Advisory Board Bio – Jon Hughes

Recognized as a leader in the sport of running, Jon Hughes began running competitively at Winter Park High, and continued running at Seminole Community College and Appalachian State University. He has since completed 12 marathons, including Boston, Berlin, Chicago and Marine Corps. Since the late 1970’s, Hughes has pioneered the organization of amateur athletic events, first in his home-base of Central Florida and today throughout the world. He has been recognized for his outstanding leadership and organizational achievements by the Florida Athletics Congress (USATF), the Pan American Junior Games, the Governor of Florida, and the Grand Bahamas Promotions Board. Hughes was one of the youngest inductees into the Florida Track & Field Hall of Fame; admitted in 1987 at the age of 29. He and his wife Betsy Hughes (Track Shack Co-owner) were inducted into the Running Event Hall of Fame in 2008, and the Running USA Hall of Champions in 2009. Also in 2009, Hughes became a member of the Running USA Board of Directors. Hughes has been the Race Director of the Walt Disney World Marathon since its inception in 1994. His expertise has led him all over the world. As president of EMMI, he directs the overall marketing, operations and staff efforts, and has positioned the organization to offer the best in technology, marketing and management skills.