Ronnel Blackmon Named Emcee of the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference Presented by haku

June 11, 2025

June 11, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — Running USA is excited to announce that Ronnel Blackmon will serve as the main stage emcee of the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku, taking place February 1–3, 2026 at the iconic Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri.

A high-energy host known for his magnetic presence and deep connection to the running community, Blackmon brings years of experience as an emcee, announcer, and race day personality at premier running events across the country. His dynamic style and passion for endurance sports have made him a favorite among athletes and race organizers alike.

“Ronnel has an unmatched ability to engage, entertain, and energize a crowd,” said Jay Holder, Executive Director of Running USA. “His experience and enthusiasm make him the perfect person to guide our attendees through the 2026 conference experience.”

Along with his role as emcee, Blackmon, who is a member of Running USA, will serve on the working group that guides the selection of sessions and topics to be covered at the conference.

As the largest gathering of running industry professionals in North America, the Running USA Industry Conference brings together race directors, vendors, sponsors, and thought leaders for three days of networking, education, and inspiration. With Blackmon at the mic, attendees can expect an unforgettable event filled with meaningful moments and momentum-building energy.

“It’s an honor to be the emcee for the 2026 Running USA Conference. For me, this moment is about alignment—where business meets passion, fitness meets purpose, and community meets family,” said Blackmon. “Running has never just been about the miles; it’s about momentum. And I’m excited to bring energy, connection, and authenticity to a space where who we are and what we love to do can move forward together.”

Registration for the event is open and you can register here

About the Industry Conference presented by haku

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.