Happy New Year, fellow members of the Running Industry Community!
Like many of you, the turn of the calendar prompts reflection on the past year and an eye filled with ambition for the next 12 months.
Gratitude comes to mind initially.
In the context of a career with Running USA, the past two months on the job as executive director have been totally energizing. Working in sports for more than two decades with a family has provided me the lens of work and life as a blend, not a balance. Blending running even further into my life has been a jolt of positivity thanks to my new colleagues and the people in our industry. When my kids ask me what I am working on, I respond that I “get to” work in this space to help grow our community centered around wellness, movement and doing good through our sport. We all “get to” do this – how awesome is that?
When looking ahead, the word that jumps out at me is opportunity.
The proverbial arrow is pointing up for the running industry. That’s a credit to many of you who have stewarded the industry’s growth. With that said, leveraging this moment comprehensively and inclusively is critical. The vast opportunities Running USA possess in tandem with our industry partners fuels my ambition for 2026 and beyond. We will use our strategic plan’s pillars of education, engagement and elevation to center our efforts. Specifically, I am thinking a lot about delivering on member benefits, enhanced research, telling the industry’s story further on social media, exploring a true hub of event information, intentional fundraising in order to support our membership further, strategic sponsorship concepts to provide resources for events of all sizes and our role in youth sports, event credentialing/labeling and standards. I welcome a dialogue on any of those items and beyond. Please connect anytime – shawn@runningusa.org.
But first, all eyes are on the 2026 Industry Conference presented by haku, taking place February 1-3 in St. Louis. I am thrilled to be in attendance for the first time, meet many of you and reconnect with friends who have played key roles in my life.
Thank you to our our members, sponsors, thought-leaders, constituents, staff and board of directors. From our Running USA team to you, our genuine best wishes for an amazing 2026!
Onward,
Shawn K. Sullivan