‘’
March 21 – 25, 2007 Hosted by the Alpine Striders & Illinois Runs
Road Runners Club of America
2006 Annual Reports
RRCA Convention Sponsors The RRCA, the Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich, and Illinois Runs are pleased to announce Sponsors for the 50th Annual RRCA National Convention. GATORADE http://www.gatorade.com - will host morning group runs from 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM on Friday and Saturday mornings ASHWORTH AWARDS http://www.ashworthawards.com - presents the RRCA Regional Meetings: Eastern, Central, Southern & Western on Friday March 23, 2007 from 11:00 AM to Noon (Central) SPORTSCIENCE http://www.sportscienceusa.com - presents the RRCA Club College® RUNNER’S WORLD http://www.runnersworld.com - will host the State Rep Luncheon in honor of the RRCA State Reps featuring JOHN “THE PENGUIN” BINGHAM on Friday, March 23, 2007 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 p.m. The RRCA Runner’s World Outstanding State Rep of the Year Jacket will be presented to Ron Macksoud, Alabama State Representative FLEET FEET SPORTS http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com - will host the Barbeque and Fashion Show on Friday, March 23, 2007, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 p.m. MARATHON & BEYOND http://www.marathonandbeyond.com - will host the luncheon on Saturday, March 24, 2007, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. featuring Jan Seeley and Rich Benyo ROAD RACE MANAGEMENT http://www.rrm.com - presents the RRCA Live Auction GEN-A MARKETING http://www.gen-a.com - presents the RRCA Annual Awards Banquet Cocktail Reception STAR – EGL INSURANCE, DILLER-SMITH OFFICE AND K AND K INSURANCE http://www.rrca.org/services/insurance - presents the RRCA Annual Banquet and National Grassroots Running Awards Ceremony DAG SYSTEMS http://www.dag-system.com – presents the Convention Educational Sessions Thank you to our Convention sponsors for their additional attendee gifts, expo displays and more. We also thank the following sponsors for their contributions to the 50th Annual RRCA National Convention http://www.puma.com http://www.gooseisland.com http://www.RunningTimes.com http://www.Merastar.com/signin/rrca http://www.HerSports.com http://www.Fuelbelt.com http://www.Active.com
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book
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Road Runners Club of America 50 Annual Convention, Chicago, Illinois th
2006 Annual Reports Book
Road Runners Club of America 8965 Guilford Road, Suite 150 Columbia, MD 21046 Phone: 410-290-3890 Fax: 410-290-3893 office@rrca.org
www.rrca.org
We run the Nation! Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book
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Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book
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Table of Contents RRCA 2006 National Convention Sponsors……………………….…..….…. 2 RRCA – Celebrating Our 50th Convention…………………………….….…… 6 RRCA Mission, Vision & Values……………………………………………..…… 8 Annual Business Meeting Agenda…………………………………….…..……..9 Board of Directors Annual Reports……………………………………………… 10 RRCA Working Committee Reports……………………………………………… 21 2006 RRCA National Awards Committee Reports………………………….. 25 RRCA State Representatives Annual Reports…………………………..…… 37 Thank You Convention Hosts – Alpine Striders & Illinois Runs………..59 Acknowledgements……………………………………………………….………….. 60 Advertising Sponsors…………………………………………………….…………… 61
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book
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Celebrating Our 50th Convention From its early beginnings, the RRCA has always been a strong advocate of organized running and has represented all runners, regardless of age or gender. Through strong leadership and direction, the RRCA has been responsible for growing the sport of long distance running from the few races held in the early 1950’s to the thousands of events we have today. The RRCA’s commitment to the sport of running has been demonstrated throughout the years. ! In 1957, former Olympian Browning Ross proposed that a national road running organization be formed that would represent long distance runners and help organize distance races. In 1958, the Road Runners Club of America was born. Browning Ross was its first president. ! One of the first actions taken by the organization was to institute the first RRCA national championship races; a one hour track run and a 12-mile track run, a 15-mile road race, a 5-mile junior championship road race and a two-man 10-mile relay. ! The early model for “FootNotes” – “RRC of U.S. Bulletin” - was developed in 1960. This was one of the first runner-related publications available in the country. ! During RRCA President Ted Corbitt’s term, a booklet on measuring road running courses was developed and finally published 4 years later.
! An RRCA standards committee was also created for the purpose of making sure that running courses were measured accurately. This committee also set up a program for awarding certificates to runners who achieved certain times at a series of distances. ! The RRCA instituted an early version of the Road Scholar grants in the early 1960’s to help send qualified runners to major races in other parts of the country. ! In 1962, the “RRC of U.S. Bulletin” was officially renamed FootNotes and expanded as a quarterly publication. Many of the articles contained in this publication provided valuable information on how to start a running club and how to measure road race courses. ! In 1963, the RRCA instituted committees that assisted its member chapters with fundraising, starting new running clubs, and developing coaching and making it available to its runners. A medical advisory committee was established, along with an officials committee for training race officials and a standards committee for course measurements and awarding certificates for certified racing performances. Continued on Page 7
A collection of RRCA luminaries dedicating a plaque at the Paramount Hotel in New York City, site of the first organizing meeting that led to the founding of the RRCA. From Left: ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book
Joe Kleinerman, RRCA Vice President, 1960-64 Ted Corbitt, RRCA President, 1960-61, internationally recognized ultramarthoner Hal Higdon, widely-recognized author of running books, master's recordholder Jeff Darman, RRCA President, 1976-79 Henley Gabeau, RRCA President, 198689, first Executive Director of the RRCA Jane Dolley, RRCA President, 1989-1991 Allan Steinfeld: RRCA Secretary, 198788, President & CEO of New York RRC Carl Sniffen, RRCA President, 1991-96
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Celebrating 50 Years of Memories From Page 6
! In 1964, the fun run came into existence through the RRCA chapters in the District of Columbia and Baltimore. Typically called “Run for Life” runs, these events promoted physical fitness and were open to men and women of all ages. By declaring them fitness programs instead of open competitions, an AAU rule that women had to be at least 14 years of age and could not run any AAU event longer than 11/2 miles was circumvented. Over a two year period, the RRCA was instrumental in getting AAU rules changed so that children under 17 and women could participate in AAU events longer than two miles. In 1962, the number of road races had increased to 600. ! These fun runs spurred a running boom and special women’s and masters races came into existence. From this sprang the establishment of masters and sub-masters national records on RRCA certified courses at 15 different distances, in age categories from 35 years to 60 years and older.
1960’s
! In the 1970’s, the RRCA secured tax exemption and 501(c) (3) status and made it available to member clubs that qualified and requested it. This allowed non-profit clubs to accept tax-free donations for their events. ! Also in the 1970’s, the RRCA created a network of state representatives to represent the organization at the state level. These liaisons would assist their local clubs in growing their memberships, in establishing championship events and promoting women and children’s programs. ! In 1979 the RRCA had 100 clubs signed up for the newly acquired RRCA liability insurance. This insurance was available to all member clubs and represented an economical insurance program to protect clubs and their officers against liability stemming from club related activities. Interestingly enough, the first major lawsuit in 1977 involved the Peachtree Road Race. A runner filed a $500,000 class action suit against sponsors for damages to himself and 50 others resulting from heat injuries during the race. The lawsuit was dismissed. These represent just a few of the highlights of “the formative years” of long distance running and the major role the RRCA has played. All of these events in the 1950’s through the 1970’s served to develop our sport as we know it today. Throughout its existence, the RRCA has maintained its “mission, vision and values”. From its inception on February 22, 1958, the RRCA has promoted long distance running as a competitive sport and as healthful exercise for everyone regardless of gender or age. Today, we are over 175,000 members strong and growing.
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book
1978
Today
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RRCA Mission, Vision & Values Mission The Road Runners Club of America is the national association of running clubs, running events, and runners dedicated to promoting long distance running as a competitive sport and as healthful exercise. RRCA's mission is to represent and promote the common interest of its member clubs, events, and individual runners through education, leadership, programs and other services.
Vision The Road Runners Club of America is the premier national organization dedicated to promoting the development and growth of running clubs, running events, and supporting the interests of recreational runners throughout the country including those that walk because they are unable to run. The RRCA strives to provide quality programming that can be replicated throughout the country by member clubs from small towns to large cities that promote and support running, runners, and supporters of the sport at all stages in life. The RRCA is dedicated to providing the running community with educational information and programs that will keep them safe, healthy, and informed. Furthermore, the RRCA strives to promote excellence in nonprofit management for the National Office as well as member clubs by providing services, benefits, and regular communication that supports this vision.
Values The RRCA values: !
Running, runners, and the promotion of running as a healthy lifestyle choice
!
The strength and support of its network of grassroots members and volunteers, and as such, we strive to maintain positive relations will all of our members
!
Diversity in its member clubs and encourages all clubs to maintain an enjoyable atmosphere for all members
!
The promotion of safety for all runners and the enforcement and development of laws and infrastructure that protects runners' safety
!
Running as a competitive sport and we support the Zero Tolerance Policy for the use of performance enhancing drugs in the sport.
!
The participation of people who support the sport of running but are unable to run due to various circumstances
!
The financial contributions and support of members, sponsors, volunteers, and donors to the organization
!
Good communication with its members and the running community as a whole
!
Prudent financial management that enables the organization to achieve its mission while ensuring adequate cash reserves
!
Strong relationships with national and local media that cover the sport of running and running as a healthy lifestyle choice
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book
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Road Runners Club of America Board of Directors & Staff Annual Reports President
Bee McLeod (VA)
Vice President
Tom Downing (AL)
Treasurer
Dennis Novak (WI)
Secretary
David Epstein
Executive Director
Jean Knaack (MD)
Membership
Jessica Sleight (MD)
Central Director
Beth Onines (IL)
Eastern Director
Brent Ayer (MD)
Southern Director
Ken Bendy (FL)
Western Director
Lisa Paige (CO)
At-Large Director
David Epstein (AK)
At-Large Director
John Farrow (NM)
At-Large Director
Bob Holmes (GA)
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2007 RRCA Annual Business Meeting Agenda (Subject to change)
50th Annual Road Runners Club of America National Convention Saturday, March 24, 2007 – Chicago, Illinois Call to Order - 2:30 p.m. - Bee McLeod, President Welcome from Convention Organizers – Beth Onines, Alpine Striders Roll Call – John Farrow Opening Remarks and President’s Welcome - Bee McLeod Approval of 2006 Convention Minutes – David Epstein, Secretary Treasurer’s Report - Dennis Novak, Treasurer Presentation of 2007 Budget - Jean Knaack Executive Directors Report - Jean Knaack Nominating Committee Report and Election of Officers - Michael Hughes, Chair Old Business New Business Report from the RRCA Board of Directors: President - Bee McLeod Vice President - Tom Downing Secretary/Treasurer -Dennis Novak Eastern Director - Brent Ayer Central Director - Beth Onines Southern Director - Ken Bendy Western Director - Lisa Paige At-Large Director - Bob Holmes At-Large Director - John Farrow At-Large Director - David Epstein, Secretary Report of Committees: Coaching - Patti Finke National Championships - Don Kardong Road Scholar Program - Carl Sniffen State Representative - Marlene Atwood Nominating Committee Report – Michael Hughes, Committee Chair Election of Directors – Dan Edwards, Parliamentarian Announcements Adjournment
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book
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Road Runners Club of America Executive Reports President
Bee McLeod, Norfolk, VA president@rrca.org Welcome to Chicago and to what I am confident will be a terrific convention. We’ve come a long way since our first RRCA meeting at New York City’s Paramount Hotel, February 22, 1958. And this past year was no exception in our progress. Expect even more positive strides during 2007 and beyond as we work together to cement our place as the nation’s #1 running organization. I would like to highlight some of our important accomplishments since our 2006 membership meeting. Convention: Last year, we enjoyed a very upbeat and fun meeting hosted by the Houston Striders and their team of “conventioneers.” So many positive comments were heard throughout the event and in the weeks and months that followed. I have every expectation that this year’s gathering here in Chicago will be even more celebratory thanks in great part to the support of our hosts, Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich and Illinois Runs. As evidence of our new-found vitality, it’s important to note that we have a record number of clubs expressing an interest in hosting our future conventions. Financial Health: The RRCA board and staff continue to work diligently to manage our finances in a fiduciary, responsible and transparent manner. When many of the current board members took office in 2003, we were facing a crisis. Assets were at negative ($39,952). After three years, we are running a surplus budget with net assets of over $475,000. On an additional positive note, this past year, we adopted an investment policy which: (1) establishes guidelines for managing our operating reserves and (2) builds our reserves through interest gains. Establishing and maintaining an operating reserve and having a policy for guiding our investments are added insurance for our continued financial health.
redesign of our web site. Special thanks are due to Warren Finke for all his hard work on this effort. Membership: Our membership in all categories continues to rise. Specifically, club membership has grown from 600 in the year 2000 to 774 clubs presently. In addition to solid growth in membership, improvements in our membership renewal process makes this annual task more “user friendly.” State Reps: Thanks to a most generous donation to our State Rep program, we have been able to make this program more robust than ever. With convention registration and rooming expenses for the next few years no longer a burden on our State Reps, we hope to see convention attendance by this important team increase. The new State Rep shirts and state championship banners we provided are both items that help our State Reps promote the RRCA. Partnerships: Several new partners were brought on board last year including: HerSports + Fitness magazine, Sport Science, Active.com, SkirtSports, Ashworth Awards, Road Race Management and Running Times. Their confidence in the RRCA is greatly appreciated and with their support, more services and programs will be introduced. Roads Scholar: Our Roads Scholar program continues to flourish. This past year, we generated over $38,000 in contributions, allowing us to fund six post collegiate runners identified as potential future national and world class athletes. The RRCA had many, many other accomplishments this past year that you’ll hear of during this convention. More importantly, you’ll hear the details of what’s ahead in 2007 and beyond. I want to close by thanking each of you for your individual support of the RRCA, the board of directors and our office team. Without it, none of this would be possible. Together, we have and will continue to have a great organization dedicated to promoting grassroots running across our nation.
