USA and a few other countries. Most importantly, it has expanded my knowledge, experience, health and quality of life,” he shares. In 2021, Craig crossed the finish line of his first full marathon, the 50th edition TCS New York City Marathon. It was a goal he had worked towards since 2019 and one he is still relishing. And he credits his industry colleagues with making it possible. “To me this is a community of people who work together as a whole to create opportunities for people to create experiences and memories that last beyond their lifetime,” he shared. “It is beautiful and always inspiring to me. For fun, I travel to run with people or work with people (sometimes both) from my community. I love that.” In 2022, he hopes to attempt the four-part Michelob Ultra Challenge at the Gasparilla Distance Classic, as well as run another marathon in the spring.
MEET THE
VENDOR CRAIG OTTINGER If you’ve joined us at the Industry Conference over the past 15 years, there’s a very good chance you’ve met Craig Ottinger, Director of Operations for longtime Running USA vendor member Hightech Signs. If you haven’t, walk on up and introduce yourself this year. You’ll be sure to get a warm welcome and make a new industry contact and friend. Craig lives and breathes running, both personally and professionally, and he credits the sport with bettering his health and life. “Running has allowed me friendships with some of the best people I have come across in this world. It has allowed me to travel and see most of the
Craig has some great advice for our first-timers to conference and many industry friends to thank, so read on to learn more: How long have you been in the industry? I started working in the running community in 1995 with Marathon Printing and after almost 18 years there I made the switch over to Hightech Signs. I love working with the running community and this transition allowed me to stay in an operations position and continue working with a community that is like a family to me. How did 2021 go for you? This year has been incredible. In June of 2019 I set a personal goal to run my first marathon. A friend connected me to Brendan Cournane, my current running coach. He is well versed in helping people with foot and leg problems like me get to the finish line. We had 3 failed attempts and on the fourth try I finished the 2021 TCS NYC
