Paul Banta, age 57, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2012 in Portland, Oregon after a battle with cancer. In February 2001, Paul became Running USA's first Member Services Director and later its first Conference Manager, and under his direction for 8 years, membership and conference attendance steadily grew. In August 2003, he launched the weekly Running USA Industry E-News, reaching more than 2,000 industry professionals.

With nearly 30 years of experience in event management, sponsorship, promotions, athlete services and communications, Paul wore many hats in the sport from post-collegiate track & field team co-founder and manager (Oregon International Athletics) to meet director (adidas Oregon Track Classic) to race director (Army Ten-Miler) to consultant (Running USA and Triathlon America) to publisher (Endurance Sports Business News).

A graduate of Davidson College (BA History - 1977) and the University of Oregon (Masters History - 1983), he also worked as a reporter for the Arkansas Gazette and the Charlotte Observer and in the sports information department at Davidson College and the University of Arkansas.

Running USA and its members offer their condolences to his wife Judy, their three sons and the Banta family, and words cannot adequately convey our deep respect for Paul's contribution to the organization and the sport.

A memorial will be held at Lake Oswego United Methodist Church, 1855 Southshore Blvd, Lake Oswego, OR on Wednesday at 2:00pm (Pacific Time). In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Paul's name to the Melanoma Research Foundation or the Lake Oswego School District Foundation.