Nearly 100 Attend First Annual Long Island Running Forum Hosted by All Round Foods and elitefeats

Nearly 100 race directors, running club leaders and event organizers gathered Sunday at Cold Spring Country Club for the 1st Annual Long Island Running Forum, hosted by All Round Foods and elitefeats. The breakfast forum brought together leaders from across the region’s running community to share ideas on building stronger events, engaging runners and strengthening partnerships with sponsors.

“Long Island has an incredible running culture, supported by passionate race directors, volunteers and sponsors who make these events possible,” said Glen Wolther, co-founder of All Round Foods. “This forum was about bringing those leaders together, sharing what works and continuing to build events that inspire people of all ages and abilities to stay active and connected through running.”

“elitefeats works with races across the region every weekend, so we see firsthand the creativity and dedication that go into making these events successful,” said Brendan Dagan, founder of elitefeats, who opened the forum with an in-memoriam slideshow honoring members of the Long Island running community who passed away in the past year. “At the end of the day, the most important thing is keeping the needs of the participants first. When you focus on the runner experience, everything else—from sponsors to growth—follows.”

The forum featured a panel discussion with Anthony Ricci, founder of the Sand City Run Club; Meagan Reichert, director of sports programs at Northwell Health; and Mike Polansky, President Emeritus of the Greater Long Island Running Club (GLIRC). Panelists shared insights on building races that runners return to year after year, Rich Bozwick, race director of the Great Cow Harbor 10K; strengthening community connections and creating meaningful partnerships with sponsors.

The discussion also explored what separates successful races from the rest. Rich Bozwick noted that great events are constantly evolving, emphasizing that organizers should always look for ways to improve the runner experience and give participants something new or memorable that keeps them coming back year after year. Reichert added that effective sponsorships go far beyond placing a logo on a race bib, stressing the importance of building authentic connections with local communities—often tying races to hospitals and health initiatives before, during and after the event.

The panel also highlighted the growth of Long Island’s running clubs and the role they play in expanding the sport’s reach. Anthony Ricci shared how the Sand City Run Club has grown from just 25 runners at its first gathering four years ago to regularly attracting more than 100 participants at weekly runs today, with more than 1,500 runners having taken part overall. By emphasizing consistency, engaging local businesses along Main Street and creating a social environment that welcomes everyone from first-time runners to ultramarathoners, the club has helped make running more accessible and community-driven across the region.

Race organizers participating in the forum were also eligible to win one of three $1,000 elitefeats race timing credits, raffled onsite.