Accolade presented during 2026 Running USA Industry Conference
ST. LOUIS — Running USA proudly announced the recipients of its prestigious annual awards during the 2026 Industry Conference, presented by haku, held in St. Louis, Missouri. The 22nd conference celebrated the remarkable achievements of individuals who have made lasting contributions to the running industry.
The 2026 Women’s Leadership Award was awarded to Linda Maxwell, Race Director of the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon & 5K and Assistant Race Director of the Bellin Run.
Maxwell’s award nominators shared that for decades, she has been the heartbeat of running in Northeastern Wisconsin, inspiring thousands through her visionary leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to inclusion. Running USA officials added that her work has transformed not only events but lives, embodying RUSA’s mission to strengthen the running community through leadership, innovation and belonging.
Maxwell’s impact is perhaps most visible through her nearly 20-year legacy with the Bellin Run, which she helped elevate into one of Wisconsin’s premier events, peaking at 20,000 participants and serving as a model for community engagement. She later founded the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon & 5K, a powerful symbol of empowerment across the Midwest that recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
“Linda has fostered a culture of belonging that welcomes every pace, age and story,” said nominator and fellow race director Brian Cleven, “Her efforts have also brought distance running icons like Joan Benoit Samuelson, Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor to Green Bay, inspiring runners across generations and expanding youth running programs throughout the region.”
Beyond race day, Maxwell continues to strengthen communities through the Emplify Health by Bellin Titletown Wellness Race Series and through personal mentorship that has helped launch and grow events across Wisconsin. Her influence is felt nationally as well, and she is known at Running USA conferences for her generosity, authenticity and commitment to lifting others.
“As the Bellin Run approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026,” said Bellin Run Executive Race Director Randy Van Straten, “honoring Linda Maxwell is a fitting tribute to a fearless leader whose decades of vision, mentorship and passion have left an enduring mark on the running community.”
Maxwell’s past honors have included a Bellin Health Values in Practice (VIP) Award and a participant-initiated Fearless Leader Award for her Bellin Women’s Half Marathon & 5K leadership. A Fearless Leader Award video commemorates her recognition.
The 2026 Running USA Industry Conference, presented by haku, brought together industry professionals, race organizers, sponsors and vendors from around the globe to collaborate, innovate and celebrate the achievements of leaders shaping the future of running. The Women’s Leadership Award was first presented in 2005 and past winners have included Olympians and running industry greats Kara Goucher and Carrie Tollefson.
About Running USA
Running USA is a non-profit that serves as the leading trade organization for the running industry in North America and hosts the nation’s preeminent industry conference annually. Through education, research, best practices and data, Running USA is committed to supporting and facilitating growth, diversification and excitement in running communities everywhere. We promote networking and idea-sharing between event organizers, sponsors, vendors and athletes. Running USA is a member of a global alliance of organizations focused on the betterment of the global running community including the Running Industry Alliance and European Athletics. For more information, visit the Running USA website.
About the Bellin Run
The Bellin Run is an iconic 10K and 5K road race that takes place every second Saturday in June in Green Bay, Wis. A true community event that aims to get feet on the street in the name of health and wellness, the Bellin Run is preparing to celebrate its golden 50th anniversary in 2026. In its first 49 years, the Bellin Run has seen over 300,000 finishes and a combined total of approximately 1.9 million miles.
About the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon & 5K
Designed to empower and inspire female runners of all ages and abilities, the Bellin Women’s Half Marathon & 5K is the only female-focused event of its kind in Northeast Wisconsin.
Beginning as a half marathon in 2015, the event three years later added a 5K distance so even more women could be a part of wellness-focused camaraderie and fun. The event has become a not-to-be-missed annual tradition for hundreds of runners in Northeast Wisconsin and beyond.