Chicago Event Management Becomes First Ever Legend Member of Running USA

April 15, 2025

(April 15, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Running USA, the non-profit organization that supports and connects the running event industry, is excited to welcome Chicago Event Management (CEM) as it the first Legend Member under its newly revamped membership tiers. This commitment highlights CEM’s long-standing reputation as a leader of growth and success in the running community.

This month, Running USA restructured its membership program to provide enhanced benefits and engagement opportunities for a wider range of organizers, businesses and individuals in the running event industry. The new Legend membership tier recognizes industry leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the advancement of running events and the broader endurance sports industry.

“Chicago Event Management not only puts on some of the best road races in the world, they are a leader in sharing knowledge and best practices with fellow race organizers,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “We are honored by their dedication to the mission of Running USA which is to educate, elevate and engage the running event industry.”

Chicago Event Management is best known for producing world-class events such as the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the Bank of America Chicago 13.1, and the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle. Their expertise in event production, participant experience, and community engagement has set the standard for excellence in the industry.

“As longtime supporters of Running USA, we are honored to be recognized as the inaugural Legend Member,” said Michael Nishi, Chief Operating Officer of Chicago Event Management and a member of the Running USA Board of Directors. “This membership reflects our shared mission to advance the sport and create meaningful experiences for all runners, and I challenge others in our industry to join us at the Legend level. Let’s make a difference for the sport that has given us so much.”

Running USA announced its new member benefits and updated membership tiers effective April 1, 2025, including new professional services, reduced registration costs for the Running Industry Conference, in-person networking opportunities and more, to reflect the evolving needs of the running event industry. This marks the first membership update since 2019, offering expanded benefits across six new tiers – view each level and its associated benefits here.

The revamped membership tiers at Running USA aim to strengthen the organization’s ability to serve its members through expanded networking opportunities, exclusive industry insights, and increased visibility within the running community.

Learn more about Running USA’s updated membership program.

About Chicago Event Management

Chicago Event Management (CEM) is an event production company based in Chicago, IL. Since 1996, CEM has worked closely with community partners and leaders in event production to create world-renowned events in the heart of Chicago. At the core of our organization, we believe in sharing best practices, using learnings to create unforgettable experiences, and building lasting relationships that lead to new ideas and innovation. To learn more about Chicago Event Management, visit cemevent.com.

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.