Betsy Hughes , Retail & Event Pioneer

In 1977 the specialty running store was a new phenomenon and many store owners began to stage races to promote business. They became the centers of the running communities in every city. Their little store was the heart of running in central Florida. In 1977 Jon went to work for the newly opened Track Shack in Orlando.

A few years later when the owners wanted out Betsy Hughes and her husband were able to buy their interests. Not long thereafter the Track Shack event management arm became more impactful than its retail division. Thousand of people came to the sport through their efforts.

Today they stage about 40 races per year. Crediting their success to avoiding debt and running at least 5 days per year, these two former high school runners  have been able to launch the Track Shack Foundation, which has contributed more than $1 million to community programs since its inception in 1994.

Return to Hall of Champions