This is a Sandyway Productions podcast.

Hey everybody, welcome to all have another podcast with Lindsay Heine.

I'm your host Lindsay, thanks so much for being here today.

Today's episode is with Jake Willard, who is the director of brand marketing and engagement at Tracktown USA.

I think he would be the first to say he is one of the biggest running nerds you will ever meet.

But what is Tracktown USA you might ask?

Well, first of all, Jake's going to explain it in the episode,

but it's a non-profit organization committed to setting a standard of excellence

in the sport of track and field and running by hosting premier events,

creating a supportive environment for elite athletic performances, improving facilities,

being a leader in sustainability and inspiring the next generation of track and field athletes and fans.

You might remember they held the World Championships last year at Hayward Field.

And this year in 2023, they have on their schedule the Eugene Marathon, the organ tri-light,

the organ relays, the organ preview, the OSAA State Track and Field Championships,

the Nike Outdoor Nationals, Toyota, USATF Outdoor Championships, and USATF U20 Championships,

the USATF National Junior Olympic Track and Field Championships, and of course,

the pre-fantane classic. Jake is going to talk about what led him to Tracktown USA,

and also one thing I love that we talked about was running club in college.

I think that that is such a cool idea. Most of us can't run at D1 schools,

and I think a lot of people forget about that option to run club or do club sports.

He's hugely passionate about it, and I think I am now too.

This was really fun to get to know Jake, and also just get to know a little bit more about

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