(May 1, 2026) — Running USA announced the hiring of Matt Chittim as Manager of Business Development. A respected voice in the endurance sports community and a seasoned fundraising professional, Chittim brings a unique blend of media, partnership development, and athlete engagement experience to the non-profit trade organization.
Based in Coventry, Rhode Island, Chittim joins Running USA following nearly a decade of leadership in running media through his work with Rambling Runner Media. As host of the widely recognized Rambling Runner Podcast and co-host of Road to the Trials and Relay, Chittim has produced more than 1,000 podcast episodes and built a loyal national audience. His shows have consistently ranked among the top running podcasts and within the top 100 sports podcasts in the United States.
Through this platform, Chittim has developed deep relationships across all facets of the sport: athletes, brands, and event organizers, while securing and managing high-value sponsorships with leading companies including ASICS, Coros, Tracksmith, and Running Warehouse. He has also partnered with premier events such as the Houston Marathon and California International Marathon, creating integrated media and on-site activation opportunities that enhanced both sponsor visibility and participant engagement.
Chittim’s professional background also includes significant experience in fundraising and development within higher education. He previously served as a Major Gifts Officer at Providence College and Johnson & Wales University, where he cultivated donor relationships, executed strategic fundraising campaigns, and generated more than $1 million annually in philanthropic support. His early career included roles at Brown University and Roger Williams University, where he developed a strong foundation in relationship management, communications, and program development.
In addition to his media and development work, Chittim is a certified running coach who has helped nearly 100 athletes achieve their personal goals, further reinforcing his connection to the running community at every level. His experience and perspective positions him to drive meaningful partnerships and support the organization’s diverse membership base.
“I am honored and excited to join the Running USA team,” Chittim said. “Helping to improve the running community has long been at the forefront of my life and this role is a dream come true.”
“Matt’s broad experiences from coaching and fundraising, to his entrepreneurial endeavors, content creation, and sponsorship development, make him a great fit with our team at Running USA,” said Shawn K. Sullivan, Executive Director. “His relationship-building skills, network, and passion for all things running will bolster our membership and sponsorship verticals as we strive to engage, educate and elevate the running industry and its constituents.”
In his new role, Chittim will focus on supporting and onboarding new and existing Running USA members, expanding Running USA’s partnerships, and developing new revenue streams.
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.