Notes From the Road: Running USA CEO Rich Harshbarger Reports – By: Rich Harshbarger, Running USA

Dear Friends,

It's hard to believe that nearly four months have passed since our 2016 conference in Los Angeles, and an Olympic summer is just around the corner. Since our time together, our team of committed staff and board members have been busy working for you. 

Here is a glimpse of just some of the projects, insights and experiences since the conference. 

Newly released research

Running USA continues to be committed to supplying our industry with research and data analysis — even when the numbers dip a bit. The recent Wall Street Journal article addressing the year-over-year decline in finishers was viral news inspiring many interesting conversations. This is important data that will be fodder for industry decision-making.

 

I want to acknowledge our partnership with Athlinks. Without their support and partnership, we would be unable to report on these statistics so thoroughly. There is much to learn from participant declines and Running USA remains committed to educating event directors as they look for ways to reverse the trend, learn from those bucking the trend and identify ways to grow. Stay tuned. 

In other research news, the 2016 National Runner Survey was released and is now included at no additional cost to members at all levels. Information is power and we want to empower all of our members with these insights. The Millennial Running Study, released at the annual conference, is another example of our commitment to exploring factors impacting our sport. For more information about upcoming releases click here. 

Updated online membership platform

Last year the board of directors approved an investment in the Running USA back-end software. This innovation now allows you to access information and content that is not available to non-members. You will have access to exclusive content, the ability to interact and engage with each other more easily and hopefully add value to your membership investment. Thank you for your patience and for your feedback. Please feel free to direct any comments, concerns or issues to myself or our Director of Membership, Galen Burson.

Upcoming summer conference

Running USA's The Next Evolution presented by Events.com conference takes place in Denver from June 29 to June 30. 

This concept is rooted in how traditional road races might learn from others. Last year we hosted leaders in obstacle course events, more than 100 people attended and we received positive feedback. We are repeating this process and it is my sincere hope that two seemingly disparate sectors of the sport can learn best practices from one another. 

The mission at Running USA is to advance and grow the sport of running. Some of you disagree with the inclusion of obstacle events. Are they a fad? Do they turn jumpers and climbers into “runners?" I welcome your thoughts, opinions and your dissent. An open dialogue spurs ideas, conversations and ultimately adds value to how we collectively grow and address the future. 

Hands on insight

A hiring executive once told me they were looking more for an architect rather than a builder. They wanted someone who could do more with their head than their hands. That comment has stuck with me. I repeat myself by saying once more that I will gladly take your VIP credentials and eat your food, but I will learn the most by using my hands. 

 

Since our conference, I was proud to serve as a USADA chaperone during the Olympic Marathon Trials. Honestly, I had no idea it could take an athlete THAT long to provide a sample! I was honored to present American running statistics at the second annual running summit at the French Athletic Federation and tour the operations and medical center at the Paris Marathon. Organizers of the Statesman Capitol 10K allowed me to work the finish line chutes and be part of their drone experience. 

During Boston race weekend, Running USA held our first-ever industry networking reception. That same month, Les Smith and Mamie Wheeler from the Portland Marathon invited me to assist at the Dubrovnik (Croatia) Half Marathon, where they are building on the idea that marathons in “sister cities” add economic value to each market. Each international opportunity reminded me of how Running USA is seen on the international map. Run Mexico, Athletics Canada and the European Athletic Federation have all expressed interest in learning more about what we do.   

Facing a challenge

I would however be remiss if I did not also mention the Cleveland Marathon earlier this month, which faced a tremendous weather challenge. Despite sleet, snow, rain and cold temperatures, nearly 15,000 runners were ready for their much-anticipated race day.

As a former race director, the weather was always the last thing on my mind. No one can control that, right? Well, I learned a lot that weekend. Probably the biggest lesson is tenacity. Some volunteers skipped out altogether or headed home early. How those situations are addressed speak volumes. Jack Staph’s team in Cleveland kept calm and carried on. The rest of us attempted to pitch in wherever we could. Wind, rain, sleet, hail, ice, snow, (I’m still cold and wet thinking about it). In the end, it was a day when the value of a strong production team brings to race weekend was truly demonstrated. Any of us who have faced challenging race days can relate.

It is easy to think that you are alone. Running USA is here to help you connect, share and commiserate with those who faced (and overcome) similar challenges. 

The last time I wrote a note like this I ended by saying what a privilege it is to be part of this movement. That sentiment has not changed. In fact, it has only grown. Keep up all of the great work. Keep challenging me and our team to do better. And by all means, keep inviting us to attend your events. Just please have an extra poncho on hand – or a snowsuit. I am a medium, by the way!