Communications: Our quarterly Footnotes publication is back. Now being published electronically, it delivers valuable information to our full membership and the general public without the financial drain previously experienced. Inside Track, also published quarterly in print and electronically, provides leaders with great ideas and tools for effectively managing their club or event. Also in support of our goal for improved communications is Constant Contact, a web tool that electronically delivers various communications from the RRCA including our monthly Keeping Pace newsletter. And, a major undertaking this past year was the complete Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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Tom Downing, Anniston, AL
! BOARD TRANSPARENCY: I am for more transparency to membership on board meetings. There should be no secrecy to board proceedings unless in executive session. I support accurate Board minutes and timely posting to the RRCA web site for members review.
Welcome everyone to the RRCA 50th Meeting and Convention. I would like to thank the Alpine Runners, Illinois Runs, Beth Onines, and the volunteers for all of their enthusiasm and hard work in hosting this year’s convention here in Chicago.
! COMMITTEES: I will work to bring back our Legal, Membership, and Sponsorship Committees made up of good qualified runners who will continue the sprit of volunteerism that has served us so well in the past.
Vice President vicepres@rrca.org
As RRCA members you are very important to grass roots distance running and the work and enthusiasm you have for your local running clubs is what makes us unique in sports. Thank you for your attendance and support of our convention and all that you do for running.
! FOOTNOTES: If published today in a hard copy format and mailed to the membership, Footnotes our official publication, would be the second largest running publication in the nation. It has enormous potential for our organization and needs immediate study on affordable ways to bring your national publication back to your mail box.
The RRCA is growing every year and we have made much progress the last few years with more progress yet to be made. We are, in my view, at a fundamental crossroads in our organization. We have one consensus who wants to govern with a strong Executive Director and President much like a corporation where major policy decisions are made by a few with a Board to be to be focused on long term vision and policy.
We runners come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and beliefs but we all have the common bond of love for grassroots running and are all very proud and protective of our sport. Let’s all make this a fun convention and please do not hesitate to let me hear your views on the RRCA and running in general.
We have another consensus who wants to govern from a membership driven organizational basis (our history) where the board has final oversight on major policy decisions with the Executive Director and National Office serving as support to the clubs and Board. I support this form of governance and believe leadership is best when spread around within an organization. The election this year will be very important in deciding which fundamental direction we take as an organization. I encourage each of you to talk with all the candidates running for Board membership to learn their views and to share your views and visions for the RRCA. I would like to thank past legal committee chair and past board member David H. Williams for his role in helping to facilitate a generous donation from Al Becken who has such a passion for the RRCA that he made a very significant donation to our organization. That money is to be used to help energize our state rep program. I would also like to thank all of our other previous RRCA donors for their contributions as well in helping to strengthen our organization and sport. Next year will be my last year as serving as your Vice President and I would like to thank you all for giving me the opportunity to serve. Some of the goals I hope to work toward in 07 are as follows: ! BOARD OVERSIGHT: This is critical to any non profit volunteer organization and it goes hand and hand with checks and balances. I will be proposing that the RRCA Board have final approval on any committee appointments, removals or dissolution of committees.
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Treasurer
Dennis Novak, New Berlin, WI treasurer@rrca.org In 2005, we closed the fiscal year with significant net assets. At the March 7, 2006 meeting of the Board of Directors, the Board, at the recommendation of the executive director, passed a resolution creating a board restricted operating reserve fund in the amount of $100,000. The purpose of this fund is to serve as an operating reserve fund that could only be accessed through a Board resolution during period(s) of organizational financial crisis. This allows the board greater oversight on the use of unrestricted assets in the event that expenses exceed income in a given year. In addition, the Board restricted $7500 to the State Reps Fund and $5000 to a president’s reserve fund. In January 2006, the Board unanimously approved the 2006 operating budget which clearly outlined several important organizational goals such as investment in the quarterly print publication, Inside Track, the launch of online FOOTNOTES, and the re-design of the RRCA website. Every month, the Board reviews financial statements with the executive director. This allows the Board an opportunity to check progress on organizational goals and expenses against the budget. At the April 19, 2006 meeting of the Board of Directors, an investment policy developed, through the leadership of President Bee McLeod and Executive Director Jean Knaack, was presented to the Board. At that time, an investment strategy developed by Nearman Financial Services was presented by Steve Nearman, RRCA investment advisory. Page - 12
Both the investment policy and investment strategy were approved by the RRCA Board. At the time of submitting this report, the 2006 audit is nearly complete. We would like to thank Irv Newman with the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile for serving as the Audit Committee Chair. The year end financial statements for the organization look very good and have been reviewed by the Board. For the forth year in a row, we have a strong cash position and significant positive net assets. The strong financial performance in 2006 is due to several factors. First, the RRCA received generous sponsorship support totaling $50,000 from Sanofi aventis (formerly Dermik Laboratories) and Gatorade. The second factor is an increase in membership compared to 2005. The third is the outstanding performance of the investment strategy implemented mid-year which earned the RRCA $41,653 in investment gains and income. The following outlines the financial performance of the RRCA over the last six years and shows the improving financial position of the organization. YEAR
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
NET WORTH
2001
$261,306
$351,836
$ (90,530)
2002
$238,013
$420,948
$ (182,935)
2003
$376,330
$416,282
$ (39,952)
2004
$482,106
$420,752
$ 61,354
2005
$789,605
$511,854
$ 277,751
2006
$956,789
$478,994
$477,795*
YEAR
REVENUE
EXPENSES
NET PROFIT
2001
$1,460,378
$1,558,230
$ (84,840)
2002
$1,062,979
$1,156,225
$ (97,852)
2003
$746,559
$603,577
$ (93,246)
2004
$711,888
$627,538
$ 84,350
2005 2006
$1,004,460 $1,155,741
$788,063 $955,697
$ 216,397 $200,044*
* Of the $477,795 in net worth as of 2006, $175,700 is temporarily restricted for future use and $112,000 is board restricted reserves. Of the $200,044 in net profit at the end of 2006, $104,297 is restricted for future use. On January 20, 2007, the Board met in person to review the 2007 RRCA Operating Budget along with organizational goals developed by the Executive Director. After prudent discussion, the Board unanimously approved the following budget for 2007. The budget is based, in large part, on the actual financial performance of 2006. The increase in budgeted spending for 2007 compared to 2006 shows the organization’s investment in programs. In addition, we plan to add an additional support staff to the National Office. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Revenue Membership Dues Insurance Program Sponsorship General Contributions Roads Scholar Contributions Other Sources TOTAL REVENUE
2007 Budget 294,407.00 558,805.00 30,000.00 25,000.00 35,000.00 139,625.20 1,082,837.20
Expenses Annual Convention Board & Committees State Rep Fund Region Rep Fund Insurance Program Program Services Coaching Roads Scholar Grants RRCA Communications Other Program Expenses SUBTOTAL PROGRAM National Office Expenses Office Management Credit Card Processing Fees Office Rent Payroll Expenses Audit, Legal & Taxes SUBTOTAL NATIONAL OFFICE TOTAL EXPENSES
2006 Budget 282,000 523,500 50,000 12,000 25,000 33,800 926,300
45,159.00 35,850.00 12,500.00 4,000.00 541,505.00 59,500.00 4,000.00 31,500.00 16,750.00 21,786.00 772,550.00
19,000 25,800 5,000 4,000 503,500 26,230 4,000 25,000 33,700 5,520 651,750
42,750.00 7,000.00 35,650.00 179,912.00 18,500.00 283,812.00
35,200 3,000 29,036 155,020 22,000 244,256
1,056,362.00
896,006
26,475
30,294
Net Profit/(Loss)
A copy of the 2006 audited financial statements and public copy of the IRS 990 tax return may be obtained by contacting the National Office. A small fee for shipping the items may apply.
Secretary David B. Epstein, Juneau, AK Atlrgdir3@rrca.org In addition to serving the RRCA as Director-at-Large, I have also been honored to serve as Secretary for the past two terms. When the AARC and RRCA reunited a few years back, the RRCA bylaws were amended. One of the changes was a reduction in the number of At-Large Directors from four to two and the division of the SecretaryTreasurer position into two positions, with the Treasurer being an elected position and the Secretary being a position appointed to one of the elected At-Large positions. My primary objectives as the RRCA Secretary are to maintain a high level of accuracy in our minutes (which reflect the business items the Board of Directors addresses) and to ensure timely availability of our minutes, once approved by the board, to our constituents. The purpose of this report is to explain the approach I have employed as Secretary. Article XII of our bylaws prescribe Robert’s Rules of Order as the guide for conducting Board business. As far as recording minutes is concerned, the spirit of Robert’s Rules is that “more is less”, i.e., the object is to record what is "done" by the Board, and not what is said by the members. Votes are to be recorded as “approved” or “not approved”. Page - 13
Furthermore, in its Sept. 20, 2006, meeting, the Board unanimously passed a motion supporting the documenting of minutes in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. An example of concerns over the minutes that sometimes arise is the belief that there was an omission of information regarding how Board members voted on the legal committee issue in our January Board meeting. The January minutes reflect no attempt on my part to conceal information from the membership, but, rather, an affirmative attempt to conform to Robert’s Rules of Order. If a roll call vote had been ordered, the specifics of the voting would be included in the minutes. A roll call was not ordered; therefore, the specifics of the vote are not recorded. The Board has talked about making the minutes more explicit and detailed regarding discussions that take place during our meetings. Again, I defer to the guidance we are bound to follow by our bylaws: I do not document conversations or discussions but rather, document the actual business or motions that are the focus of our deliberations. To include details of conversations or discussions would require a revision to the bylaws. Our bylaws are a dynamic document and can be amended by the membership. Those who see the value in such a change should pursue it. The Board normally meets in person three or four times a year; and via teleconference during the intervening months. Our process has been to approve the minutes of the previous session at the following Board meeting. In the rare instance when we skip a month, the Board takes action on the minutes via email, as our bylaws allow us to do. The final version is converted to a .pdf format by the National Office and posted on the RRCA web site by our executive director. During my tenure there has never been more than a two-month period of time between a board meeting and the public posting of the minutes from that meeting. I thank everyone involved for their efforts to provide this quality service to the membership.
