Inaugural award honors Steinfeld for his contribution to the U.S. distance running resurgence since 2001
CARLSBAD, Calif. - (February 1, 2010) - Team USA Minnesota was selected for the inaugural Allan Steinfeld Development Award during the Hall of Champions Dinner and Live Auction on Monday evening at the La Costa Resort and Spa in Carlsbad, California. The dinner and auction presented by ING is part of Running USA 2010: The Industry Conference.
The development award was named after Allan Steinfeld, a long-time leader in the sport, who jump-started the U.S. distance running resurgence when as head of the New York Road Runners he allocated $20,000 seed money ($1 per U.S. entry at the 2000 New York City Marathon) for the development program Team USA Distance Running launched in November 2000 that produced training groups such as Team Running USA (two Olympic medals in 2004 and major marathon wins) and Team USA Minnesota and inspired others.
"Naming this award for Allan Steinfeld is fitting as Allan was instrumental in helping create the foundation and environment that led to the successes of America's top distance runners over the past nine years. Since our inception in March 1999, part of Running USA's mission has included athlete development and this annual award will continue that important support and promotion, and Team USA Minnesota, which is entering its 10th year of operation, is a deserving recipient," said Susan Weeks, Running USA CEO.
"We are honored to be selected for this inaugural award created by Running USA," said Team USA Minnesota president and founder, Pat Goodwin. "This recognition is a tribute to our athletes, our volunteer board, our local and national sponsors, and to Coach Dennis Barker. We truly appreciate Running USA's confidence in our program as well as the additional funding this award provides to our training center."
Last fall, established U.S. distance training groups were invited to apply for 2010 funding, and at its annual conference, Running USA, the national industry non-profit organization, will award $25,000 from its live and silent auction proceeds to Team USA Minnesota who was represented and feted at the Hall of Champions dinner.
Six U.S. distance training groups - Bay Area Track Club, Mammoth Track Club, McMillan Elite, TeamROGUE Elite, Team USA Minnesota and ZAP Fitness - applied for the 2010 development award.
About Team USA Minnesota
Team USA Minnesota is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis / St. Paul. The training center brings together local and national resources to improve the competitiveness of post-collegiate American distance runners on the track, roads and cross country. Team USA Minnesota was formed in 2001 and since that time has developed an Olympian and 11 national champions in events ranging from the 1500 meters up through the marathon. For more information, go to: www.teamusaminnesota.org
About Running USA
Running USA advances, serves, promotes and celebrates the sport of running as a clearinghouse and resource center and though its popular annual conference, Running USA wire, Running USA E-News, website, annual marathon and State of the Sport reports and youth fitness portal RunningRocks.com and by supporting athlete development.
Running USA's more than 260 members include road races, race services companies, running-related media companies and organizations and the athletic industry.
In March 2009, the non-profit industry organization marked a decade of achievement to build and promote the sport. For more information, visit: RunningUSA.org or contact Ryan Lamppa at (805) 696-6232 or ryan@runningusa.org.
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