With the goal of improving data available to its members, Running USA has entered into a first-of-its-kind partnership with professors at the University of Colorado–Colorado Springs’ College of Business and Administration to share data and collaborate on research into the impacts, demographics and trajectory of running events. The output of this partnership will provide members of Running USA with detailed information to inform business, marketing and operational decisions.
The UCCS College of Business and Administration is led by Dean Thomas Aicher, Ph.D., and Associate Dean Brianna Newland, Ed.D. Both are avid runners and have co-authored such research reports as Predicting Repeat Registrations for Endurance Sport Events; To Explore or Race? Examining Endurance Athletes’ Destination Event Choices; and “Share the good news and share the benefits”: Examining the use of negotiation-efficacy by African American Endurance Runners; More than Motivation: Reconsidering Volunteer Management Tools; Influencing active sport tourists’ loyalty to event and destination.
Running USA will work with Doctors Aicher and Newland to share commonly asked questions from event professionals as well as to ensure their market-leading research and the research of their academic colleagues around the country make it into the hands of those best suited to utilize it.
“At UCCS, we’re passionate about producing research that advances academic understanding and has real-world impact,” says Dr. Aicher. “Partnering with Running USA allows us to connect our work directly with the people shaping the future of endurance events. Together, we’re creating a bridge between data and decision-making that will elevate the entire running industry.”
Running USA will also work with UCCS to provide economic impact reports for events at an affordable rate. Interested events can email [email protected].
A link to a library of research publications from Doctors Aicher and Newland is now available in Running USA’s content library, available exclusively to members. Future reports will be accompanied by a summary news article and an overview webinar led by the researchers and moderated by Running USA.
