SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - (November 15, 2000) - A Running USA Board meeting was held at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City on Friday, November 3, 2000. An important objective of the meeting was to chart a course for the organization for 2001. The overall goal of the organization, to build and promote the sport of Road Running on a national level was reaffirmed. As the organization approached the end of its second year the Board was able to clarify the following four areas as priorities for future activity:

1. Acting as an Industry Council/Trade Organization for all components of the sport (events, clubs, media, manufacturers, stores etc.) 2. Joint Marketing 3. Promotions and Media Services 4. The Development of American Distance Stars

The Board noted significant progress in the media and promotions activity and commended media coordinator, Ryan Lamppa. A total of 155 issues of the Running USA wire have been issued to over 550 media and other recipients since the organization was founded in March of 1999. In addition, a correspondent network of 12 journalists has been established providing not only timely news coverage and stories from around the country but also conduits through which the message of running can be more widely communicated. A "new" website http://www.runningusa.org, featuring resources for runners, events, the media and sponsors, was constructed and launched in July of 2000. Plans for 2001 to better serve members and the sport include a national survey of race entrants, new annual reports on running trends and the establishment of an events consulting service.

Significant progress in the joint marketing area has been achieved through the distribution of Nature Valley Granola Bars to road races and other entities around the country. In the first three months of the program - June to August 2000 - over 725,000 bars were distributed at 39 events and by the end of the first year of the program (May 31, 2001), more than 2 million bars will have been distributed at over 250 road events nationwide. Participating events are receiving significant cash payments in addition to the benefit of product to the runners. General Mills, producer of the bars, has indicated that this is amongst the most effective of sampling programs. Running USA is presently reviewing similar programs with other companies.

Since the Team USA Distance Running program was launched this summer, interest in the program has far exceeded expectations. The development program has attracted media attention across the country, and Team USA Training Centers are now operating in Michigan and New York. Team USA Southern California is expected to open early in 2001 and applications and indications of interest have been received from 6 other groups. Running USA's role in this program is limited to media services, promotions and fundraising. The responsibility for athletic and operational issues lies with the Long Distance Running Division of USA Track & Field and the Team USA Distance Running Advisory Committee.

New programs to be implemented and evaluated in certain regions this year include "Students Run America" (modeled after the successful "Students Run L.A." marathon program for at-risk teens) and other training and grassroots competition programs which have the potential for building the sport.

The Board agreed to change the title of Running USA's coordinator from "CEO" to "Executive Director". It approved the reassignment of Steve Edwards' responsibilities to marketing and member services and named Basil Honikman the Executive Director. The reason for the change was primarily to enable Steve Edwards to devote all of his time to revenue generation. In support of this change, Edwards had the following comment, "In order to most efficiently and effectively utilize the resources and the backgrounds and experience of those involved with Running USA, Joy and I will be focusing our attention in the areas of marketing, sponsorship and member services."

The second annual meeting of Running USA will take place in Houston, Texas on Saturday, January 13, 2001, the day before the new Compaq Houston Marathon. Current members and interested race and running industry representatives are encouraged to attend. The program will include sessions on sports marketing and Internet and technology tools for races as well as the annual business agenda. More information on all of the above can be found on http://www.runningusa.org.

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Special thanks to 
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Coordinator for providing us this press release.
USATF Road Running Information Center
5522 Camino Cerralvo, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 696-6252
http://www.runningusa.org
http://www.usaldr.org