Betty Wong Ortiz appointed first female editor in chief of Runner’s World

Betty Wong Ortiz Appointed First Female Editor in Chief of Runner’s World (Rodale)

Dividing her time between Rodale’s New York and Pennsylvania offices, Wong Ortiz will provide direction for all brand editorial platforms, including print, web, and social channels.

The announcement, effective June 19, was made by group editorial director Bill Strickland, to whom she will report. The news was shared timed to Global Running Day, an annual celebration of the sport for all ages and abilities that will have over two million pledged runners from 164 countries out for a run.   

Wong Ortiz was most recently the director of editorial strategy and operations at Condé Nast’s Bon Appétit, where she managed content workflows and budgets across print, digital, and video, directed special projects, and optimized strategic partnerships.

She previously spent six years as the editor in chief of Fitness, where she developed a deep passion for and expertise in running, health, and nutrition. 

“Today the majority—57%—of road-race finishers are women, and running is as much a social experience as it is a sport,” said Strickland. “Betty’s experience will be invaluable as the Runner’s World team continues to create content that caters to evolving audiences and the growing diversity of runners who line up at races or who simply lace up and hit the road outside their doorstep.” 

“I’m so excited and honoured to lead such an iconic media brand as Runner’s World, a resource that has for years guided me through my personal running adventures, which include five marathons and nearly 20 half-marathons,” said Wong Ortiz.

“I’m thrilled to bring both my creative and business expertise to this role, helping the brand refine its cross-platform content strategy and more deeply engage and connect with consumers across print, digital, social media, and live events. The camaraderie and inclusivity that running brings to millions is worth celebrating, and I consider Runner’s World the home for that community.” 

Wong Ortiz is a graduate of Cornell University and recently earned an MBA from NYU Stern. She lives in Forest Hills, NY with her husband, daughter, and son. 

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