RUNNING USA – Cisneros to Keynote Running USA 2011: The Industry Conference – 8th edition February 13-15 at Grand Hyatt San Antonio; register today for the must-attend industry conference and come \“Celebrate Running, Celebrate Success\“ in the Alamo City; registration fee increases on December 31

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – (December 15, 2010) – Henry Cisneros, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and San Antonio mayor, will be the keynote speaker at Running USA 2011: The Industry Conference to be held on February 13-15 at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, Texas. Like past editions, the sport's premier and largest conference will feature inspirational speakers, educational breakout sessions, networking and social opportunities, awards and Texas-size fun. This year's theme is "Celebrate Running, Celebrate Success".

"We are honored that Henry Cisneros, a San Antonio native, will be our Running USA 2011 opening keynote speaker on February 14, and we look forward to hearing his insights and life experiences as a politician, businessman, author and runner," said Susan Weeks, Running USA CEO.

Other conference speakers include:
Women's Running Magazine Trailblazer Luncheon – Feb 14
* Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, USATF Chief of Sport Performance and 1984 Olympic gold medalist

Ashworth Leadership Awards Luncheon – Feb 15
* Ellen Miller, renowned Mt. Everest climber, adventure racer, trail racing competitor and coach

General Session – Feb 15
* Courtney Farrell, Play, a Prophet company
Farrell will guide attendees through a dynamic exploration of the Five Modes of Inspiration and their connection to creative thinking and new ideas.

New this year is The Perfect Pitch. This two-part session will feature the semi-final and final rounds of sponsorship pitches by event directors or program leaders to a panel of industry experts from LIVESTRONG, Brooks, ASICS and Yavay – professionals who review sponsorship proposals every day. The top pitches will vie for $4000. Contact Christine.Bowen@RunningUSA.org for more information.

Presenting sponsors of Running USA 2011 are Active.com, Ashworth Awards and Leslie Jordan, Inc. Breakout sessions and 8 round tables will center on three learning tracks: business, self-help best practices and youth.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Opening reception sponsored by MapMyRun
• Trailblazer Luncheon and Award sponsored by Women's Running Magazine
• Cocktail reception sponsored by Leslie Jordan, Inc.
• Running USA Hall of Champions Dinner and Auction
• Allan Steinfeld Development Award
• Leadership Luncheon sponsored by Ashworth Awards
• Sponsor showcase
• Morning runs along San Antonio's beautiful Riverwalk
• Evening in San Antonio

Register today for Running USA 2011 as the special conference rate of $559 for Running USA members / $759 non-members is available until Friday, December 31, 2010. On-line registration, hotel, travel, schedule, attendee list and other information for Running USA 2011 is available at: https://runningusa.org/programs/conference

About Running USA
Running USA advances, serves, promotes and celebrates the sport of running as a clearinghouse and resource center and through its popular annual conference, Running USA wire, Running USA E-News, website, youth fitness portal RunningRocks.com, widely cited annual marathon, half-marathon and State of the Sport reports and by supporting athlete development.

Running USA's more than 280 members include road races, race services companies, running-related media companies and organizations and the athletic industry.

In March 2010, the non-profit industry organization marked more than a decade of achievement to build and promote the sport.

For more information, visit: RunningUSA.org or contact Ryan Lamppa at (805) 696-6232 or ryan@runningusa.org

RUNNING USA