Executive Director
Jean Knaack, Columbia, MD execdir@rrca.org
At the conclusion of my first full calendar year at the RRCA as your executive director, I look back with satisfaction. In 2005, I developed performance metrics that were shared with the Board to clearly define focus areas and objectives within the metrics. I regularly report to the board on progress in the following metrics: Communications, Programs & Services, Membership & Membership Outreach, Fundraising & Sponsorship Development, Administration and Financial Management. We started the year with the updated publication Inside Track, our print publication mailed to member clubs, events, corporate supporters, and more. This was followed by the launch of FOOTNOTES as an online magazine for Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
the members by the members, which we posted quarterly throughout the year. Both publications have continued to grow. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed content and images to make these publications successful. In October the pinnacle of our improved communication strategy was the launch of the re-designed RRCA website. I extend a very special thank you to Warren Finke for his service and dedication over the years to the RRCA website. In March, we celebrated the success of the 49th Annual RRCA Convention in Houston, TX hosted by the Houston Striders. Working with Steve Shepard and his team was a great experience. At the Houston Convention, we proudly announced the location of the 50th Annual RRCA National Convention in Chicago, IL. Beth Onines, Convention Chair, quickly sprung to action to plan another memorable RRCA Convention. There has been significant interest in hosting the 50th Anniversary of the RRCA Convention in 2008, and we hope to grow the competitive bidding process for the Convention in the years to come. In 2006, we re-designed the Personal Fitness Program and gave the program a technology edge where participants can log their miles online for FREE. Participants can also sign-up through Active.com to receive their reward for program participation. We designed new patches for the program and incorporated the opportunity to receive as shirt or fleece vest in honor of the participants’ accomplishments. In September we launched the grassroots movement to get working America moving as part of their regular work day. By changing “to” to “at”, the 1st Annual RRCA Run@Work Day was born. Individuals and running clubs around the country hosted Run@Work Day events on September 22, 2006. I encourage everyone to host a Run@Work Day event at their work place on September 21, 2007. Throughout the year I have had the great pleasure to work closely with Carl Sniffen and his committee for Roads Scholars, Irv Newman and the Audit Committee, Don Kardong on the Championship Events, Patti Finke on the Coaching Program, and Marlene Atwood as she chairs the State Reps Working Group. The State Reps Working Group has provided outstanding leadership and ideas for the State Reps Program, and they have continued to improve the structure, management, and objectives for the State Reps Program. Please take time to review the reports of the committees and State Reps. You will see everyone involved is an outstanding representative of the RRCA mission. Gatorade continues to be a major sponsor to the RRCA and the RRCA Championship Program. We are extremely grateful for their investment in the RRCA and look forward to our continued relationship with them. Throughout the year, we engaged new partners and sponsors and continued relations with our existing supporters to the RRCA including: Active.com, Ashworth Awards, FuelBelt, Her Sports + Fitness, Marathon & Beyond, Runner’s World, Running Times, Road Race Management, SkirtSport, and Sport Science. We thank our sponsors and partners for their generous support in 2006 and we look forward to working with them in 2007. We will continue to engage new sponsors and partners in 2007 to benefit our members. Page - 14
The RRCA concluded 2006 in excellent financial health as you will read from Treasurer Dennis Novak’s report. The Board has shown dedication to prudent financial management and smart growth. Through our financial success, we have been able to invest in programs and preserve our cash assets to ensure long-term financial stability. The Board receives monthly financial statements comparing actual expenses to the budget. This was a priority expressed to me when hired that has been successfully met month after month. As you will read from Jessica Sleights’ report, membership has grown substantially over the last year and she continues to work with new running clubs and events on an almost daily basis. I cannot say enough about the positive impact that Jessica’s work has had on the RRCA. As we begin 2007, we have a Board approved budget and corresponding written objectives that ensures the continued practice of building net assets while investing in programs. A major initiative that we will launch in 2007 is the revision and circulation of the RRCA children’s running materials and the establishment of a grant fund to help RRCA members establish and maintain youth running programs in their communities. Through a generous contribution from Sharlee and David Cotter in memory of Nancy and Hank Taylor, we have been able to establish the Kids Run the Nation Fund, and we are actively seeking contributions that will be matched dollar for dollar by the Cotters up to $5000. The running curriculum and the children’s running booklets coupled with the grant fund will be collectively called RRCA Kids Run the Nation®. To help clubs and events raise funds and connect with their members, the RRCA will embark on a joint fundraising project to produce and sell a high quality running calendar for the running community. A photo contest will launch the production schedule of the calendar and the final product will be a full color, twelve month calendar that the RRCA will sell to member clubs at cost. Member Clubs will in turn sell the calendar to their individual members and retain the net profit which could range from $5 to $5000 or more depending on sales volume. Proceeds from the RRCA calendar sales will benefit Kids Run the Nation®. In 2008, the RRCA will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the organization. In conclusion, I look forward to building on our successes from 2006 that will lead to another 50 years of the RRCA Running the Nation. Sincerely,
Membership Jessica Sleight, Columbia, MD membership@rrca.org I have the great honor of working with the RRCA Members; club members, event members, individual members, corporate members, and affiliate members. RRCA Membership is at an all-time high! We finished 2006 with 774 club and event members: 640 clubs and 134 event members. This is over 100 new members in the past year. It is amazing to see year to year how our members are evolving and growing. It is such an exciting time for running. I enjoy the ability to talk with and work with each of you, whether you have questions regarding insurance, tax exemption, club development, race development or other information pertinent to helping you run your club/event as smoothly as possible. I’m always available to help. With the assistance of Jim DiScuillo from Race Packet, we were able to implement a new membership database in 2006. This will enable us to better organize, update, and track data about our members. To Jim, we extend a big thank you for your contribution to the RRCA. This year the RRCA upgraded and redeveloped our website. We listened to your feedback and have provided you with all the necessary forms online, from renewal and membership paper work to additional insured forms, in a format that allows you to complete them on your computer as opposed to downloading, printing, and handwriting. . I look forward to 2007!
Central Director
Beth Onines, Lake Zurich, IL centdir@rrca.org Greetings again from the Windy City of Chicago! I have now served for 3 years as your Central Regional Director and it has been an honor and a privilege. This year, my goal was to bring the RRCA National Convention to Chicago to showcase the central region running community. If you are reading this now, then you know I have accomplished my goal and you have been able to witness how great the running community is here in the Chicago area. This past year, I have again been very fortunate to travel outside of Chicago to run in some fabulous Central Region races. I started the year off running in one of my favorite races on the first Saturday of January held at 2:30 PM called the S-No-W Fun Run 5 mile race. This is a great party race and if you know me, you know that I love a great party. Another great party
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race I love to run each year is the BIX-7 in Davenport, Iowa. These two races have been on my schedule to run each year for about 20 years now. They are short enough for anyone in the family to finish without too much of a struggle and short enough to really enjoy the party after the race. My running club, the Alpine Runners and I took a bus trip to run in the Rite-Aid Half Marathon and Marathon in Cleveland, Ohio. I was also able to go to South Bend, Indiana and run in their Sunburst Marathon then get up the next day to run the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This year, the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon was the RRCA Central Region Half Marathon Championship. I also enjoyed running in Danville, IL in the Howl at the Moon. It’s an 8-hour fun to run race supported by the Kennekuk Running Club. This fall I traveled back to Ohio and ran in the Air force Marathon. That was a tough start and finish with a few big hills to tackle. I finished off my running back in Chicago to run in the Chicago Lakefront 50/50 in their 50K race. I hope with my position as Regional Director to help bring more visibility to the RRCA and to the rest of the running community in the central region and all over the country. I was able to do this both by traveling to the above races and by manning a booth at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon. This RRCA visibility will help the quality of running for all RRCA clubs. Thank you for taking part in the 50th RRCA National Convention! Welcome to Chicago!
Eastern Director Brent Ayer, Frederick, MD eastdir@rrca.org The Eastern Region of the RRCA consists of thirteen states and the District of Columbia, located primarily in the north-east and middle Atlantic portions of the country. These fourteen jurisdictions represent the largest number within the RRCA. With the addition of Richard Frank of the Marble Valley Runners as the new Vermont State Representative, the Eastern Region now has a full complement of State Representatives for the first time in recent history. Some very creative undertakings have been launched within the region. In Maryland, Phil Lang has continued the tradition of promoting a Grand Prix series conducted by Maryland RRCA clubs, and he has used the series to generate funds for a state-based Women’s Distance Festival. The region has faired well at the national level in terms of participation in RRCA programs. Half of the six races designated as National Championship Races in 2007 are located within the Eastern Region: Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run (April 1), Debbie Green 5K Run/Walk (August 4), and the Parkersburg News Sentinel Half Marathon (August 18). The Sportshoe Center Maine Marathon and the Chambersburg Half-Marathon were regional championship Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
events last year. At this writing, the regional championships for 2007 are being decided and we anticipate having a full complement of races. As we approach our 50th year of promoting grass-roots running, the Road Runners Club of America finds itself in its best financial and operational shape in many years. That said, there are many challenges ahead. Clubs will be repeatedly called on to demonstrate their relevance in a running scene increasingly dominated by large, commercial races often operated outside our member organizations. Closer to home, now that we have a complete team of state representatives assembled, it will be our mission in 2007 to communicate more fully with the clubs about the new RRCA efforts, such as increased support for State and Regional championship races and the Women’s Distance Festival, and an enhanced Coaches Education effort. We will need to lend our energies and experience to offering increased, relevant services to our member clubs and races. We welcome your suggestions as we continue on this journey.
Southern Director Ken Bendy, Orange Park, FL southdir@rrca.org 2006 was again a banner year for the Southern Region! Our Southern Region State Reps continued to excel as the region hosted a large number of State Championships and we held Southern Region Championships in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee. Our clubs captured eight of the RRCA National Awards, membership reached a record two hundred thirty clubs and twelve of our thirteen State Reps attended the RRCA Convention hosted by the Houston Striders. Several of our clubs held successful RRCA Run@Work Day events and numerous clubs held events to raise funds to help our Gulf Coast clubs that lost their equipment during the devastating hurricanes of 2005. We held a successful Southern Region Meeting in conjunction with the Peachtree City Classic 15K Southern Region Championship in October. I also had the privilege of representing the RRCA President at the Chili Pepper Festival RRCA 10K National Cross-Country Championship in Fayetteville, AR. We are extremely proud of the eight award nominees from the RRCA Southern Region who went on to win 2006 National Awards. Congratulations to all of you! ! Outstanding State Rep - Ron Macksoud - (Alabama) ! Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA Award - Harold Tinsley (Alabama) ! Nina Kuscsik Women’s Development Award - Georgia Hagen (North Carolina) ! Male Road Runner of the Year - Jon Williams - Gold Coast Runners - (S. Florida) ! Male Masters Road Runner of the Year - Sean Wade Kenyan Way - (S. Texas) ! Female Road Runner of the Year - Mindi Rice - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Texas) ! Best Small/Medium Club Newsletter - Houston Striders (S. Texas) - “Stridelines” Miriam Terc/Steve Shepard Co- Editors Page - 16
! RRCA Road Race of the year - Vulcan Run 10K - Trish Portuese, Race Director -Birmingham Track Club (Alabama) We also wish to recognize those clubs and individuals who submitted nominations for the 2006 awards that are judged at the regional level: RRCA Road Runner of the Year Male Road Runner of the Year ! Jon Williams – Gold Coast Runners (FL) ! Rick Hanson - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Texas) Masters Male Road Runner of the Year ! Ken Hall - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Texas) Masters Female Runner of the Year ! Bridgit Smith - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Texas) RRCA Jerry Little Memorial Journalism Awards E-newsletter ! Pensacola Runners Association - “Rundown” ! Birmingham Track Club - “Vulcan Runner” ! South Fulton Running Partners- Unnamed Large Club Newsletter ! North Carolina Roadrunners Club – “The Running Account” Small/Medium Club Newsletter ! Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers - “Footprints” ! Amelia Island Runners - “Runners Hi” ! Montgomery Runner & Track Club - “Second Wind” ! Chattahoochee Road Runners Club - “The Road Runner” ! Wilmington Road Runners Club – “The Costal Runner” ! Bradenton Runners Club - “News Makers” Club Writer of the Year ! Ron Macksoud - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL ! Jade Currid - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL ! Nancy Beale - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL ! West Marcus - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL ! Joey Anderson - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL ! Bill Pennington - Amelia Island Runners (N. Florida) ! Andy Matthews - Tampa Bay Runners (N. Florida) ! Jerry Landis - Bradenton Runners Club (S. Florida) ! Marty Metzgar - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Texas) ! Thomas Okazaki - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Texas) ! Greg Boncimimo - Houston Striders (S. Texas) ! Jen Kim - Houston Striders (S. Texas) ! Aimee Solway - Houston Striders (S. Texas) ! Nancy Kral - Houston Striders (S. Texas) The numerous other members of our Southern Region clubs who were nominated for RRCA awards categories that are not judged at the regional level will be recognized at our 2007 RRCA Convention Southern Region meeting. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kim Ottaviani (FL), Jerry Smith (TX), Gary Ledman (FL), Steve Rudnicki (SC), Libby Jones (TX), Beverly Coville (GA) and David Williams (AR) who graciously volunteered their time and expertise as judges for the various Southern Region award categories. I was particularly pleased that our clubs submitted the names of forty-one hard working volunteers who earned the RRCA National Volunteer Certificate Award by dedicating a minimum of 2000 hours of volunteer service to their clubs and our sport. The thousands and thousands of hours these volunteers so willingly gave are what makes our grassroots effort in the south so strong! We are looking forward to a successful and prosperous year in 2007!
Western Director Lisa Paige, Littleton, CO westdir@rrca.org The West was host once again to the RRCA National Marathon Championship in beautiful Napa Valley, California. Central California State Rep, James O’Donnell, added one state championship to his area for a total of four. John Devitt, 2004 Outstanding State Rep and Montana State Rep, also held four state championships. Norm Haines, Southern California State Rep, held one state championship in his area. The Nevada/North California State Rep and 2003 Outstanding State Rep, David Cotter, now claims the RRCA National Ultra Running Championship, in addition to one regional and one state championship. Cece Niemczyk, the State Rep from New Mexico, hosted a state championship in Santa Fe. Joan Davis, Hawaii State Rep and 2005 Outstanding State Rep, enjoyed two state championships this year. Colorado had one state and one regional championship. Lisa Paige, Colorado State Rep since 1996 and 2002 Outstanding State Rep, turned over the reins in Colorado to Chris Vanoni in December. Chris is a 15-year member of the Rocky Mountain Road Runners. The 2005 Rod Steele Award Winner, Ric Robinette, is also a member of the Rocky Mountain Road Runners. Amy Daley, State Rep of Wyoming, has a new baby…she became the race director for the premiere 5K in Wyoming, The Casper Chase. Amy enjoyed presenting the first Wyoming State RRCA Volunteer of the Year Award with her assistant, the Governor of Wyoming. She also paced Dean Karzanes as he traveled through pronghorn territory. Amy also claims to have sent more Wyoming runners to the Montana Marathon than Ryan Grubb, president of the Yellowstone Rim Runners, sent to the Casper Marathon. Marjorie Palmrose-Mace, the relatively new Oregon State Rep, submitted several entries for our annual awards program. Margie keeps extra-busy by volunteering for her club, the Oregon Road Runners, as treasurer. Congrats to her on a BQ this year! Another relatively new State Rep, Steve Felde of Tucson, Arizona, keeps busy with his club, the Southern Arizona Road Runners, as it transitions Page - 17
leadership this year. Pam Reed, overall winner of Badwater and other ultras, is a member of Steve’s club. Steve Bainbridge, the State Rep in Alaska, encourages us to join him in the Klondike Relay (110 miles, Skagway to Whitehorse) and the Equinox Marathon in Fairbanks. He practically guarantees a good time! Another achievement of the West is that we successfully piloted the e-newsletter competition. As a result of our effort, there is a new national award. The West submitted four entries for 2006 to this award category. The West is stable with club growth. Southern California had the largest increase of clubs by adding four members clubs and one event member.
