Running USA's 2011 State of the Sport - Part II: Running Industry Report

General running numbers up; Nike reaching the young; apparel sales hit $1.1 billion, shoe sales down slightly; record fundraising helps drive Second Running Boom growth

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - (June 26, 2011) - From record or sold-out race fields across the country last year, billions of dollars in shoe sales and running apparel, innovative products such as personalized devices to track individual workouts and record fundraising, the Running Industry continues to show impressive growth in virtually every sector.

Running is one of the most convenient and inexpensive forms of exercise available. There are no required membership fees, special equipment or required classes. All you need is a pair of running shoes and you can just walk out your door or office. No longer is the marathon just for someone who trains 50 to 70 miles a week or a specialty running store only for those with chiseled calves. Today's runners are those looking to achieve a new goal, to stay fit, to relieve stress, to feel empowered or to run for a cause. And thanks to numerous free online training programs, today's new runners can easily find a program that is right for them, based on their ability and available time to train.

Many casual runners are entering events to have fun, as a social activity, and for the experience; it's not about setting a new PR for them, but finishing. Last year, 14 Rock 'n' Roll Series events saw more than 255,000 individuals cross the finish line. Of those, 37% were debuting in the marathon or half-marathon, and 62% were female, reflecting the broad appeal of running nationwide.

Running / jogging continues to show strong and consistent growth annually as running total participation was up almost 13% overall in the last year and has increased by 57% in the last 10 years, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturer's Association. SGMA also projects running / jogging as a sport with some of the greatest growth potential from 2010 to 2015, ranking #12 on the list with a 31% growth rate.

For the rest of Part II on the Running Industry, CLICK here.

Special thanks to
Ryan Lamppa, Running USA Media Services Director.
385 Oak View Lane
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
(805) 696-6232, fax (805) 967-5958
Ryan@RunningUSA.org 
http://www.runningusa.org

Mutai, Kilel Win Inaugural B.A.A. 10K

2011 Boston Marathon champions lead field of more than 3,000 finishers in downtown Boston

By B.A.A.

BOSTON - (June 26, 2011) - Under overcast skies and a starting temperature of 65 degrees, the inaugural B.A.A. 10K on Sunday morning was won by Geoffrey Mutai in 27 minutes, 19 seconds, marking his second victory in Boston since April when he won the 115th Boston Marathon in a world best time of 2:03:02. The 29-year-old separated from the field after half-way, dropping a 4:18 mile to leave Gebre Gebremariam and Sam Chelanga behind. Gebremariam wound up second in 28:11, while Moses Mosop took third in 28:29. Chelanga, running in his professional debut, finished fourth in 28:31.

Mutai's time was the second fastest road 10K ever on a record standard course in the U.S. and also the fastest 10K in Massachusetts history, besting John Gregorek's 28:15, set in 1985. Mutai may have been inspired for such a performance after finding out last night that his wife gave birth to their second child, a yet-to-be-named baby girl. As is Kenyan tradition, Mutai and his wife will decide on a name for their child in the coming days, once he returns home.

Ndambuki, Croft Capture Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon Titles

Former University of Oregon runners win half-marathon; more than 26,000 runners at third event edition; Everclear rocks post-race concert

By Dan Cruz, Competitor Group

SEATTLE - (June 25, 2011) - With most eyes in the running world focused on Eugene for the USA Track & Field Championships, it was only fitting that a former pair of University of Oregon runners swept the half-marathon Saturday morning at the third Dodge Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Marathon & ½ Marathon benefiting the American Cancer Society.

Kicking off the Seafair summer festival under ideal running conditions, more than 26,000 entrants gathered in the Seattle suburb of Tukwila for the 7:00am start. Scott MacPherson of Austin, Texas, who won Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Half last year, pushed the first two miles with Christian Hesch of Hollywood, California. Fifty meters back was a second group led by 25-year-old Carlos Trujillo, who was running his first half-marathon.

Slowly but steadily, Trujillo picked up his pace, reeling in MacPherson, whose lead shrunk from 30 seconds to 15 seconds to 12 seconds by mile 12. As mile 13 approached, Trujillo, the 2008 Pac-10 champion over 10,000 meters, dropped the hammer and outkicked MacPherson to win in 1 hour, 3 minutes, 51 seconds.