About Me: Bill Susa, Owner and Operator of WF Running, LLC
My Background
- I've been part of the running community since 1996, competing in countless events ranging from flat 5ks to mountain 100 milers. I've been involved not only as a participant but in race management and volunteer roles at all levels, such as:
- Multi-year year volunteer at VHTRC's MMT 100 and Bull Run Run 50-Mile
- Served a multi-year stint as volunteer coordinator for the C&O Canal 100 Mile Endurance Run
- Race director for South Mountain Heritage Society events since 2008. Currently race director of the SMHS Makin' Hay 10K/5K and the nationally acclaimed Spook Hill Cider & Wine 4-Mile Run.
- Race director for Girls on the Run of Mid & Western Maryland's Spring 5k and Candy Cane Dash from 2015 through 2021. Resumed as RD of Candy Cane Dash in 2024.
- Currently on the race management team for Catoctin 50K, and BobCat 11-Mile Trail Run
- Created and/or assisted in bringing the following runs to fruition: SMHS Run for the Bathroom 8K, Rick O' Donnell Memorial 5.22 Mile and 8-Hour Ultra Challenge, Spook Hill Cider & Wine 4-Mile Run, 5K "Boone" Run & Walk, Makin' Hay 10K/5K, GOTR Mid-Maryland's Rose Hill & Middletown Spring 5Ks, Candy Cane Dash and Gingerbread Dash 5ks, CowBone 6/12 & 24-Hour, Greenbrier Ultras, Summer of John Virtual Challenge and the Othello 5K.
- Inducted into the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club Hall of Fame in 2024 via the President's Award for my contributions to the local running community.
My Race Announcing Business
WF Running is essentially a one-man shop. For announcing/emcee gigs, I use up to 4 high-output speakers for which I create a custom playlist for each event. I work closely with the race director to develop a detailed "Run of Show" which includes when sponsor shout outs and announcements are to be made throughout the event, ensuring your sponsors get the recognition they deserve and expect.
And it goes without saying that I will make full use of the available information to make each participant feel appreciated as
they approach the finish line, from first to last.
WF Running is fully insured and able to provide additional insured certificates as necessary.
While I'm focusing on announcing at this time, I am also available for consultation/route creation/bib design on an hourly basis.
I have a wonderful working partnership with Overland Timing Com. Between our two organizations and the equipment I have available for rent, we find that we can meet most clients' needs.
My Philosophy
Adding my emcee/announcing services to your event, large or small, will help to create a more positive participant experience, which in turn will create an added dimension of participant loyalty to your event. It's easy to keep "doing what's always worked for us in the past" but in this industry, it's the little details and touches that give an event a certain vibe that beckons participants to return year after year. My deep experience in the endurance community will assuredly make a positive impact on your event.
I understand how important it is to make every participant, especially those mid and back-of-the-pack folks, feel as if they belong. I can convey that message to every last one of your participants and they'll love you for it.