At Large Director #1 Bob Holmes Atlrgdir1@rrca.org HALF WAY HOME AND A LONG WAY TO GO. This was the title of a commission report on the South headed by former Mississippi Governor William Winter. It is an apt description of the condition of the RRCA in 2006-2007. There has been much progress made due to the hard work of the Board and the Executive Director, such as publishing FOOTNOTES and INSIDE TRACK, membership growth to almost 800 clubs, record revenues, establishment of several new partnerships/sponsors, and some large personal donations to various programs. The Executive Director and her staff have done a good job. While progress has been made, there is still room for further improvement in several areas in order to make the RRCA a model organization and enhance its position as the premier organization for grass roots runners in the United States. Several issues/challenges were identified by the Board and Executive Director in the July 2006 board training session, and in subsequent board meetings, that need to be addressed. In my opinion, the following are some of the most important ones. GOVERNANCE; The By Laws give the Board "full control and management of the affairs of the RRCA", "authority to appoint an Executive Director to fulfill the duties delegated or assigned by the Board", and list the powers of the President. However, there is a need to further delineate and clarify their respective powers, roles and responsibilities concerning several policy and procedural areas as well as decision-making processes. I would recommend that all club officers read the posted monthly minutes of the Board meetings as well as "the Notes" written by the Board Secretary to familiarize themselves with Board operations so they can have a better understanding of and insight into Board governance matters.
and evaluation instrument needs to be developed as soon as possible. TRANSPARENCY: Board members can be most effective in exercising their fiduciary responsibilities when they receive all relevant documents early enough prior to a meeting at which issues are to be considered and voted on by the Board. Board members should be satisfied that they have a complete and accurate understanding of issues. The board needs to provide clear guidance, including timelines, to the Executive Director to ensure that pertinent data/documents are provided to Board members for review prior to the Board voting on such matters. And to ensure maximum accountability of Board members, I believe that with the exception of procedural matters and issues concerning which there is no disagreement that roll call votes should be taken and included in the minutes as well as statements of informed dissent by Board members who wish to explain their position on a decision made by the Board. My goals for 2007-2008 are for the Board to: APPOINT A BY LAWS REVISION COMMITTEE: There is a need to review the By Laws and revise the document so that the authority, powers, responsibilities and limitations of the Board, President and Executive Director are more clearly defined and explicitly stated. The Committee should also make recommendations designed to further improve the governance of the RRCA. APPOINT A COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP A PERFORMANCE PLAN AND EVALUATION DOCUMENT: This assessment Instrument needs be developed as soon as possible so that the Executive Director can state clearly her performance objectives for the next year, the Board can indicate its expectations, clear performance metrics can be developed and agreed upon, and competencies in a variety of areas, such as teamwork, problem solving, human relations, accountability, communications, leadership, fiscal responsibility, efficiency and others that may be included, can be objectively assessed and used in determining pay raise, performance bonus, etc. Such an instrument is an essential tool that should be used to reward the Executive Director for exceptional performance ratings and to assist her to improve in other performance areas. SCHEDULE A BOARD TRAINING SESSION: I believe the session held in July 2006 with the assistance of a facilitator was very helpful in assisting the Board to identify SWOTs (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), and to begin thinking about how they might be addressed. A second board training session will greatly assist the Board to begin planning and prioritizing an agenda to chart a long range future course for the RRCA. I hope that all of the RRCA delegates enjoy the conference and have a wonderful experience during their stay in Chicago
BOARD SUPERVISION OF STAFF: There is a need to have periodic executive sessions, perhaps quarterly during in-person meetings, of the Board to discuss any identified issues or concerns by Board members so that feedback can be provided to the Executive Director prior to the annual performance evaluation. A staff performance plan Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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At Large Director #2 John Farrow, Albuquerque, NM Atlrgdir2@rrca.org This Annual Convention, my 11th, marks the end of my second term as an at-large director of the RRCA, and consequently, the end of my term on the Board. This has been a memorable association and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been of service. In 2002, the RRCA faced a crisis of confidence. Many of its member clubs had left to join a new and competing organization called the Association of American Running Clubs; finances were in a shambles; Footnotes was running a substantial deficit; many had lost confidence in the executive director and no club wanted to host the Annual Convention. It was amid this atmosphere that I came to the Board with four other very dedicated, hardworking individuals. Together, and with the rest of the Board over the past four years, we have not only pulled away from the brink, but have taken huge strides to return to the forefront of the grass-roots running community. Today the RRCA has the largest membership in its history, a membership that continues to grow; it is financially sound; Footnotes has returned as a beautiful online publication; the national office is headed by a dynamic and energetic executive director in the person of Jean Knaack and clubs are bidding to host the Annual Convention in record numbers. In short, I was humbled and honored to have been given an opportunity to help turn things around, and with the help of so many of you who have always believed in the RRCA, I am proud to have been a part of the effort that has put us where we are today.
Gastineau Channel from Juneau, Alaska. If you’re ever in the neighborhood, give a shout (but give me a few days to get up there!). Change was evident in the RRCA, too, as Executive Director Jean Knaack put in her first full year at the helm. I am impressed with what she has accomplished so far, bringing in new sponsorship dollars, breathing life into several dormant programs (including a new look for “Footnotes”), and spreading the good name of RRCA far and wide in the running community. Membership is up and our future looks bright. My congratulations to Jean, Jessica, and Dorothy for their many fine accomplishments! At last year’s National Convention, Mr. Al Becken made a very generous gift to help fund the State Representative program. For years, we have tried to find ways to provide the resources necessary to enable our State reps to be successful, and, just as importantly, attend the convention. Were it not for Mr. Becken’s benevolence, we would still be having quite a struggle with this. We all owe him a big “THANK YOU” for the support he has given to the RRCA. These past four years as an At-Large Director on the Board have been both a challenge and a reward. I have truly enjoyed my association with fellow Directors and Officers, and wish the RRCA the very best in days ahead. It has been an honor to serve in 2006.
I remain a long-time member of the Albuquerque Road Runners Club and continue to write a monthly column for its newsletter, ARR News. I also continue to be involved in the Albuquerque running community by serving on the Board of Directors of the Duke City Marathon, where I am the race director for the half-marathon. Even though this is my last Annual Convention as a member of the Board of Directors, it will certainly not be the end of my association with the RRCA as I know that next year I will be back for my 12th Annual Convention, wherever it may be held.
At Large Director #3 David Epstein, Juneau, Alaska Atlrgdir3@rrca.org Greetings from the Evergreen State! After 26 years in Alaska, my employer decided to shake things up and, last June, consolidated our west coast administrative support functions in Renton, Washington. Three more years of this and I will return to the Last Frontier, where wife Sara and I got a head start on retirement by purchasing a great home on the north end of Douglas Island, on the opposite side of Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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Road Runners Club of America Working Committees Annual Reports
Coaching - Patti Finke National Championships - Don Kardong Nominating Committee – Michael Hughes Road Scholar Program - Carl Sniffen State Rep Working Group - Marlene Atwood Website - Warren Finke
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RRCA Coaching Director Patti Finke, Portland, OR coaching@rrca.org Five RRCA Coaching Certification courses were held in a variety of cities throughout the country in 2006: ! Houston, TX ! Joliet, IL ! Gaithersburg, MD ! Clarksville, TN ! Portland, OR Certifying coaches from those classes is still in progress. 70 new coaches were added in 2007. We have found the courses are more successful educationally and financially when we partner with a local university or sports facility as opposed to hosting them at a hotel. We are continuing work on the certification manual and the annual course curriculum updates. Five courses are planned for 2007 and we are launching several continuing education classes for RRCA Certified Coaches in conjunction with the 50th Annual RRCA Convention. The RRCA Coaching Committee announced the beginning steps of the development of an advanced level coaching certification which should be launched late in 2007.
excellent events that do a great job of advertising and promoting their RRCA Championship designation. If your club organizes a significant race at one of the distances listed above, that might like the added value and visibility that go with hosting a National Championship, please take a look at the information and consider putting together a bid. Bid information and forms are on the RRCA website, and I’d be happy to answer any questions you have (donkardong@hotmail.com). If you have an established event that draws an elite-level field from outside your immediate region, you have a race that might serve as an RRCA National Championship. Please consider it, even if the official deadline has passed. While the new RRCA policy is to award bids at the convention for the next calendar year, we will continue to make awards after that if a given distance hasn't already been awarded and if there's sufficient time to make the championship designation meaningful. Finally, I want to thank my committee, as always, for being very responsive to my requests for feedback. They make decisions in a quick and efficient manner, which is extremely helpful. Thanks to one and all: Mike Lundgren, Phil Stewart, John TenBroeck and Cynci Calvin. I also want to thank Jean Knaack and Jessica Sleight at the National Office for their attention to the program, which is appreciated by me and all the events that have been selected to host an RRCA National Championship. Thanks for your support!
RRCA National Championships Don Kardong, Spokane, WA donkardong@hotmail.com The National Championships Committee has now had a couple of years of working under the revised, earlier bidding process, in which bids are reviewed each spring for events taking place the following year. Under that system, the committee makes recommendations to the RRCA Board of Directors in time for winning bids to be announced at the RRCA Convention. I think this has been an effective system, giving the RRCA more time to publicize its slate of National Championships, and winning bidders the opportunity to generate excitement about their selection. We are also assigning National Championships in a limited number of distances each year—5K, 8K (or 5 mile), 10K, 10-Mile, half marathon and marathon on the roads; one cross-country championship (distance can vary); and one ultra running championship (distance can vary). I think that consolidating has allowed the RRCA to focus better and make the championships more meaningful to both the host organizations and the RRCA. In 2006 the RRCA had National Championships at seven events—the Napa Valley Marathon, HEB Bayou City Classic 10K, Tahoe Rim Trail 50K Endurance Run, Debbie Green Memorial 5K, Parkersburg News & Sentinel Half Marathon, Annapolis Ten Mile Run, and the Chile Pepper Cross Country Festival 10K. In 2007, we currently have seven on the docket—the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon, LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, Tahoe Rim Trail 100-Mile Endurance Run, Debbie Green Memorial 5K, Parkersburg Half Marathon, and the Vulcan Run. I think these are all Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
RRCA Nominating Committee Michael Hughes, Atlanta, GA
michaelhughes@atlantatrackclub.org Members of the 2007 Nominating Committee includes: Michael Hughes - Chair, Gar Williams, Mel Williams, Susan Harmeling, and Phil Stewart. The following positions are up for election at the 2007 annual meeting in Chicago: (2) At-Large Directors, Southern Director and Western Director. The following are the recommendations of the RRCA Nominating Committee to fill the open positions: Southern Region Director: Ken Bendy - Orange Park, FL
Ken retired from the U.S. Navy after a thirty- four career in aviation and works part time as a logistics manager for a government contractor. He has been running since 1981 and is a member of the Florida Striders and Jacksonville Track Clubs where he has held various offices. Ken was appointed as North Florida RRCA State Rep in 1996, was the RRCA outstanding State Rep in 1999 and has attended 11 RRCA conventions. He served as chair of the State Rep committee from 2000 through 2005 when he was appointed to the RRCA board filling the Southern Region Director vacancy. During that period he was instrumental in developing the State Rep handbook and instituted the improved State Rep training at the annual convention. He has been honored as the Jacksonville Track Club Outstanding Volunteer and earned the RRCA National Volunteer Award.
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Western Region Director: David Epstein - Juneau, AK A native of York, Pennsylvania, David Epstein began running in 1992, and has completed nine marathons. He has served as Secretary, Webmaster, and President of the Anchorage Running Club. In 1996, he helped to establish the 5-Miler for Men’s Cancer Research, a benefit run for prostate and testicular cancer research, education, and awareness in Alaska. David has served as the 5- Miler’s Race Director and President of the Board of Directors since its inception. David served as the Alaska State Representative before starting his RRCA Board service. He has also serves as the appointed Secretary for the RRCA. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Duke University and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. David works for the Federal Aviation Administration, where he serves as Business Services Group Manager for the Western Service Area of the Air Traffic Organization. At-Large Director I: Lisa Paige - Littleton, CO Lisa earned an undergraduate degree from University of Arizona in Psychology and an MBA from Northern Arizona University with a concentration in Informational Technology with special studies in Computer Science Engineering. She worked has worked as a software analyst, project manager and systems administrator for over twenty five years. She recently completed a nutrition studies program at the University of Northern Colorado. She is working to develop a private wellness consulting practice. Lisa was the Colorado State Rep from 1995-2006. She was the Western Region Outstanding State Rep in 1998 and was selected again in 2002. She received the 2002 National State Rep of the Year award. Lisa is also an accomplished race director, an RRCA Certified Coach, and is renowned for her communication and organizational skills. She has two beautiful teenage daughters and a wonderful husband that has supported her work with the RRCA over the years. At-Large Director II: Bob Holmes - Atlanta, GA Bob received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University. He retired in June 2005 as Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Director of the Southern Center for Studies in Public Policy and the W.E.B. DuBois Institute at Clark Atlanta University. Bob is in his 16th term in the Georgia House of Representatives. He is an avid runner and is a long time member of the Atlanta Track Club and has held numerous leadership positions in the South Fulton Running Partners, the oldest African American running club in the nation. He has served as the race director for more than 30 road races. Bob is a recipient of the Browning Ross Spirit of RRCA Award (2003) for his more than 25 years of contributions to road running. He has served on the Board of numerous national, state and local nonprofit and civic organizations.
