USATF Masters Program December 2, 2014 Athletes Advisory Committee Presentation

Athletes Advisory Committee Organized by Don Lein (Chair of Masters Running) Cross section of masters runners Dale Campbell, Lloyd Hansen, Paul Carlin, Steven Chantry, Doreen McCoubrie, Dave Oja, Rae Baymiller Represented 7 different associations and 6 age divisions. Included former race directors, masters chairs, and association presidents Focus was initially on improving participation at the national USATF masters circuit. We realized, however, improving the local masters programs was an important first step.

Areas of Concern USATF masters membership has not grown in recent years despite the boom in running. Only a few associations have a strong masters program; half have less than 100 master members. It is difficult to manage programs, websites, and communications with present resources.

Areas of Concern (cont.) Focus on age-graded awards represents an opportunity at Association circuits. Participation is inconsistent at National USATF Championships. Would like to see: Better regional coverage Part of larger, more popular events Improved spacing of events Additional awards/sponsors

Source: Runners World

Millions Source: Running USA

Source: USATF 11,690 11,904 11,681 11,667

Memo: Average Per Association New England Pacific New Jersey Mid-Atlantic So Cal Minnesota Long Island New England Pacific New Jersey Mid-Atlantic So Cal Minnesota Long Island

The National Office is Increasing Masters Support Dedicated USATF employee Support associations Keep website up to date Increase communication Develop masters program “tool kit” Provide metrics to associations Improved National Masters Circuit More regional coverage Targeting more popular races and locations New Masters Elite age-grade awards

National Office Increasing Support (cont.) Appointment of 7 experienced regional volunteers Support associations Share best practices Facilitate regional opportunities Addition of National Communications Chair Paul Carlin; the running professor Increase promotion of events and reporting of results Identify network of publications to support masters running

2015 National Masters Circuit Feb 7 Cross Country Boulder Feb 22 8k Brea Apr 26 10k Dedham May Half Marathon West Coast Aug 31 1 mile Flint Oct 4 5k Syracuse Oct 4 Marathon Twin Cities Oct 15 15k Tulsa Nov 15 12k Alexandria Dec 15 Club Cross Country San Francisco

2015 Masters Focus in Associations 1.Effective masters organization 2.Strong, masters-friendly LDR circuits 3.Improved publicity and communication 4.Growth in masters membership 5.Representation at National Championships

1. Effective Masters Organization Need a strong, enthusiastic masters chair in each association Important part of local LDR committee Responsible for achievement of masters objectives Participates in National and Regional Calls Organizational Objectives: Appoint strong masters chair this month Follow up on masters goals in regular meetings

2. Strong Masters-friendly LDR Circuit Well-run, popular, and affordable races Increased use of age-grade awards LDR Circuit Objective: Substantially increase participation of masters runners in local circuit (set aggressive goal!)

Memo: Men Women Attracted By Age-grade Awards

3. Improved Publicity and Communication Form an Athletes Advisory Committee Representatives from local clubs Solicit help in strengthening circuit and bringing out their members Leverage local running magazines Include circuit events and results Publish annual age-graded rankings Publicity and Communication Objectives: Organize Athletes Advisory Committee Publish age-graded rankings

4. Growth in Masters Membership More members are needed to fund masters program Increase value of USATF membership Discounts/accessibility to races Savings at local stores USATF sponsored clinics, races, and other events Phidippides, All American, and Masters Elite Awards Masters Membership Objectives: At least 20% growth in % growth in 5 years

5. Representation at National Championships Identify runners who can age-grade above 80% in national events Encourage them to participate both as individuals and teams Look for local clubs and other sponsors to help with travel costs. National Championship Objective: At least two teams attending two National events

Key Takeaways Appoint a strong enthusiastic masters leader Focus on doubling masters membership in the next few years, starting with at least 20% in 2015 Introduce age-grade awards and publicize age-grade rankings in local running blogs and publications Send at least two teams to two National Events