Supporting the Next Generation of Running Industry Leaders
The Running USA LEAD Collective, short for Leadership, Equity, Advocacy, and Development, is a national initiative that elevates underrepresented voices in the running events industry. Built from the foundation of the Emerging Leaders Program, the LEAD Collective connects passionate professionals with the tools, mentorship, and visibility they need to make a lasting impact.
Our Mission
Running USA exists to engage, educate, and elevate the running industry. Through research, education, and authentic networking, we help race directors, brands, technology providers, and partners grow their businesses while advancing the sport we all love.
The LEAD Collective is one way we’re turning that mission into action by creating pathways for diverse leaders to thrive and shape the future of running.
What LEAD Offers
● One-year leadership and mentorship experience within the Running USA community
● Complimentary conference registration, travel stipend, and hotel accommodations
● High-visibility opportunities including mainstage introductions and speaking sessions
● Dedicated networking and connection with industry leaders
● Alumni network of past program participants
● Year-round education, collaboration, and community impact storytelling
Presented by Let’s Do This
Through partnership with Let’s Do This, the LEAD Collective brings new energy and innovation to the annual Running USA Industry Conference and beyond.
About Let’s Do This
Let’s Do This is the AI Registration Platform for endurance events, driving growth and supercharging an event organizer’s capabilities. We pride ourselves on being a true partner, supporting everything from launch strategy to event day execution, while pushing the industry forward through technical innovation. Our proprietary AI agent, Nova, is an industry first, using demographic, registration, financial, and marketing data – paired with industry benchmarks – to deliver real-time insights that help organizers drive growth.
We’re proud to be the exclusive partner to many of the world’s most iconic events organisers, including London Marathon Events, Life Time Events, Atlanta Track Club, Vacation Races, BolderBoulder, Diplo’s Run Club and many more.
Backed by more than $80 million from investors including Y Combinator, Craft Ventures, and Headline, as well as athletes like Serena Williams and Usain Bolt.
Our team is excited to bring this experience to members of the Lead Collective. Whether exploring practical applications of AI, identifying opportunities for growth, or navigating emerging industry trends, we’re here to share what we’ve learned from working with the world’s best organizers and to help fuel the next generation of innovators.
Join Us
The LEAD Collective is a movement toward a more inclusive, connected, and visionary running industry. Together, we are ensuring that every voice shaping the sport has a seat at the table.
Be part of the future of the running industry. Support the LEAD Collective and help develop leaders who will move the industry forward.
Support the program