Running USA wire 62, July 25, 2012

Running USA wire 62, July 25, 2012
Running USA advances the growth and success of the running industry in America.


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In this edition:
2012 State of the Sport - Part III: U.S. Road Race Trends
Brooks Sports Names Nation's 25 Most Inspiring High School Running Coaches
Runner's World Tabs Five Award Winners in Fall Shoe Guide
Charity Beats Vanity to Motivate People to Run and Race

UPCOMING EVENTS

Join Running USA today and have your event listed here, as well as on www.RunningUSA.org


Burning River 100 Mile, Willoughby Hills, OH, July 28
USA 100 Mile Trail Championships
Challenge Cancer 5K, St. Paul, MN, July 28
Quad-City Times Bix 7, Davenport, IA, July 28
Paint Mines 6K Trail Race, Calhan, CO, July 28
Destination Health Race, Denver, CO, July 28
San Francisco Marathon, San Francisco, CA, July 29
Olympic Games, London, GBR, Aug 3-12
Track & Field Competition
15th TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10K, Cape Elizabeth, ME, Aug 4
Atlanta's Finest 5K, Atlanta, GA, August 4
Woodstock 5K, Anniston, AL, August 4
Salinas Valley Half-Marathon, Salinas, CA, August 4
Step Up for Cancer, Denver, CO, August 5
Central Coast Cancer Challenge 10K, San Luis Obispo, CA, Aug 5
Great Kilted Run 5K, Seattle, WA, August 5
New Balance Falmouth Mile, Falmouth, MA, August 11
August 5K, Atlanta, GA, August 11
Challenge Addiction 5K, St. Paul, MN, August 11
Colorado Springs Panerathon, Denver, CO, August 11
40th New Balance Falmouth Road Race, Falmouth, MA, Aug 12
Fifteen's 5K, Minneapolis, MN, August 12
Inaugural GNC Live Well Liberty Mile, Pittsburgh, PA, Aug 17





Running USA's State of the Sport Series
2012 State of the Sport - Part III: U.S. Road Race Trends

Women, men finish in record numbers in U.S. road races, nearly 14 million finishers with a record 55% female and also a new high number of races in 2011; off-road, mud events thriving too


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (July 25, 2012) - Over the past 15 years, Running USA has reported on the Second Running Boom, particularly as it relates to U.S. road races, and in 2011, per our data analysis, there were a record 13.9 million road race finishers in this country compared to approximately 5.2 million in 1991 (a 170% increase). This was the eighth consecutive year that a new U.S. finisher high was set. In short, the boom continues, and it is being led by women as U.S. road race finishers, once the province of men 20-30 years ago, are now predominantly female (55% compared to 25% in 1990).



There are a myriad of reasons for this historic growth trend in U.S. road races, but community, family-centered, fun events; charity and non-charity training programs and their social impact; access to running information via the internet and the use of technology for registration, timing, websites, email, social media, smart phone apps and more are the main drivers of this boom, particularly for the new runner and women.



Another area of the sport that has been booming over the past 5 years has been the off-road, mud, obstacle course type race series such as Warrior Dash, Tough Mudder, Spartan Race and Muddy Buddy as their finisher numbers have grown from just a blip on the running radar 10 years ago to approximately 1 million as more and more people seek different running experiences beyond the typical road race.



For the rest of the 2012 State of the Sport - Part III, CLICK here.






Brooks Sports Names Nation's 25 Most Inspiring High School Running Coaches

Fans encouraged to vote for their favorite finalists; help pick 2012 Inspiring Coach of the Year


BOTHELL, Wash. - (July 24, 2012) - Complete dedication to their teams and communities. The ability to motivate and support their athletes during challenging situations. An unwavering Run Happy spirit. After reviewing more than 1,300 nominations for high school track and / or cross country coaches who inspire their athletes every day, Brooks Sports, Inc. has announced this year's top 25 and will share each coach's unique, poignant story with the running community so they can help select the 2012 Inspiring Coach of the Year.



"Running at the high school level can be a very powerful experience. These young athletes have many options for how they spend their free time, but they're choosing to participate in active, community-rich programs that ideally inspire a lifetime of running and healthy well-being," said Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks Sports, Inc.



"This year we received very meaningful stories about inspiring coaches who lead these programs, and we're super excited to honor them for the immense dedication they've given their athletes and our sport."



Beginning today, runners, community members, students and more are invited to visit www.Facebook.com/brooksrunning to learn about the finalist coaches and their special stories. Fans are encouraged to show support by voting for their favorites by Sept. 2, 2012. This year's most inspiring coach will be announced in September 2012.

