:
Running Together: Navigating Board and Staff Roles in Nonprofit Race Management
Jennifer Edwards, Executive Director, Big Sur Marathon Foundation
Working with a board of directors should be a challenging opportunity. Explore the critical relationships between nonprofit boards and race staff, and learn how to communicate effectively with your organization’s governing body and utilize board members’ talents and time.
No BS Marketing: How We Sold Out Nine Events in One Year
James Bryan, Director of Marketing and Communications, J&A Racing
Nothing makes people want to run your race more than telling them it’s “sold out!” Join J&A Racing for a refreshingly upfront dive into the diverse marketing strategies and communication tactics that led to a year of sellouts in races that range in size, demographics and distance.
Building Community with Culture & Movement
Tes Sobomehin Marshall, Founder and Race Director, runningnerds
Atlanta’s The Race 13.1 is more than just a run. Discover how events can be a powerful vehicle for culture, inclusivity and movement-building far beyond race day.
Keep Your Race Out of the Headlines: Course Accuracy and Operations Tips
Doug Thurston, Event Consultant
It can happen to the best of us. A mismeasured course or one misplaced cone. The results can be disastrous. Learn from decades of operational expertise to ensure your event is accurate, efficient and headline-free—for all the right reasons.
Beyond the Finish Line: Pig Works’ Blueprint for Engaging Gen Z
Doug Olberding, Executive Director, Pig Works
It’s not too late to start investing in your future runners. Get an inside look at how one organization is successfully engaging the next generation of participants with innovative programming and community-first thinking.
These early sessions are just part of an expansive schedule designed to inspire, educate, and connect running industry professionals.
Conference registration is open. Secure your spot today at: https://register.hakuapp.com/?event=04958b1fee4e66e9ebcf