RRCA Road Scholar Program Carl Sniffen, Oregon csniffen@charter.net Greetings from Southern Oregon. Since its inception 11 years ago, this committee has awarded between four and six grants each year to emerging elite athletes. In 2004, the annual stipend awarded to recipients increased to $5,000 per recipient. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Our recipients for the past year are: Samia Akbar, Stephanie Bylander, Maria Cicero, Matt Gonzales, Jacob Frey, and Nephi Tyler. For more information about our program, and its past recipients, check out the RRCA web site at www.rrca.org The Roads Scholar committee takes great pride in the financial support the program receives from outstanding running clubs, running events and individual members. Without this support, this program could not exist. In addition, we are grateful to the executive director Jean Knaack and the RRCA board for its continuing support of this program and the committee. The Roads Scholar program is truly one of the few programs in the country which seeks to bridge the gap for post collegiate distance runners as they emerge from college and develop the tools necessary to compete successfully on the roads. Thanks to all of our clubs, running events and individuals for their support. Thanks also to our blue ribbon committee which includes Dan Browne, Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Phil Stewart, Don Kardong, Freddi Carlip, and Deena Drossin Kastor. Jeff Darman does a wonderful job spearheading the fundraising efforts of the Roads Scholar program and providing insight and wisdom to guide the committee. Finally, I offer a special tip of the hat to Pete Julian. Pete is a former two time recipient of Roads Scholar funding. More recently, Pete served as the director of the USA Track and Field national cross country championships in February. Great competition and excellent meet organization contributed to a highly successful event. It’s good to see an outstanding competitor transition into meet management. Keep up your support for this program and our talented, emerging elite athletes.
RRCA Website Warren Finke, Portland, Oregon webmaster@rrca.org Current web site statistics are around 150,000 visitors and 440,000 page views per month. This is up over 37% from last year. In case you missed it, this fall the web site was completely redone with new navigation, graphics, organization and features. Mahalo to Jean and Jessica for lots of design input, and getting new material to me as I needed it. We were able to coordinate building the new site without adversely affecting the old, launching it at the same time we shut down the old site. The most popular sections of the web site in order are the News, Calendar, Clubs, Running, Resources, Programs, Services and Coaches. Our clubs continue to utilize our news syndication and calendar services on their web sites which greatly increases our readership and communication. In January, the annual club web site competition was held. For complete details, please visit: http://www.rrca.org/services/awards/topsit07.htm. Page - 23
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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Road Runners Club of America National Annual Awards Committee Reports Browning Ross Award – Freddi Carlip Kurt Steiner Children’s Developmental Award – Don Kardong Rod Steele Award – Dawn McEnery Scott Hamilton Award – Bee McLeod Nina Kuscsik Women’s Developmental Running Award – Evan Thomas Hall of Fame Awards –Jim Oaks Runners of the Year – Phil Lang Inaugural Road Race of the Year – Ron Macsoud Jerry Little Memorial Journalism Awards – Marlene Atwood 2006 National Volunteer Award Recipients
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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Harold Tinsley 2006 Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA Award Freddi Carlip, Chair The Huntsville Track Club would like to nominate Harold Tinsley for the "Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA Award." Harold Tinsley is an individual whose name is not only synonymous with the Huntsville Track Club but also the RRCA. After running track and cross-country for Clemson in the late 1950s, Harold served in the Army and then began to work in the space industry in Huntsville, Alabama. It was here in the early 1970s that his interest in running was rekindled when the Huntsville Track Club was formed in 1972. As a charter member of the HTC, he began to publish the club’s newsletter, and with the help of his wife, Louise, has continued to produce four to six issues each year. Two years after the formation of the HTC, our club joined the RRCA, and the following year Harold received national recognition when he became the first recipient of the RRCA’s Rod Steele Memorial Award as the Outstanding Club Volunteer in the Nation. During this time Harold not only became one of the top adult runners in the Southeast, but his organizational skills and his dedication helped make the HTC one of the outstanding running clubs in the South. In 1977, after running marathons in Atlanta, Boston and New York, Harold decided it was time for the state of Alabama to conduct a 26.2-mile race. The Rocket City Marathon became that race and for the next 20 years Harold directed this event, and in 1996 he was presented Road Race Management’s Race Director of the Year award for his efforts. Even after stepping down as the Rocket City Marathon director, Harold has continued his involvement in this event as a committee chair.
After being away from the national scene of the RRCA for a number of years, Harold spent many hours ensuring that the RRCA continued serving the running community. During the past few years Harold has spent many hours working for the betterment of the RRCA. Harold and several dedicated RRCA members were concerned about the organizational shifts recommend by some in RRCA leadership. Harold spent countless hours working to educate and inform clubs of the RRCA’s strong history and to encourage each member club to be an informed voice in shaping the future direction of the Road Runner’s Club of America. Even when Harold and other founding members of the RRCA formed the AARC, it was done from the outset not to compete with the RRCA, but as a catalyst for change and a reunification of grass roots running in America. And I can think of no better representative of that philosophy than Harold Tinsley. Now Harold again serves the RRCA as a member of the communication committee. For more than three decades Harold has been instrumental not only in our community, but on the national level. Harold Tinsley embodies the spirit of the RRCA. Sincerely, David C. Purinton Huntsville Track Club President 2006 - Harold Tinsley 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000
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Phil Stewart Ken Peterson, Toledo Road Runners Club, Toledo, OH Dominic Ortiz Bob Holmes, S. Fulton Running Partners, Atlanta, GA Nina Kuscsik Ted Corbitt
In 1978 Harold began his service with the RRCA when he was elected Southern Region V.P at the 22nd Annual RRCA Convention in Baltimore. He was re-elected two years later at the convention in New Orleans and was appointed to a position on the RRCA Board in 1982. In 1984 Harold was elected as President of the RRCA and served until 1986. After his presidency he continued his service to the RRCA from 1986-1988 as Vice President of Administration, and later on several committees. While serving in these positions at the national level, Tinsley continued as Rocket City Marathon director and as HTC News editor. Either of those jobs would have been enough for most people. But probably his greatest personal honor came in 1988 when he was selected as a member of the RRCA Runners Hall of Fame. Longtime HTC member Jim Oaks, who was the chairman of the selection committee at the time, related the following story, “Browning Ross was on the selection committee at the time and each year he would ask me why I didn’t nominate Harold Tinsley. Since Harold and I were in the same club, I felt I shouldn’t use my position as chairman to push for his selection but after two years of Browning’s urging I wrote a nomination letter. Most people in the RRCA knew about his organizational skills, but I knew him as an outstanding master competitor. In short, he was a solid choice by the committee that year.” Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Browning Ross at AAU Championship 1954
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Mary Klaff RRCA Kurt Steiner Children’s Developmental Award Don Kardong, Chair
Janet Nissenson RRCA Rod Steele Award Dawn McEnery, Chair caljester5@aol.com
donkardong@hotmail.com The Kurt Steiner Children’s Development Award recognizes the contributions of an individual in developing children’s running events or programs in his or her club or community. We reviewed a number of excellent nominations this year, and selected Mary Klaff of the Reston Runners as the award winner. Mary has been serving as Director of the Reston Runner’s Youth-in-Motion Children’s Running Program, a 10-week fitness program for children age 2-14. Mary has devoted countless hours to organizing the program, and her dedication has resulted in increased community interest, strong volunteer participation (over 50 adult coaches in 2006), and great enthusiasm for running as seen in the faces of the program’s young participants, who number over 300 each year. She makes sure facility arrangements are made, stays in touch with participants and coaches by email, brings supplies to the training sessions, leads the kids through warm-ups, and makes sure that all kids are active, challenged at the appropriate level, and having fun. Her hard work, organization, and leadership have helped bring the program to new levels of accomplishment, and the RRCA is pleased to recognize her efforts by awarding her the Kurt Steiner Children’s Development Award. If there’s someone in your club who has played an important role in developing, organizing or implementing children’s running programs or events, please consider forwarding a nomination to the National Office next fall. Previous winners: ! 2006 – Mary Klaff, Reston Runners, VA ! 2005 – George Martin, Peachtree City Running Club, PTC, GA ! 2004 - Marilyn Witko Rosinski, Toledo Road Runners Club, Toledo, OH ! 2003 - Kim Tracanna, Florida Striders Track Club, Orange Park, FL ! 2002 - Nancy Kapheim, Cornbelt Running Club, IA ! 2001 - Len Goldman, Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders, Oakland, CA ! 2000 - Lenis Tucker, Syracuse Chargers Track Club, NY ! 1999 - Jeff Tribole, Irvine Youth Track Club, CA ! 1998 - No Nominations ! 1997 - Ron Creasy, Chattahoochee Road Runners Club, GA ! 1996 - Anna Berdahl, Montgomery County Road Runners Club, MD ! 1995 - John MacGillivray, Raritan Valley Road Runners, NJ ! 1994 - Judy Tollner, Illinois Valley Striders, East Peoria, IL Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Volunteers are the key to the success of every running club and event. They don’t do it for money, fame or personal gain but rather to give a helping hand. Nominated this year were Dick and Diane Bemrose, Oregon Road Runners Club; Todd Condelario, Casper Windy City Striders; Ben Dillon, North Carolina Roadrunners Club; Moshe Fluk, Reston Runners; Earl Jacoby, Huntsville Track Club; Deborah D. Magilke, Yellowstone Rim Runners; Lynn Millholland, Fredericksburg Area Running Club; John Moore, Anniston Runners Club; Howard Nies, Mid America Running Association; Janet Nissenson, San Francisco Dolphin South End Runners; Emmett Rahl, A Running Experience Club; Chris Rios, Over the Hill Track Club and Dyanne Velasquez, Gold Coast Runners, The committee consisted of Martha Harris (runner, volunteer and employee of a city-wide volunteer staffing organization), Steve Shepard (RRCA Texas south state rep and former winner of the Rod Steele award), West Marcus (runner, retired teacher, race director and club officer) and myself (Scott Hamilton recipient for 2002 and volunteer for numerous organizations). All of the volunteers gave so much to their clubs and scores were close for all. Certificate of Merit winner was Earl Jacoby of the Huntsville (AL) Track Club. Earl was described by his club president as a man with a servant’s heart. He was very dedicated and even continued to volunteer at club races the month before he passed away from cancer. Earl was known more by his actions than his words. Rod Steele Award Winner for 2006 is Janet Nissenson who was not just a figurehead in her club but active in many aspects of her club’s programs for several years. San Francisco Dolphin South End Runners president Kevin Lee wrote that “Janet has been a godsend to the DSE since the day she emerged as a club volunteer.” The list of duties she has taken over required Kevin to use small type in order to get it on the required one-page nomination letter. Some of the major duties she has undertaken are club VP, ordering race supplies, listing 42 club races on different race sites, tabulating age division places for weekly races, Gala dinner and volunteer picnic coordinator. For their Double Dipsea Race she recruits and coordinates volunteers, sends out emails, course assignments and orders shirts. Janet is also the Waterfront 10M/5K race director performing all aspects of the race and works at various assignments on race day where needed. The president has relied on her help in drawing up new race schedules, writing articles for the newsletter, revising race maps, tracking attendance for club awards, and handing officer of the day assignments. The committee recognized that some tasks might seem small but all required a considerable amount of time and energy. Janet found time to volunteer even though she had family obligations with her husband and children. Page - 27
She initiated an executive committee proposal to help govern the club and have 15 members share the volunteer workload. Her dedication has helped increase race attendance, add new race courses and increase club volunteerism. The club president also nominated her in prior years for the Rod Steele Award because her dedication to club management and the sport of running is appreciated by all club members. She is a valuable and hard working club volunteer who is not afraid to take a risk presenting new ideas to improve club efficiency and goodwill. Janet gives some of her self to help others and won’t ask anyone to do something that she wouldn’t do herself. She has a volunteer heart and enjoys the feeling that she’s been a part of helping others far and near. The RRCA is lucky to have such a wonderful volunteer to carry on Rod Steele’s spirit and dedication to the sport of running. 2006 - Janet Nissenson, San Francisco SE Dolphin Runners, CA 2005 - Ric Robinette, Rocky Mountain Road Runners, CO 2004 - Steve Shepard, Houston Striders, Houston, TX 2003 - Iilonga Thandive, South Fulton Running Partners, GA 2002 - Harold Canfield, Knoxville Track Club, Knoxville, TN 2001 - Beth Edwards, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 2000 - Evelyn White, Syracuse Chargers Track Club, NY 1999 - Jim Oaks, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 1998 - Robert Platt, DC Road Runners Club, Washington, DC 1997 - Beth Benefield, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 1996 - Ted Petrillo, Utica Road Runners, Utica,NY 1995 - Jim Duguay, Chattahoochee Road Runners Club, GA 1994 - Lawrence Hills, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 1993 - Dan Edwards, Tidewater Striders Running Club, VA 1992- Dennis Steinauer, Montgomery Cty Road Runners, MD 1991 - John Hort, Peninsula Track Club 1990 - George Heagy, Starved Rock Runners, IL 1989 - Rick Melanson, Birmingham Track Club, AL 1988 - John Sissala, Montgomery Co. Road Runners Club, MD 1987 - Charles Scribner, Maine Track Club, ME 1986 - Louise Tinsley, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 1985 - Clark Emmons, Gateway Athletics 1984 - John Hickey, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 1983 - Karl Ungurean, Cornbelt Running Club, IA 1982 - Don Lindley, Fort Wayne Track Club, IN 1981 - Sylvia Quinn, Bloomsday Road Runners Club 1980 - Alexander Saltmarsh, Turtletown AC 1979 - Jim Hartshorne, Finger Lakes Runners Club, NY 1978 - Joe Kleinerman, New York Road Runners, NY 1977 - Mel Walton, Baltimore Road Runners Club, MD 1976 - Doris Ferguson, Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club 1975 - Harold Tinsley, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL
Len Goldman RRCA Scott Hamilton Award Bee McLeod, Chair president@rrca.org
Joggers & Striders since 1985, with the last 7 years in the role of club president. Under his leadership, the Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders club maintained good financial strength and grew its membership by 35% or 257 members. Len is a skilled innovator and administrator, using his talents to successfully secure important charitable donations and gain associations with programs like Girls on the Run. Additionally, his ability to develop and grow relationships with local running stores and area parks & recreation organizations provides great value to his club. Len initiated the Run for Fun program for youth and is a strong advocate of children’s running programs within club and the community. His commitment to youth garnered national recognition by the RRCA when he was named the 2001 RRCA Kurt Steiner's Children's Development Award winner. Len Goldman is a most deserving recipient of the RRCA’s Scott Hamilton Award for outstanding club president.
