Running USA Honors Industry Leaders at 2025 Industry Conference in Louisville

February 4, 2025

Louisville, KY (Feb. 4, 2025) ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Running USA proudly announced the recipients of its prestigious annual awards during the 2025 Industry Conference, presented by haku, held in Louisville, Kentucky. The 21^st conference celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals who have made lasting contributions to the running industry.

Five industry leaders were inducted into the 21st class of Running USA’s Hall of Champions. The Hall of Champions recognizes the leaders who have made the sport and business of road running the successful and beloved industry it is today.

Running USA would like to thank Ashworth Awards for donating the award plaques that were presented to each recipient.

The 2025 Hall of Champions honorees are:

Matthew West, CEO of DMSE Sports and a past Board President of Running USA, was recognized for his innovative leadership, business acumen and unwavering commitment to advancing the sport of running.

Anne and John Gault, co-owners of Gault Race Management and longtime industry event timers, were honored for their decades-long dedication to creating exceptional race experiences in Southeast Michigan and beyond.

Kim and Dan Ashworth, owners of Ashworth Awards, received recognition for their contributions to the industry by providing high-quality awards and medals for decades, as well as long standing support of industry trade organizations and conferences.

In addition to the Hall of Champions inductees, Running USA presented two additional awards:

Carrie Tollefson, Olympian, author, and podcaster, received the Women’s Leadership Award for her advocacy for women in the running community. Tollefson was a 13-time Minnesota state champion: eight in track and five in cross country. At Villanova University, she was a 5-time NCAA Champion. As an elite athlete, she was a 3-time national champion and represented the U.S. in the 1500m at the 2004 Olympic Games.

Erica Edwards-O’Neal, Senior Vice President for Culture, Diversity, Equity, & Social Responsibility for the New York Road Runners, was honored with the Award of Excellence for her outstanding work and significant impact on the industry, including efforts focused on inclusivity and DEIB.

“This year’s honorees have created and are continuing to create lasting legacies in the running event industry,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “It’s an incredible opportunity for the over 600 attendees of this year’s Running Industry Conference presented by haku to celebrate, hear from and learn from this amazing group of award recipients.”

The 2025 Industry Conference brought together industry professionals, race organizers, sponsors, and vendors from around the globe to collaborate, innovate, and celebrate the achievements of leaders shaping the future of running. Running USA’s 2026 event will be held in St. Louis, Missouri from Feb. 1-3, 2026. Registration will open Thursday at a special promotional rate.

About the Industry Conference

Since its origins as a small gathering of Running USA’s founders in Southern California in 2004, the Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku is the best-attended, most esteemed gathering of running industry professionals from around the world. Moving locations each year, the conference has been held in Los Angeles, San Diego, Savannah, Houston, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans, Puerto Rico, Las Vegas, Orlando, Louisville and heads to St. Louis for the 2026 event.

About Running USA

Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit runningusa.org.