Building on Established Success

By Scott Bush - Click Here for all TF360 Archives

For the past 15 years, RunningUSA has established itself as an incredibly strong leader in the world of road racing. Odds are you've seen some of their research work published in an article you've read and run in a race that's a member of the organization. In recent months, the organization brought on a new leader, CEO Rich Harshbarger. Harshbarger comes to RunningUSA with experience directing one of the largest races in the United States, the Detroit Free Press Marathon. We caught up with Harshbarger since his introduction as CEO, chatting with him about his background, what drew him into the position and what about the organization gets him excited.

(Part II of our interview will publish on April 2)

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You’ve been in the sport of road racing for a while. Can you give us a little background on yourself professionally?

My brief background, professionally I worked for mostly a newspaper/media company called Gannett. I worked as a marketing executive for them, transferred multiple times over my career, and transferred to Detroit in 2002 and worked in a marketing capacity for them from 2002-2005. Part of the responsibility of the marketing role, in addition to marketing the newspaper and news brand, was being responsible for the marathon, which is completely owned by the Detroit Free Press.

That was my introduction to race management. Then I was transferred again within the company and then transferred back to Detroit in 2008. I’ve had ten years of marathon and race management experience.

What drew you into the RunningUSA position?

There is no question the newspaper industry is in decline. So, being part of an industry that is constantly looking to reinvent itself, I looked at the opportunity to get into an industry that is growing and an area that I can focus full time on running and the sport. The gratification I got out of managing the Detroit race was a bright spot I got out of my job.

When the opportunity came it was intriguing. To focus on something that I will hopefully be able to have an impact on is exciting.

What drew you to the organization as a whole?

The thing that I am really excited about is being able to have an impact nationally on the sport and to be able to understand that the organization is a resource for so many. The majority of races across the country are small-to-medium local races. Many of those race directors, many of who I’ve spoken with or met, have full-time jobs and put on their own events. I look forward at Running USA to be able to offer those types of members more resources in order to support their races. I am inspired to have an impact nationally.

Do you see a correlation between your role at the Detroit Free Press getting more subscribers and what you’re doing now with RunningUSA?

I think there is certainly overlap and I think it helped me stand out from the search committee. I have a media background, a marketing background and a race management background. I also serve on the board of the Make a Wish Foundation in Michigan, so a non-profit background, too. I think in order for Running USA to grow, marketing certainly is an important part.

I also want to be conscious that while the organization primarily serves race directors, it needs to expand to be able to also serve non-profits better who are supported by running events, as well as the ability to engage with larger brands who aren’t currently members who’ll receive benefits from being associated with the organization and our members.

Check back tomorrow (April 2), as we publish the second portion of our interview with new RunningUSA CEO Rich Harshbarger.

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