PREVIOUS WINNERS: This award honors an outstanding RRCA club president and is selected by the current RRCA president. 2006 – Len Goldman, Lake Merrit Joggers & Striders, CA 2005 - Neil Longhurst, Bradenton Runners Club, FL 2004 - Sue Brown, Calumet Region Striders, Griffith, IN 2003 - Patricia A. "Trish" Portuese, Birmingham Track Club, AL 2002 - Dawn McEnery, Port City Pacers, AL 2001 - David Oja, Syracuse Chargers Track Club, NY 2000 - Victor Nemudrov, Albuquerque Road Runners, NM 1999 - Ellie Norwitch, Miami Runners Club, FL 1998 - Irv Newman, Montgomery County Road Runners, MD 1997 - Dori Robertson, Bloomsday Road Runners Club, WA 1996 - Paul Blaum, Peachtree City Running Club, GA 1995 - Sue Wurl, Northern Lights Running Club, MN 1994 - Jim Stasaitis, Utica Roadrunners, Utica, NY 1993 - Nancy Kapheim, Cornbelt Running Club, IA 1992 - Mary Anne Wehrum, Memphis Runners Track Club, TN 1991 - Ed Kozloff, Motor City Striders, MI 1990 - Nate White, Syracuse Chargers Track Club, NY 1989 - Paul Butzen, Fond Du Lac Running Club, WI 1988 - Dennis Steinauer, Montgomery Cty Road Runners, MD 1987 - Bob Carlson, Utica Roadrunners, NY 1986 - Jane Dolley, Maine Track Club, ME 1985 - Tom Aderhold, Atlanta Track Club, GA 1984 - Norman Harris, Huntsville Track Club, AL 1983 - Steve Shostrom, Illinois Valley Striders, IL 1982 - Bill Glauz, Mid America Masters T&F Association, MO 1981 - Dick Sutton, Pikes Peak Road Runners Club, CO 1980 - Dan Caffery, Taconic Road Runners Club, NY 1979 - John Pendergrass, Hattiesburg Track Club, MS 1978 - Stu Levy, Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club, PA 1977 - Fred Lebow, New York Road Runners, NY 1976 - Nick Costes, Troy Track Club, NY 1975 - Ray Russell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Runners Club, FL 1974 - Don Balsamo, Greater Rochester Track Club, NY
Selection Committee: Bee McLeod (chair); Irv Newman (1998 Scott Hamilton award winner) and Sue Brown (2004 Scott Hamilton award winner) Len Goldman, 2006 winner of the Scott Hamilton Award, is no stranger to our sport and, in particular, his club. Len has served on the board of directors for the Lake Merritt Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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Georgia Hagen RRCA Nina Kuscsik Women’s Developmental Running Award Evan Thomas, Chair The Committee for the 2006 RRCA Women's Development Running Award consisted of: Evan Thomas, Annapolis Striders: former club president, former MD State RRCA Rep, 14-year leader of the club’s beginning running program; Mick Slonaker, Howard County Striders: former club President, former RRCA Eastern Rep; Penny Goldstein, Annapolis Striders: Current co-director of the club’s beginning running program and co-founder of its 10K running program. Our choice is Georgia Hagen of the North Carolina Roadrunners Club. Georgia began the Women's Beginner Running Program 13 years ago in Raleigh. Drawing beginners who range in age from teens to seniors who represent all levels of fitness, she guides them through a 10-week program capped by the club's Women's Distance Festival 5K as a graduation "gift." She plans and recruits volunteers for up to 6 weekly runs that participants can choose from. Each week she brings in professionals to speak on a wide variety of topics. Near the end of each class, she arranges for a graduation banquet for the group where participants share what the program has meant to them: self confidence, improved fitness levels, developing long lasting friendships and great feelings of accomplishment.
John Devitt’s Running 101 Program (Montana)
Initially this program had a handful of participants, but it has grown to over 100 and is a wonderful resource for the club and a great reason why the North Carolina Roadrunners Club is in the forefront in supporting grass roots running in the community. Program graduates go on to run in all distances of road races and they continue to be involved in the running community long after the program is over. Georgia Hagen is most worthy of the 2006 RRCA Women's Development Running Award. Previous winners: 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
Georgia Hagen, NC Carolin Dick, MI No nominations John MacGillivray, NJ Marlene Atwood, GA Jane Serues, PA No nominations Kathrine Switzer Diane Palmason Ellea Wessel Julia Emmons, GA Henley Gibble (Gabeau), DC Nina Kuscsik, NY
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Marlene Atwood’s Women’s 101 Running Program (Georgia)
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Jenny Spangler, 2006 Inductee RRCA Hall of Fame Jim Oaks, Chair
1984. Instead, the 19-year-old took the lead of the women’s division and finished in 2:33:52, taking the overall women’s title and setting an American Junior record that still holds today.
jaaoaks@aol.com
The following spring she was allowed to red shirt the track season to prepare for the Trials race in May. Unfortunately, the high mileage finally caught up with Spangler and she developed a stress fracture that spring. Cross training allowed her to maintain fitness and she was as high as fifth place in the Trials race before the injury forced a slow down. The stress fracture had become a complete break during the race, but she finished - 33rd in 2:40. She had to be taken to the hospital after the race.
The RRCA Hall of Fame consists of American citizens who have shown long-term excellence in long distance running and/or have made outstanding contributions to the sport. This year two women Olympians, Jenny Spangler and Judi St. Hilaire, are added to the long list of outstanding runners who meet those criteria. St. Hilaire represented the U.S. in the 10,000 in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona after a long career as a road runner for Athletics West that began after college in 1982. Although she ran the New York marathon in 1984 and finished fifth in 2:37:49, her greatest running strength was at races from 5K to 15K.
By her senior season at Iowa, Spangler had recovered from her injuries enough to run personal bests of 9:22 for the 3,000 and 16:09 for the 5,000. After college she went back to 90 mile weeks, but was still experiencing injuries. She again qualified for the 1988 Olympic Trials with a 2:45 at Grandma’s in June of 1987, but in the Marathon Trials race the next year was a disappointing 49th in 2:44.
Spangler is most noted as a marathon runner and has the distinction of setting an American junior record of 2:33:52 for the distance at age 19 and an American master record of 2:32:39 at age 40. But it was a marathon in 1996 at age 32 that captured attention and many hearts in the running community. Jenny Spangler was born on July 20, 1963, in Monroe, Wis. She achieved prep honors as a runner at Guilford High School in Rockford, Ill., finishing in 1981. She finished second at the Illinois state cross country meet and broke 11-minutes for the 2-mile as a high school senior and earned a scholarship to the University of Iowa, graduating in 1986 with a degree in computer science. Later, while living in Birmingham, Alabama, Spangler earned an MBA from Samford University. While at Iowa, Spangler was fortunate to have a coach who allowed her to pursue a personal goal while a member of her college team. Early in her college career she told her track and cross country coach, Jerry Hassard, that she wanted to run a marathon. As a teenager in Rockford, Spangler had been impressed watching runners in a local marathon and thought it was a race that she would like to try.
For the next seven years, Spangler was a forgotten runner. It appeared that she was a teenage marathon sensation that would have to be satisfied with her early accomplishments. However, an intense fire burned within the heart of this outwardly mild mannered young woman. In 1994, within the qualifying window for the 1996 Olympic Marathon Trials race, Spangler finished the Chicago marathon in 2:42, well below the 2:50 standard, but only 61st best when she arrived in Columbia, S.C., in February, 1996, for the race.
Pictures by Victor Sailer
The first year Hassard told her that the kind of mileage that the marathon required was too much for a girl her age. But the next year, after the cross country season, and with the increased interest among all women runners about the inclusion of the marathon in the Olympics for the first time in 1984, Hassard worked out a plan to allow her to train for a marathon in conjunction with her track 5,000 and 10,000 workouts. In June, 1983, she and Hassard went to Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, Minn., with a goal of breaking 2:50 in order to qualify for the women’s Olympic Marathon Trials in Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
But Spangler was well prepared and injury free this time. She had met Willie Rios, a coach in the Chicago area who had connections with the Santa Monica Track Club in California. During the cold Chicago months Spangler was able to take leave from her insurance job and move to California to train. She came to the race with confidence and enjoyed the element of surprise when she continued to stay in the lead pack as the race progressed.
She wore her hair in a ponytail that day and after 12 miles of the race, all the rest of the field could see was the back of her head and the bobbing ponytail. Spangler won the race over a fairly hilly course in 2:29:54 to finally earn an Olympic berth. Spangler said afterwards that she was hoping to make the top three to qualify, but never dreamed of winning. “I knew coming in that being relatively unknown would help me,” Page - 30
she said. “If I did take off, I knew they’d let me go, believing I’d come back to them sooner or later.” By August, 1996, when the Olympics were held in Atlanta, Spangler had injury problems again and was unable to finish the Olympic marathon. Although this was a disappointment, another good thing happened in 1996. She and Miki Tosic, her boyfriend from the Chicago area, were married. Spangler was a guest at the 2000 Olympic Trials in Columbia, but she did not run the race. It seemed that her running career was at an end. With the birth of her first child the following December, it appeared that the marathoner would be a mom. But that changed at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in 2003. Spangler again set her sites on yet another Olympic Trials qualifying time and for this race she was 40. With much less mileage in the bank than in previous races, but much wiser from past experience, Spangler finished in 2:32:39. In the process she set an American master record for women and met the “A” Olympic Trials standard by running better than 2:40. The following April she made her fourth Olympic Trials appearance and only her ninth marathon ever. In the race in St. Louis Spangler ran 2:36 for 10th place. “I’m happy with the 2:36, although I felt like I was in 2:30 shape,” Spangler said after the run. Don’t be surprised if you hear nothing about Jenny Spangler for a few years and then she suddenly comes out and runs a new age record for women over 50. She has truly been a “Comeback Kid.” “The thing I like most about running is that it has allowed me to meet some great people and form special friendships,” Spangler said. “I have been impressed by the outstanding organization I have found at races and appreciate the positive changes that have been made for women runners since I started at age 14.” Spangler currently resides in Lake Villa, Ill., with her husband Miki and their 5-year-old daughter Kelli. They are members of one of the clubs in the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA), the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Running Club, where Miki serves as club president and Jenny is the club coach.
Judi St. Hilaire, 2006 Inductee RRCA Hall of Fame Jim Oaks, Chair jaaoaks@aol.com Judi St. Hilaire was born on September 5, 1959 in St. Johnsbury, Vt. She attended Lyndon Institute in Lyndon, Vt., graduating in 1977 then ran on scholarship at the University of Vermont, receiving a dental hygiene degree in 1981. St. Hilaire still holds her college’s records for the 1500 at 4:25.3; the 3000 at 9:21.67; the 5000 at 16:03.6 and the 10,000 at 33:17.8. After college, St. Hilaire joined the Athletics West team that was sponsored by Nike and soon became one of the top U.S. women road racers. She was ranked third best U.S. woman by The Runner magazine for 1982 and remained among the top 6 U.S. women for the next two years. In 1985 she moved up to second behind Joan Samuelson. During that year she finished second to Grete Waitz at the Peachtree 10K in 32:33, won the Utica Boilermaker 15K (50:35) and the Maggie Valley 8K (26:19) and was second at the IAAF Championship 15K in Gateshead, England, running 49:25. For the next three years St. Hilaire suffered a variety of pelvic and lower back ailments that kept her off the roads and forced her to miss a chance to attempt to qualify for the Olympics in Seoul, Korea in the 10,000 in 1988, the first time the women had run that distance in the Olympics. However, in 1989 she came back stronger than ever and was ranked Runner’s World top U.S. woman for the year and second in the world only to Norway’s Ingrid Kristiansen. That year St. Hilaire opened the season with a win at the Manchester Road Race and followed with three other wins at a variety of distances: Freihofer's 5K in 15:26; Peachtree 10K in 32:05 and the Tulsa Run 15K in 49:00, becoming at that time the third-fastest American woman at the distance. In 1990, Runner’s World ranked St. Hilaire second to Maria Trujillo, who earned points in seven more races than St. Hilaire ran. In their two head-to-head competitions during the year, St. Hilaire was the winner each time. St. Hilaire’s wins that year included the Manchester Road Race, Gasparilla 15K in 49:26; Crescent City 10K in 31:54; Nike Women’s 8K in 25:10; Fall River 5K in 14:57 (a world “aided” record) and L’eggs 10K in 32:36. Although St. Hilaire remained very competitive on the roads the next two years, she focused on track, making the U.S.
