As running races and endurance events across the nation are postponed and canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of hundreds of  major endurance sports competitions have come together to form the Endurance Sports Coalition to advocate for relief for the industry.

Led by major event operators such as Spartan, Tough Mudder, IRONMAN, Rock & Roll Marathon Series, Running USA, USA Triathlon, USA Cycling and imATHLETE/EnMotive, the coalition currently has more than 475 members across the running, triathlon, multi-sport, obstacle course and cycling event industries. The effort has gained the support of U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema, an accomplished triathlete.

The grassroots coalition aims to offer a united voice for the endurance sports industry, which accounts for 50,000 events annually, 500,000 jobs, and provides health and fitness experiences to 30 million Americans. The coalition plans to inform Congress and the White House about the need for relief and support for operators of endurance sporting events and their supporting industries.

The coalition members stress that the endurance sports industry provides billions of dollars in annual economic impact to major cities and small towns alike, filling hotel rooms and restaurants and supporting sporting goods and specialty retailers. Thousands of charitable organizations also rely on events as critical fundraising platforms.

The Endurance Sports Coalition says it is open to every event organizer, race director, coach, trainer, and the full array of suppliers and service providers who support the industry. To learn more, visit  join.endurancesportscoalition.org.