Dan Lakin Named Executive Race Director of The Essentia Health Fargo Marathon

April 29, 2026

Julie Coleman appointed Acting Race Director

FARGO, N.D. (April 29, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Ventures Endurance, part of USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, the events division of USA TODAY Co., Inc. (NYSE: TDAY) announced Dan Lakin as Executive Race Director for the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon. Lakin assumed the role in late February. His appointment comes as Ventures Endurance continues to strengthen the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon while maintaining the values and traditions that have long defined one of the Midwest’s most beloved running events.

Dan Lakin brings more than 15 years of leadership experience in endurance event management to his role as Executive Race Director. Lakin served as Production Director at Ventures Endurance from 2019-2022. Since returning in 2023, Lakin has played a central role in strengthening endurance events following the COVID‑19 pandemic, acting as Race Director for the Soldier Field 10, Louisville Triple Crown of Running, and the North Shore Classic Half Marathon and 5K. Previously, Lakin was Director of Endurance Events for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. He also held the position of Senior Run Brand Manager at Life Time, where he oversaw a national portfolio that included the Chicago Half Marathon & 5K and Sarasota Half Marathon and contributed to events including the Miami Marathon & Half Marathon and Chicago Triathlon.

Additionally, Julie Coleman will serve as Acting Race Director for the 2026 season. She brings her experience as Race Director at Iron Man and Surf City Marathon as well as Race Director at Life Time where she oversaw all operational and logistical aspects of Chicago Triathlon, Chicago Half Marathon, Chicago Spring Half Marathon and Turkey Trot Chicago.

“Dan’s appointment reinforces our commitment to operational excellence, community partnership, and honoring the legacy of this beloved event,” said Jason Taylor, Head of Ventures Endurance. “The Essentia Health Fargo Marathon is a signature celebration for the community, and Dan’s leadership, along with Julie’s experience, makes them an excellent team with combined expertise in race operations and national events management. I am confident they will execute a seamless race weekend for runners and partners alike.”

Ventures Endurance also reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the legacy of the late Mark Knutson whose impact on the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon and the Fargo community endures. The marathon renewed support for the Mark Knutson Friday Night 5K with 100 complimentary entries donated to Creative Care for Reaching Independence to enable participation.

“Mark built something special, and we’re incredibly honored to keep his legacy alive with humility and respect as we carry forward the spirit of community, accessibility, and care that defined his leadership,” said Dan Lakin, Executive Race Director, Essentia Health Fargo Marathon. “The Essentia Health Fargo Marathon matters deeply to this community, and we are passionate about ensuring this event surpasses expectations.”

The Essentia Health Fargo Marathon will introduce several enhancements this year:

• The Pre-Race Expo will return to the FARGODOME, restoring a familiar race weekend experience for participants that also improves operational execution.
• Expanded community investment, including a $50,000 annual contribution from Ventures Endurance to Shoes for Kids, in addition to participant donations.
• Enhanced safety, medical, and incident-response planning, including additional tools to improve participant tracking and response coordination.
• The return and expansion of Bands on the Run, bringing increased on-course entertainment and energy throughout the race route.

For more information about the Essentia Health Fargo Marathon and how to register, visit www.fargomarathon.com.

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ABOUT USA TODAY NETWORK VENTURES
USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures, our events and promotions business, diversifies our media offerings by connecting communities through impactful experiences. In 2025, USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures hosted a variety of in-person and virtual events, attracting over 430,000 attendees. Our portfolio includes home and garden shows, food and wine festivals, high school sports recognition programs, including the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, and major events such as the SKECHERS Hot Chocolate 15K/5K, RAGBRAI, and Detroit Free Press Marathon.

ABOUT USA TODAY CO.
USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. Our mission is to inspire, inform, and connect audiences. As a media and digital marketing solutions company we are focused on sustainable growth. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver trusted unbiased journalism when and where consumers want it. LocaliQ, our digital marketing solutions brand, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Heather Gidaly
Essentia Health Fargo Marathon
hgidaly@ustodayco.com