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team in the 3,000 for the World Championships in Tokyo in 1991 where she finished 7th in 8:44. “That was a real surprise for me since the 3,000 was not my event,” St. Hilaire said. “But I wanted to work on my speed to get my 10K times down.” Another highlight came in June, 1992, when she, along with Lynn Jennings and Gwyn Coogan, won the three U.S. Olympic berths for the 10,000 in Barcelona. Two months later in the Olympic 10,000 final, she achieved her track personal best of 31:38, finishing eight among the world’s best. In 1993 St. Hilaire was ranked the #1 World Road Racer by Track & Field News magazine after competing for only the first four months of that year before having to have foot surgery. Highlights for that year include wins at the Grand Bahamas 5k in a PR of 15:15, the Crescent City Classic, and the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in a PR of 52:27. For the next three years she continued to run the roads and was looking forward to hopefully making the Olympic Team for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. However, a foot injury that required surgery again plagued her and she was forced to take a break, but never claimed to be retired from a sport she loved. “There was no enjoyment in it at all, I had so many injuries,” St. Hilaire told Gordon Bakoulis in an interview in 2001. “In '96 when I was trying to make the Olympic team I developed the neuroma problem. That was the straw that broke the camel's back.” In 1998 and 1999 St. Hilaire provided personal training for women and one of her most satisfying accomplishments in that endeavor occurred while working with a 50-year-old woman who “hated to sweat” and had never run a step in her life. Her client learned to enjoy hour long runs and that sweating wasn’t such a bad thing! St. Hilaire also worked as an assistant coach at Case High School in Somerset, Mass., coaching a promising young runner, Sheela Agrawal. As a senior Agrawal finished second in both the mile and 2-mile at the High School Nationals and later ran on an athletic scholarship at Duke University. “I’m proud of my work with Sheela,” St. Hilaire said. “Much like myself, she was very injury prone. It was a challenge to manage her training that allowed her to improve from a 5:10 PR mile to a 4:45 PR, while at the same time preventing injuries. It was also while running workouts with her that I began to think about racing again when I turned 40.” By the time St. Hilaire turned 40 in late 1999, she was ready for master competition and in 2000 and 2001 she enjoyed top master finishes at the Peachtree Road Race, the Beach to Beacon 10K, the Falmouth Road Race, the Ro-Jack's 5-Mile, and the Providence 5-K, and was the National Masters 5K champion at the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K both years. “I guess my running career lasted as long as it did because I had those forced breaks due to injuries,” St. Hilaire said. She and her husband Paul Coogan, who she married in 1989, live in Somerset, Mass., where she works as a Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
surgical coordinator for a local medical practice. She loves to bake and hopes to open her own specialty shop featuring cookies and chocolate confections. St. Hilaire was unable to attend the RRCA Convention this year due to a previously planned family commitment for the weekend. However she was honored to be selected to the RRCA Hall of Fame. “I am very grateful to be recognized for my accomplishments in a sport that I truly love and that has provided me with endless opportunities,” St. Hilaire said. “My lengthy career could probably be summed up in six words: It’s not over ‘til it’s over! I would like to sincerely thank the Road Runners Club of America for this award and I hope my absence will not negate how much I appreciate it.”
RRCA Hall of Fame Committee: The RRCA Hall of Fame Committee consists of 12 individuals representing a wide range of views, running interests and abilities. Each year the committee elects inductees to the Hall of Fame. The committee members vary in age and come from well-disbursed geographic regions. The Committee includes Amby Burfoot (PA), Alvin Guttag (MD), Jacqueline Hansen (CA), Joe Henderson (OR), Doris Brown Heritage (WA), Don Kardong (WA), Jim Oaks (AL), Tom Osler (NJ), John Parker (FL), Lisa Weidenbach Rainsberger (CO), Steve Shostrom (IL) and Ken Young (CA). Eight of the 12 committee members are themselves members of the RRCA Hall of Fame. The final ballot this year also included Mary Etta (Boitano) Blanchard, Beth Bonner, Julia Emmons, William Fortune, Bob Kennedy, Gary Moss, Joie Ray, Ric Robinette, and Todd Williams. This list included top finishers from last year, nominations from RRCA members, and new nominations from committee members. Nominations from RRCA clubs and individual RRCA members are welcome, but please remember that the Hall of Fame focuses on competitive racing and outstanding contributions to the sport of long distance running on the national level. Each nomination should be on one typed page. As a general policy, we will consider no more than two nominees per individual. Please consider whether the individual you wish to nominate most appropriately belongs in the Hall of Fame or in some other category of RRCA awards, such as journalism, club worker, or club leadership. 2006 – Jenny Spangler, Judi St. Hilaire 2005 – Deena Drossin Kastor, Meb Keflezighi 2004 - Keith Brantly, Steve Spence 2003 - Helen Klein, Lisa Rainsberger 2002 - Bob Kempainen, Kathy O’Brien 2001 - Patti Dillon, Herb Lindsay 2000 - Miki Gorman, Greg Meyer 1999 - Mark Curp, John Tuttle 1998 - Gerry Lindgren, Tony Sandoval 1997 - Benji Durden, Doug Kurtis 1996 - Kim Jones, Jon Sinclair 1995 - Ed Eyestone, Jerry Kokesh, Pete Pfitzinger 1994 - Ann Trason, George Young 1993 - Julie Brown, Amby Burfoot, Marion Irvine Page - 32
1992 - Jack Bacheler, Norm Green, Mary Decker Slaney 1991 - Jeff Darman, Jeff Galloway, Ted Haydon 1990 - Barry Brown, Lynn Jennings, Fred Lebow 1989 - Pat Porter, Alberto Salazar, Max Truex 1988 - Dick Beardsley, Herb Lorenz, Sy Mah, Harold Tinsley 1987 - Garry Bjorklund, Cheryl Flanagan, Thomas Hicks, Kenny Moore 1986 - Bill Bowerman, Hugh Jascourt, Don Kardong, Francie Larrieu Smith 1985 - Nick Costes, Ron Daws, Doris Brown Heritage 1984 - Henley Roughton Gabeau, Gordon McKenzie, Alex Ratelle, John "Jock" Semple, Louis White 1983 - Clive Davies, Jacqueline Hansen, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Kathrine Switzer, Bob Schul, Craig Virgin 1982 - Ed Benham, Paul de Bruyn, Gabe Mirkin 1981 - William Agee, William "Billy" Mills, Roberta GibbWelch 1980 - Hal Higdon, Steve Prefontaine, Ken Young 1979 - Ruth Anderson, Nina Kuscsik, Thomas Osler, William Steiner 1978 - Joe Henderson, Ray Sears, Gar Williams 1977 - John Hayes, Bill Rodgers, Aldo Scandurra 1976 - Eino Pentti, Greg Rice, Frank Shorter 1975 - R. E. Johnson, George Sheehan, Curtis Stone 1974 - Horace Ashenfelter, Don Lash, Joseph McCluskey 1973 - Pat Dengis, Leslie Pawson, Mel Porter, Charles Robbins, Fred Wilt 1972 - Tarzan Brown, Victor Dyrgall, James Hinky Henigan, Peter McArdle, Paul Jerry Nason 1971 - Ted Corbitt, Fred Faller, Louis Gregory, John A. Kelley, Joseph Kleinerman 1970 - Bob Campbell, Clarence DeMar, Leonard "Buddy" Edelen, John J. Kelley, Browning Ross
RRCA Runners of the Year Phil Lang, Chair philiplang@comcast.net Open Male- Jon Williams Gold Coast Runners - Davie, FL Open Female - Mindi Rice Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers - Grapevine, TX Master’s Male - Sean Wade The Kenyan Way - Houston, TX Master’s Female - Sarah Keller Yellowstone Rimrunners - Billings, MT Tony Flesch from the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers in Texas and Phil Lang from the Howard County Striders in Maryland were the committee for the RRCA Road Runners of the Year. The winner of the Men's Open RRCA Road Runner of the Year is Jon Williams who is a member of the Gold Coast Runners and he lives in Miami, FL. He was nominated by Renee' Grant. Jon runs every day, literally, and races multiple times a week. He won more than a dozen races in 2006 and ran a PR of 2:45:37 for the marathon in Columbus. Other solid efforts in his home state included finishing 3rd in the Seven Mile Bridge Run in the Keys and 11th in the Bank of America Marathon in Tampa. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
The winner of the Women's Open RRCA Road Runner of the Year is Mindi Rice who is a member of the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers and she lives in Lewisville, TX. She was nominated by Kelly Richards. Mindi just began running in 2005. As a PE teacher she was assigned to coach the long distance runners at the school. She was surprised who much she liked it and was very good at it. She broke 19 minutes for a 5k, 40 minutes for a 10k, 60 minutes for a 15k and in her first half marathon she ran a 1:28:50 and placed 2nd in the Dallas White Rock Half Marathon. The winner of the Men's Master's RRCA Road Runner of the Year is Sean Wade who is a member of the Kenyan Way and he lives in Houston, TX. He was nominated by Steve Shepard. Sean ran for New Zealand in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics Marathon. He went to many of the major races around the country and typically posted age graded ratings over 90. He was the 2nd master at Falmouth, Cooper Bridge, Gate River and Crim but won Boilermaker, Bay to Breakers, Bloomsday, Crescent City, Carlsbad, Azalea Trail, Virginia Beach and Peachtree. The winner of the Women's Master's RRCA Road Runner of the Year is Sarah Keller who is a member of the Rimrunners and she lives in Billings, MT. She was nominated by Ryan Grubb. Sarah ran a 3:11 marathon in Carlsbad and was the 8th master at Falmouth. She competed well in some multi sport events like the Baja Half Ironman, Timberman Half Ironman, Moonlight Basin XTERRA Peaks to Prairie Duathlon and the Make it Hurt on the Dirt Triathlon.
Vulcan 10K Run, Birmingham, AL Inaugural Road Race of the Year Race Director: Trish Portuese The Vulcan Run is produced by the Birmingham Track Club, a nonprofit organization of the RRCA. The BTC manages over 15 races in the Birmingham area each year. The Vulcan Run was run Saturday, November 4, 2006. Race highlights include: ! $2,500 Cash Awards to top finishers ! 10K Road Race USATF Certified Course - AL96008JD ! RRCA Southern Region 10K Championship ! A Running Journal Grand Prix Event ! A BTC Grand Prix Event ! Door prize give-aways ! Electronic timing system for official scoring of race participants The 10K course starts at Boutwell Auditorium and winds through the very flat part of downtown and heads out towards the rolling hills of Historical Birmingham. Runners head up to Highland Avenue as they overlook the golf course. The course winds past the stately homes of Highland Avenue, then takes a final turn onto 20th Street, racing downhill, beneath the majestic buildings of downtown to the finish line at Linn Park and the post race ceremony inside Boutwell Auditorium.
