The Trials of the Trials

Published by Road Race Management on January 13, 2014

Long Distance Running (LDR) activities are generally pretty much a sideshow at the convention, which is dominated by track and field and youth interests. This year, however, the selection of the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials location became the flash point that ignited the broader battle for control between the CEO and Board, and the membership. During the last six months, three cities, Cincinnati, Houston and Los Angeles, submitted bids to host the 2016 Trials. All three bids called for hosting the Men’s and Women’s trials at the same venue, as was done for the first time with the 2012 Trials in Houston and was generally considered to be a successful format.

During USATF’s restructuring process, which was completed prior to the selection of the 2012 Trials in Houston, a bevy of new legislation was approved by the organization as it streamlined the Board of Directorsfrom 100 down to 15 voting members (and three non-voting members including the CEO) and redefined some of the roles of the Board and the CEO.

Among rules passed was “Regulation18” regarding the selection of Championships. The Olympic Trials have traditionally served as the USATF marathon championship. One provision of the rule states, “The CEO should approve awards of USATF championships at annual meetings,when feasible.”