Running USA announced that Michael Clemons accepted a permanent position as director of operations, effective December 1. Clemons has been working as a contractor for the organization since September.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work with Michael at events across the country,” said Jay Holder, executive director of Running USA. “There are few people who bring as much operational knowledge and passion to the sport. I’m honored he will be joining us as we take Running USA into the future.”
Clemons will oversee the Industry Conference and a relaunched regional educational series. As a researcher by trade, he will also play a pivotal role in expanding Running USA’s ongoing research projects.
Clemons has over a decade of industry experience running events nationwide. Along with owning and operating his race management company, the Louisville Running Company, he has worked operations for U.S. road races, including the 2022 World Athletics Championships, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, TCS New York City Marathon, Chevron Houston Marathon, and the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon.
“Since attending my first Running USA Industry Conference in 2014, I have come to appreciate and respect the role that Running USA plays in supporting and transforming the industry. I am excited to bring my passion for the sport and for the people within the sport to this role. I look forward to working with our members and partners to continue to evolve Running USA as an industry leader,” Clemons said.
Clemons is in his final year as a Ph.D. student at the University of Louisville, studying Educational Leadership and Organizational Development with a concentration in Sports Administration. His research focuses on the running industry, why people run, why running organizations and events do what they do and how the industry can be more inclusive.
Photo courtesy Brooks, Running USA
