Former USATF Men's Long Distance Running Chair Jim Estes has been hired by USA Track & Field to serve in the newly created position of Long Distance Running Manager.

Estes will work closely with USATF's LDR Sport Committees, as well as the Elite Athlete, Marketing, Events and Communications departments on LDR community outreach, LDR Championships promotion and service, and USA Running Circuit programs. Estes will contribute to marketing proposals and sponsor fulfillment related to LDR events and programs, and he will spearhead USATF's LDR communications efforts, providing relevant information on the organization's web site, www.usatf.org.

Estes and his wife Camille have run their own running/walking specialty store, Fleet Feet Sports in Louisville, Kentucky, since June 1999. Estes has 12 years experience in event management and marketing, having directed several large road races in the Louisville area, including the 2003 and 2004 USA 10 Mile Championships.

As USATF's Men's LDR Chair beginning in December 2003, Estes oversaw U.S. men's distance running programs at the highest level, consulting with elite development programs, as well as grass roots association club programs, to further develop U.S. men's distance running. Estes will begin his new duties on January 10.