Hailing from high schools across the U.S., Brooks' 25 most inspiring high school track and / or cross country coaches for 2012 are in alpha order:



Pete Boudreaux, Catholic High School (Baton Rouge, LA)
Mark Buesing, Libertyville High School (Libertyville, IL)
Mike Buslepp, Romeo High School (Romeo, MI)
Hernando Chavez, Taos High School (Taos, NM)
Christian Cuthbert, Veritas School (Richmond, VA)
Jeremy Darby, Landrum High School (Campobello, SC)
David Davis, Mountain View High School (Stafford, VA)
Julie Fink, Runnels High School (Baton Rouge, LA)
Scott Griggs, Franklin High School (Seattle, WA)
Eric Heintz, Marist School (Atlanta, GA)
Marcus Jackson, Sheffield High School (Memphis, TN)
Victoria Jones, Mill Springs Academy (Alpharetta, GA)
Jerry Loveall, Velma-Alma High School (Velma, OK)
Kay Nekota, Vacaville High School (Vacaville, CA)
John O'Malley, Carl Sandburg High School (Orland Park, IL)
Israel Pose, Torrance High School (Torrance, CA)
Joseph Prince, Sahuarita High School (Sahuarita, AZ)
Paul Raley, Benton High School (Benton, WI)
Wayne Roberts, Sandusky High School (Sandusky, MI)
Dan Scroggins, Lake City Community School (Lake City, CO)
Mark Shafer, Chardon High School (Chardon, OH)
Arthemon Sindayigaya, Abilene Christian High School (Abilene, TX)
Ben Talsma, Crossroads Charter Academy (Big Rapids, MI)
Melissa Thomas, Manchester Valley High School (Manchester, MD)
Connie Washnik, Park Ridge High School (Park Ridge, NJ)


Each of the Inspiring Coaches finalists will receive $5000 in Brooks performance running footwear, apparel and accessories for their team, $500 in cash for additional team expenses, and membership into the Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) program. The Brooks I.D. program is an invitation-only influencer group with members who are active in their running communities and share a passion for the Brooks brand. The 2012 Inspiring Coach of the Year will also receive an additional $5000 in Brooks gear, $2000 in cash and a trip for two to the 2013 Brooks PR Invitational.



Brooks Sports, Inc. created the Brooks Inspiring Coaches program in February 2011 to identify and honor coaches across the nation who put in extra time and resources to build and keep their programs strong, make a lasting difference in the lives of their athletes, and inspire everyone in the community to run and be active. In an effort to bolster its support for coaches and their high school running teams nationwide, Brooks decided to more than double its investment in the Inspiring Coaches program for 2012 by increasing the number of finalists from 10 to 25.



For more information on the 2012 top 25 Inspiring Coaches finalists and to vote for your favorite, visit: www.Facebook.com/brooksrunning



Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information, and follow frequent brand updates on Twitter (@brooksrunning) and Facebook (www.Facebook.com/brooksrunning).






Runner's World Tabs Five Award Winners in Fall Shoe Guide

Magazine reviews 23 new shoes in September 2012 issue


NEW YORK - (July 23, 2012) - Runner's World magazine, the worldwide authority on running information, highlights and reviews 23 of the best new running shoes on the market in the Fall Shoe Guide in the September 2012 issue of Runner's World, on newsstands Tuesday, July 31. Five shoes were cited best in class: Editor's Choice: Brooks Ghost 5 and Mizuno Wave Precision 13; Best Update: Nike LunarGlide+ 4; Best Buy: Saucony Ride 5 and Best Debut: Puma Faas 350 S.



Here are the criteria for each award, along with the Runner's World review for each winner:



EDITOR'S CHOICE
Editor's Choice represents an outstanding shoe that successfully combines the highest-quality design and technology. Winners received the highest marks from the Runner's World Shoe Lab, the "wear-testers" and the editors.

