RUNNING USA – Pat Williams to Keynote Running USA 2015

NEW ORLEANS, La. – Running USA has announced that Pat Williams, co-founder and Senior Vice President of the NBA's Orlando Magic – an inspiring leader who has motivated athletes, coaches and professionals during the course of an impressive career – will be the keynote speaker at the opening session of Running USA 2015: The 12th Industry Conference, powered by Active Network, on Monday, Feb. 9.

In addition to his work in the NBA and experience as a professional baseball player, Williams is a committed runner. He has finished 58 marathons, including 13 straight years of Boston Marathon finishes.

“Pat will address our audience on leadership, teamwork and embracing change in the sport,” said Christine Bowen, Conference and Programming Director, Running USA. “He is known for encouraging creative leadership and leaving audiences with renewed enthusiasm.”

Says Williams, "I got caught up in the running craze of the 1970s when Jim Fixx and Dr. George Sheehan were leading the way. However, my running career did not take off until January 1996, when I ran my first marathon at age 55. At that point, I was hooked, and over the next 15 years ran 57 more. I have many life lessons from my years in sports and on the marathon trails and I'm eager to share them with you this February."

Register today

Registration for the 12th Running USA Industry Conference, considered a must-attend event, is booking up fast. Reserve your rooms early at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside which is located on the Mississippi River, just a short walk to the French Quarter and Warehouse District.

In order to take advantage of the conference preferred rate, please make sure to book with our travel partner Global JBS.

Reservations can be made online or by calling (561) 290-0587.

For more information on the conference and a preliminary schedule of events, visit https://www.runningusa.org/running-usa-conference

About Running USA

Running USA advances, serves, promotes and celebrates the sport of running as a clearinghouse and resource center and though its popular annual conference, website, Running USA wire, Running USA Industry E-News, National Runner Survey, annual marathon, half-marathon and State of the Sport reports, and by providing athlete support via the Allan Steinfeld Development Award.

Running USA's more than 350 members include events with 2-plus million finishers and prize money exceeding $6 million, race services companies, running-related media companies and organizations and the athletic industry.

The national industry non-profit organization was founded in March 1999 to build and promote the sport.

For more information, visit: RunningUSA.org or contact Rich Harshbarger, CEO, at rich@runningusa.org