Running USA Announces State of the Sport Panel for 2026 Industry Conference Presented by haku

December 8, 2025

ST. LOUIS (Dec. 8, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Running USA today announced the highly anticipated State of the Sport panel for the 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku, set to take place at the historic Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Feb. 1-3. This general session on Tuesday, Feb. 3 will bring together some of the most influential leaders in global running to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of the state of the endurance sports industry.

The panel, moderated by Shawn Sullivan, Executive Director of Running USA, will feature:

• Jackie Levi, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, haku
• Alessio Punzi, Head of Running, World Athletics
• Kiera Smalls, Executive Director, Running Industry Diversity Coalition
• Max Siegel, CEO, USA Track & Field

“Each of these dynamic individuals gracious enough to join us in St. Louis for this discussion has forged a unique path in the running industry. Undoubtedly, their diverse perspectives will resonate with all conference attendees. We are grateful to Jackie, Alessio, Kiera and Max for their contributions in advance assisting us in educating, elevating and engaging our industry. I encourage attendees to submit questions or topics to ensure our discussion is fully representative of Running USA,” said Shawn Sullivan, Executive Director of Running USA.

If you have a question you would like to submit for the panel in advance, please email ed@runningusa.org.

A Must-Attend Session for Every Industry Professional

The State of the Sport session will explore the most current insights influencing participation, event operations, sponsorship economics, and community impact. Attendees can expect a forward-looking discussion that blends fresh participation data with economic indicators, while also examining how race organizers are adapting to shifting runner expectations and new technology.

Panelists will discuss changing participant demographics, the continued evolution of brand engagement and sponsorship priorities, and the industry’s efforts to deepen inclusivity and build sustainable year-round communities. Together, these perspectives will offer a timely, comprehensive understanding of where the endurance industry stands today and where it’s heading.

As the endurance space continues to rebound and reinvent itself, this conversation will provide invaluable context and guidance for race directors, event operators, vendors, brands, nonprofit leaders, and anyone invested in the long-term health of the sport.

The 2026 Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku will once again unite leaders from across the running industry for three days of education, innovation, and collaboration. Register for the conference here. Running USA members received a discounted rate – contact membership@runningusa.org to learn more.

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.