Brooks Ghost 5 ($110)
The Ghost is spooky good. For the third straight Fall Guide, it has garnered our top honor. We like that little has changed from the fourth version of this shoe. The Ghost remains fairly lightweight with a soft heel and relatively firm forefoot, which gives wearers a fast feel. "I didn't have that 'squishy' feeling I sometimes experience with cushioned shoes," says Chris Garges, 37, of Bethlehem, PA, who has a 2:47 marathon PR. To adapt to more footstrike patterns, the segmented heel has been extended forward along the outer edge of the foot. It also helps smooth the heel-to-toe transition. Bottom Line: A versatile shoe that can handle whatever workouts you throw at it. Watch the video review: http://bit.ly/BrooksGhost5



Mizuno Wave Precision 13 ($110)
The Precision 13 feels downright zippy, thanks to the highest heel-to-toe drop in this guide-14.4 mm; the average running shoe is 12 mm-combined with a soft heel and a firmer-than-average forefoot. But some testers accustomed to more minimal footwear or racing flats found it to sit too high, especially at the heel. Although the chassis underfoot is the same as the Precision 12, Mizuno tinkered with the upper slightly, lowering the collar to allow a better opening for the foot. A fabric band runs under the open mesh upper at the midfoot, connecting the laces to the midsole to securely lock the foot in place. Bottom Line: A versatile shoe, capable of handling faster workouts and races. Watch the video review: http://bit.ly/MizunoWavePrecision13



BEST UPDATE: Nike LunarGlide+ 4
Best Update recognizes a significant improvement made to an existing model.



Nike LunarGlide+ 4 ($110)
For such a lightweight shoe, the LunarGlide features excellent cushioning and stability, yet remains very flexible. That's a tough combination to execute well. The previous version of the LunarGlide struggled with this combination, garnering some of the lowest wear-test scores we've ever recorded for fit, comfort, and ride. This update was greatly improved. "The perfect balance of springy yet pillowy cushioning, while still having ample stability and support," says Joe Kennedy, 32, of New York City, who has run in the LunarGlide+ 3. In RW Shoe Lab testing, all measures are better-the LunarGlide+ 4 is lighter by .7 ounces, lower to the ground, more flexible, and offers better cushioning and stability. The upper hugs the midfoot, thanks to a Flywire saddle, which provides a direct connection between the laces and the midsole to securely lock the foot in place. Bottom Line: Excellent protection from a surprisingly light and flexible shoe. Watch the video review: http://bit.ly/NikeLunarGlideplus4



BEST BUY: Saucony Ride 5
Best Buy acknowledges a shoe that offers the best fit and function for its price.



Saucony Ride 5 ($110)
A Best Buy pick that tops $100? If you're shopping for new shoes, you know they're getting more expensive. But the Ride 5 is indicative of a trend we're seeing. The shoe is $10 more expensive and is a full two ounces lighter than its predecessor. That weight savings is largely a product of using less foam in the midsole and a reduction in rubber on the outsole, which also makes this update lower to the ground and more flexible. The changes resonated with testers, who rated it the highest of any shoe in this guide for comfort, cushioning, and ride. So, despite the price hike, it's worth the splurge. Bottom Line: Offers cushioning for long runs but is light enough for fast efforts. Watch the video review: http://bit.ly/SauconyRide5



BEST DEBUT: Puma Faas 350 S
Best Debut points to a new release that received high marks from the Runner's World Shoe Lab, from wear-testers and from Runner's World editors.



Puma Faas 350 S ($85)
Low-slung and responsive, the Faas 350 S is a no-frills training shoe capable of pulling double duty for faster-paced workouts and long runs. The foamrubber midsole is exposed, while only a minimum amount of outsole is used to keep the shoe lightweight and superflexible. One drawback: limited traction. Wear-testers said the 350 S slips on wet surfaces. Faster runners appreciated how the shoe performed. "The Faas 350 would be among my choices if I were to buy only one shoe for everyday training," says Ulrich Fluhme, 37, of New York City, who has a 2:33 marathon PR and primarily trains in racing flats. Bottom Line: A good first step for those curious about trying minimal footwear. Watch the video review: http://bit.ly/PumaFaas350S



The Runner's World Shoe Guide features the Shoe Finder, a decision tree that poses a series of questions to readers whose answers will create a selection of three-to-five shoes best suited to help readers run better, faster and injury-free.



To see more information on each of the shoes reviewed in the June 2012 issue, information on the Shoe Finder, video shoe reviews or a tour of the Runner's World Shoe Lab, check out www.runnersworld.com/shoefinder.



About the Runner's World Shoe Lab and Wear Test
Every shoe reviewed by Runner's World is first bench-tested at the Runner's World Shoe Lab-an independent testing facility in Portland, Oregon. All shoes are flexed, pounded and prodded to see how well they perform. Shoes are then matched to one of 350 "wear-testers" in one of our three wear-test centers across the country based on their individual biomechanical needs and the shoe's performance characteristics.



Testers, who must log a minimum of 25 miles per week, run in the shoes for about a month before submitting their evaluations, noting their total mileage run in each shoe and rating it for qualities including weight, traction, cushioning, support, lacing system and upper material comfort, among other categories.



