Running Industry Boom: 2026 Running USA Conference Insights with Shawn Sullivan

The running industry is currently riding a wave of unprecedented momentum. From the historic halls of the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, the 22nd annual Running USA Industry Conference presented by haku served as a vibrant epicenter for the leaders, innovators, and organizers shaping the future of the sport. With approximately 630 attendees, flirting with record-breaking numbers, the gathering underscored a pivotal moment for endurance sports: a period of rapid growth, technological evolution, and a profound shift in participant demographics.

As Executive Director of Running USA Shawn Sullivan noted, the atmosphere was one of high energy and optimism, reflecting what many are calling a modern “running boom”. For the everyday runner and the industry professional alike, the insights gleaned from this three-day summit offer a roadmap for where the sport is headed and how it intends to stay there. Read the full story here.