Runner's World is the only magazine in the world to independently test running shoes in this way, in order to give its editors the most objective means necessary to determine which shoes are most deserving of award status. Because Runner's World only tests and reviews the best products available, shoes that have been tested may use the "Tested by the Runner's World Shoe Lab" label.



For up-to-date running news, visit www.runnersworld.com, and get instant updates on twitter (@runnersworld) and Facebook (Runner's World Magazine). Runner's World is also available as a mobile app on the iPhone and iPad.






Charity Beats Vanity to Motivate People to Run and Race

New Harris Interactive Survey from Eventbrite finds Americans most likely to participate in endurance events to raise money for charity, but "laziness", lack of time keep many away; Americans also reveal that running can be better than therapy


SAN FRANCISCO - (July 24, 2012) - Eventbrite, the self-service registration and ticketing platform popular among endurance event organizers, has announced a new survey revealing the turn-ons and offs of races and endurance events. The findings, resulting from an online Harris Interactive Survey commissioned by Eventbrite in June 2012 of more than 2,200 Americans, unveiled that the biggest factor influencing potential participation in an endurance event like a marathon or triathlon isn't physical health, but charity, with 34% of Americans naming raising money for a good cause as a top motivator. The survey also found that while 71% of Americans have or would consider participating in an endurance event, lack of motivation/laziness, lack of time and costs have kept them away.



With endurance events (e.g. half-marathons, 5K walks, triathlons, cycling events, etc.) becoming increasingly popular worldwide in recent years, Eventbrite commissioned the survey to examine what can motivate and inhibit endurance event participation, as well as how people perceive their benefits.



What are the Biggest Motivators?
Although physical health may seem to be top priority for many people, a good cause trumps vanity, according to the survey. Thirty-four percent of Americans would be inspired to participate in an endurance event to raise money for a good cause, versus 27% who claimed weight loss as an inspiration. Of those do-gooders, more are found within a younger demographic. Those aged 18-34 (50%) are nearly twice as likely as those 35 and over (26%) to be motivated by charitable causes.



Other motivators for participating are the opportunity to increase one's health and fitness (32%), for the challenge of it (28%), and to lose weight (27%), with women (30%) more likely to feel this way than men (22%). Another interesting gender difference is that men were significantly more attracted to challenging (32%) themselves than women (24%).



What's Getting in the Way?
While nearly three-quarters (71%) of Americans have or would consider participating in an endurance event, only 32% have actually done so. Of the people who are interested in participating but have yet to do so, shortage on time (37%), cost of participation (32%), and lack of motivation / laziness (27%) rank as the top three inhibitors.



Unexpectedly, single people (43%) are significantly more likely than married people (34%) to say they just don't have the time. But throw some children in the mix, and parents of children under 18 are over twice as likely as those without children to say that family commitments get in the way, 37% vs. 15% respectively.



Benefits Beyond the Runner's High
While endurance events are considered good for the body, many Americans think running is good for the mind as well with 56% of Americans believing going on a run would be more therapeutic than talking to a therapist / psychologist.



Additionally, using running to become more physically attractive could be a motivator. Specifically, nearly one-third of Americans believe that if they trained to run a marathon, it would make them better in bed. Men believe this (37%) significantly more than women (25%). Additionally, more than 40% of Americans believe training for a marathon would make them more attractive.



For a full summary of results including survey methodology, contact Terra Carmichael at Eventbrite (terra@eventbrite.com).



Eventbrite enables anyone to organize, promote and sell out ticketed events of any size and kind, including endurance events. The company recently launched tailored features for endurance events which enable organizers to sell merchandise along with registration prior to the event, and allow for easier team registration sign up and management. Race organizers can also automatically assign bib numbers as participants register for their event. Notable endurance events organized on the platform include lululemon's Sea Wheeze Half Marathon, US Marine Corps Ultimate Challenge Mud Run, Gran Fondo New York and Metro Dash events across the country.



Additionally, many Eventbrite users organize events for charitable causes, with over $39 million raised for charities 2011 alone. All 501c3 organizations are qualified for a reduced rate, making it easy and affordable for nonprofits to take advantage of Eventbrite's powerful platform.



Renowned in the ticketing space for its industry-leading social sharing tools and partnerships, Eventbrite recently processed $1 billion in cumulative sales for its users and has sold over 60 million tickets and registrations worldwide.



To learn more about Eventbrite's offerings for endurance events, races and fundraisers, go to: www.eventbrite.com/endurance and https://www.eventbrite.com/npo/







Contact Information


Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Director, ryan@runningusa.org, (805) 696-6232




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