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RRCA Jerry Little Memorial Journalism Awards Marlene Atwood, Chair atfedwood@msn.com The RRCA Journalism Awards Committee is pleased to announce the 2006 winners of the Jerry Little Memorial Journalism Awards and the RRCA Journalistic Excellence Award. Committee members include: Marlene Atwood, Chair and previous National Medium Sized Newsletter Award winner; Janet Dixon, Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers; Gail Kislevitz, 2006 Journalism Excellence winner, and Amby Burfoot, Senior Writer, Runners World Magazine. A special thanks to the committee for their time and expertise in judging these awards. The winners are: Small/Medium Club Newsletter Award ! “Stridelines” - Miriam Terc, editor - Houston Striders Houston, TX Large Club Newsletter Award ! “On the Fly” - Liz Call, editor - New York Flyers - New York, NY Inaugural Electronic Newsletter Award ! “News Run” - Sandy Walton, editor - Maine Track Club Portland, ME Club Writer Award ! Michael Shafai - Pikes Peak Road Runners - Colorado Springs, CO Journalistic Excellence ! Jonathon Beverly - Running Times Magazine We would also like to congratulate the following regional winners who competed in the national competition: Club Newsletter: ! Star City Striders, Roanoke, VA – Footsteps ! Pamakid Runners, San Francisco -Soonar Soundings ! North Carolina Road Runners, Raleigh, NC - Running Account ! Loma Linda Lopers, Loma Linda, CA - Lopergram ! Pensacola Runners Association, Pensacola, FL Rundown ! East Bay Frontrunners & Walkers, Berkeley, CA - Up Front Club Writers: ! Karen Vessy, Fredericksburg, VA - Fredericksburg Area Running Club ! Ron Macksoud, Birmingham, AL, Birmingham Track Club Journalism Excellence: ! Jim Hage – DC Road Runners Club, Washington Post
SMALL CLUB (Small/Medium combined in 2006) ! 2006 - “Stridelines”, Houston Striders, Houston, TX ! 2005 - "Legacy", Peachtree City Running Club, Peachtree City, GA ! 2004 - The Road Runner, Chattahoochee Road Runners Club, GA ! 2003 - Soonar Soundings, Pamakid Running Club, CA ! 2002 - Footprints, Southern Colorado Runners Club, Pueblo, CO ! 2001 - In Passing, Second Wind Running Club, IL ! 2000 - Stridelines, Houston Striders, Kristin Bucher, TX ! 1999 - In Passing, Second Wind Running Club, Dave Scott, IL ! 1998 - After The Run, High Desert Wind Runners, Jean Gallegos, NM ! 1997 - Footprints, Southern Colorado Runners Club, Gary Franchi, CO ! 1996 - Arkansas Runner, Saline County Striders, Gary Ballard and Pete Ireland (Editors), AR ! 1995 - Footprints, Southern Colorado Runners Club, Gary Franchi (Editor), Pueblo, CO ! 1994 - Runnin' On, Asheville Track Club, Jim Curwen (Editor), Asheville, NC ! 1993 - White Mountain Milers Newsletter, White Mountain Milers, Roger Marcoux, NH ! 1992 - Newsmakers, Bradenton Runners Club, Owen Heatwole, FL ! 1991 - Coastal Runner, Wilmington Roadrunners Club, David Stubbs, NC ! 1990 - Willimantic Athletic Club, Willamantic, CT ! 1989 - In Passing, Second Wind Running Club, Lezli Austen, IL ! 1988 - The Pacesetter, Greater Fort Lauderdale Runners Club, FL ! 1987 - Stride Right, Florida Striders Track Club, Glen Becker, FL ! 1986 - Soonar Soundings, Pamakid Running Club, John Medinger, CA MEDIUM CLUB ! 2005 - “News Run”, Maine Track Club, Portland, ME ! 2004 - RTC News, Rochester Track Club, MN ! 2003 - Stridelines, Houston Striders, TX ! 2002 - The Footprint, Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers, TX ! 2001 - Albuquerque Road Runners, NM ! 2000 - Inside Track, Fort Wayne Track Club, Linda Ianucilli, IN ! 1999 - Florida Track Club Newsletter, Florida Track Club, Laura Howard, FL ! 1998 - The Road Runner, Chattahoochee Road Runners Club, Marlene Atwood, GA ! 1997 - Starting Lines, Greater Lowell Road Runners, Laura Lapierre, MA ! 1996 - Second Wind, Montgomery Track and Running Club, Ron Macksoud and Alesa Ryals (Editors), AL ! 1995 - Running Briefs, Bloomsday Road Runners Club, Joan Pribnow (Editor), Spokane, WA ! 1994 - Footprints, Houston Area Road Runners Association, Jerry Smith (Editor), Houston, TX ! 1993 - Starting Lines, Greater Lowell Road Runners, Dave Camire, MA
History - Jerry Little Journalism Award Winners Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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LARGE CLUB ! 2006 - “On the Fly” - Liz Call, editor - New York Flyers - New York, NY ! 2005 - "Footnotes", Knoxville Track Club, Knoxville, TN ! 2004 - Footprints, Toledo Road Runners Club, OH ! 2003 - Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running Club, CA ! 2002 - San Diego Running, San Diego Track Club, CA ! 2001 - Footnotes, Knoxville Track Club, TN ! 2000 - The Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running Club, David Creek, CA ! 1999 - Oregon Distance Runner, Oregon Road Runners Club, Lani Johnson, OR ! 1998 - Footprints, Houston Area Road Runners Association, Jerry Smith, TX ! 1997 - The Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running Club, Cynci Calvin, CA ! 1996 - The Rundown, Montgomery County Road Runners Club, Kari Keaton (Managing Editor), MD ! 1995 - The Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running Club, Cynci Calvin (Editor), Sacramento, CA ! 1994 - FootNotes, Knoxville Track Club, Michael deLisle (Editor), Knoxville, TN ! 1993 - The Oregon Distance Runner, Oregon Road Runners Club, Mary Smith, OR ! 1992 - The Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running Club, Laura Kulsik/Carol Parise, CA ! 1991 - The Wingfoot, Atlanta Track Club, Penny Kaiser, GA ! 1990 - The Rundown, Montgomery County Road Runners Club, Bob Dilorio, MD ! 1989 - The Track Time News, St. Louis Track Club, Dawn Mayer, MO ! 1988 - FootNotes, Knoxville Track Club, Patti Smith, TN ! 1987 - The Rundown, Montgomery County Road Runners Club, Mark Ciamarra, MD ! 1986 - Master Pieces, Mid-America Masters, Russ Niemi, KS ! 1985 - Arizona Road Racer, Arizona Road Racers, Amos Childers, AZ ! 1984 - Baltimore RRC Newsletter, Baltimore Road Runners Club, Allan Field, MD ! 1983 - Minnesota Distance Runner, Minnesota Distance Running Association, Jim Ferstle, MN ! 1982 - The Pace Setter, Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club, Donald Wilken, NY ! 1981 - HTC News, Huntsville Track Club, Harold & Louise Tinsley, AL ! 1981 - New York Road Running News, New York Road Runners, Merle Myerson, NY ! 1981 - Tracking, Kansas City Track Club, Judy Scammon, KS CLUB WRITER This award recognizes top club writers. The articles should be about running and should be memorable, creative and evocative. ! 2006 - Michael Shafai - Pikes Peak Road Runners Colorado Springs, CO ! 2005 - Wilma DePiore, Youngstown Road Runners, Youngstown, OH ! 2004 - Laura Kulsik Yasso, Lehigh Valley Road Runners, PA Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
! 2003 - Michael Selman, Chattahoochee Road Runners Club, GA ! 2002 - Jeff Recker, Mesa-Monument Striders, Grand Junction, CO ! 2001 - Mike Doyle, Maine Track Club, ME ! 2000 - Michael Musca, Maine Track Club, ME ! 1999 - Dave O'Brien, Badgerland Striders, WI ! 1998 - John Farrow, Albuquerque Road Runners, NM ! 1997 - Bob Kopac, Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club, NY ! 1996 - Bernie Greene, writing in The Rundown, Montgomery County Road Runners Club, MD ! 1995 - Timothy Martin, writing in Six Rivers Newsletter, Six Rivers Running Club, Arcata, CA ! 1994 - Michael deLisle, writing in FootNotes, Knoxville Track Club, Knoxville, TN ! 1993 - Don Herres, Finger Lakes Runners Club, NY ! 1992 - Sam Pizzigatti, Montgomery County Road Runners Club, MD ! 1991 - Reid Champagne, Atlanta Track Club, GA JOURNALISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD This award, created in 1974, is given to a professional writer who has made the most notable contribution to the literature of distance running. 2006 - Jonathon Beverly 2005 - Gail Kislevitz 2004 - Weldon and Robert Johnson, letsrun.com 2003 - Joe Henderson 2002 - John Brant 2001 - George Hirsch, Runner's World 2000 - John Bingham 1999 - Ryan Lamppa 1998 - Richard Benyo 1997 - Joe Concannon 1996 - Joe Henderson 1995 - Tom Derderian, Boston Marathon 1994 - Jim Ferstle, St. Paul, MN 1993 - Toni Reavis 1992 - Owen Anderson 1991 - Jeff Galloway 1990 - Paul Christman 1989 - Dr. Kenneth Cooper 1988 - John Parker 1987 - Phil Stewart 1986 - Marlene Cimons 1985 - Ed Ayers and Don Kardong 1984 - Bert and Cordner Nelson 1983 - Mark Bloom 1982 - Eric Olsen 1981 - Amby Burfoot 1980 - Hal Higdon 1979 - Kenny Moore 1978 - Joe Henderson 1977 - James Fixx 1976 - Joan Ullyot 1975 - George Sheehan 1974 - John Chodes
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RRCA National Volunteer Certificate Awardees The success of the RRCA and its clubs and events is based on volunteerism. Since its inception in 1958, the RRCA has relied on the spirit of volunteers to carry out programs, find sponsors, hand out water, work finish lines and many other necessary and important tasks. It is in recognition of these volunteers that the RRCA developed the Volunteer Award Certificates. Without volunteers our clubs and events would not be as successful at promoting grassroots running. The RRCA would like to congratulate the following individuals for 2000 hours of service to their clubs over the years. CENTRAL REGION: Anthony Parish -Youngstown Road Runners Carolyn DeChristofaro - Youngstown Road Runners J.R. Timcisko - Youngstown Road Runners EASTERN REGION: ! Keith Hoy - River City Runners Club ! John Huelse - River City Runners Club ! Kathleen Daly - Rockland Road Runners ! Lawrence Wolf - Rockland Road Runners ! Alison and Brian Luscher - Rockland Road Runners ! Mr. John Weitz - Freehold Area Running Club ! Mr. Don Spadola - Freehold Area Running Club SOUTHERN REGION: ! George Martin - Peachtree City Run Club ! Teri Besch - Peachtree City Run Club ! Carolyn Gulick - Peachtree City Run Club ! Lee Baughman - Houston Striders ! Pam Paling - Houston Striders ! Lisa Ruthven - Houston Striders ! Herb Dykes - Wilmington Road Runners ! Charles Alden - Carolina Godiva Track Club ! Jim Clabuesch - Carolina Godiva Track Club ! Carolyn Huettel - Carolina Godiva Track Club ! Tim Vinson - Florida Track Club ! Cynthia Brochu - Florida Track Club ! James Salvo - Florida Track Club ! Esther Van Duzee - Bradenton Runners Club ! Rae Ann Darling Reed - Bradenton Runners Club ! Ben Dillon - North Carolina Roadrunners ! Eric Johnson - North Carolina Roadrunners ! Elizabeth Aiken - North Carolina Roadrunners ! Anne Cassara - Augusta Striders ! Elaine Cornwell - Carpet Capital Running Club ! Woody Cornwell - Carpet Capital Running Club ! Brad DeLay - Carpet Capital Running Club ! Brian Luedtke - Columbus Track Club ! Karen Hurley - Columbus Track Club ! Dr. Ed Lopez - Columbus Track Club ! Johnny Buice - Douglas County Rogue Runners ! Alicia Milner - Douglas County Rogue Runners ! Amy Koenders - Douglas County Rogue Runners ! Ken Carr - Emerald City Fitness Club ! John McCusker - Foothills Running Club ! Lea King - Golden Isles Track Club ! Chris Connolly - Golden Isles Track Club ! Mike Tennent - Golden Isles Track Club Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
Gail Johnson - Rome Runners Club Donna Blackburn - Rome Runners Club CW Wilson - South Fulton Running Partners JT Franks - South Fulton Running Partners Bobby Sasberry - South Fulton Running Partners Ken Wright - Northwest Florida Track Club Marie Spayde - Northwest Florida Track Club John Spayde - Northwest Florida Track Club
WESTERN REGION: ! Mary Cooper - San Luis Distance Club ! Nancy Steinmaus - San Luis Distance Club ! Neil Wilcox - San Luis Distance Club ! Michael Baumann - Visalia Runners ! Craig Wheaton - Visalia Runners ! Bobby Coburn - Visalia Runners ! Deana Coburn - Visalia Runners ! Pam Harder - Yellowstone Rim Runners ! Deirdre Schafnitz - Yellowstone Rim Runners ! Wayne Not Afraid - Yellowstone Rim Runners ! Todd Condelario - Casper Windy City Striders ! Pete Zellner - Casper Windy City Striders ! Paul Sorenson - Casper Windy City Striders ! Diane Bemrose - Oregon Road Runners Club ! Dick Bemrose - Oregon Road Runners Club ! George Sacco - DSE Runners ! John Blankenship - DSE Runners ! Victor Nemudrov - Albuquerque Road Runners ! Kennalee Nemudrov - Albuquerque Road Runners ! Larry Mounger - Albuquerque Road Runners
Columbus Track Club, GA – National Volunteer Certificate Recipients
RRCA Website Awards Warren Finke, Chair webmaster@rrca.org Large Club Capital Striders - http://www.capitalstriders.org - Des Moines, IA Small/Medium Club Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders - http://www.LMJS.org Oakland, CA
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Road Runners Club of America State Representatives
State Rep Working Group (SRWG) Roster State Representative of the Year State Rep Annual Reports
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Road Runners Club of America State Rep Working Group (SRWG) The SRWG is a group of state representatives representing the eastern, central, southern, and western regions of the country. Together with their regional directors, they meet quarterly to discuss issues, upcoming initiatives, state rep training and mentoring, and various other topics. The SRWG serves in an advisory capacity and assists the national office in helping carry out initiatives. State reps should feel free to contact any member of this group with ideas or concerns.
Marlene Atwood, Georgia State Rep – Chair atfedwood@msn.com David Cotter, Nevada/N. California State Rep nevadastaterrcarep@sbcglobal.net Phil Lang, Maryland State Rep staterep@mdrrca.org Gary Morgan, Michigan State Rep morgansden@yahoo.com John Devitt, Montana State Rep Jdevitt144@aol.com
Advisors: Central Director Beth Onines Eastern Director Brent Ayer Southern Director Ken Bendy Western Director Lisa Paige Jean Knaack, Executive Director
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Ron Macksoud 2006 RRCA Outstanding State Representative of the Year Bee McLeod, Chair
! Personally represented the Regional Director at two Regional Championships and attended every championship throughout the state. ! Ten Championships are currently scheduled for 2007 including a National and two Regional Championships.
president@rrca.org Nomination by Ken Bendy: It is with great pleasure that I submit Alabama State Rep Ron Macksoud as the Southern Region’s selectee for the RRCA 2006 Outstanding State Representative Award. Ron is an extremely active state representative who thoroughly enjoys his RRCA volunteer role and considers it an honor. Ron hit the ground running when he was appointed Alabama State Rep in 2003 and has set the standards for other state reps to emulate as evidenced by the following accomplishments and accolades: RRCA ACTIVITIES: ! Attended and actively participated in eight RRCA Conventions. ! Wrote an article entitled “2005 RRCA Convention A to Z” for the RRCA’s Publication “FOOTNOTES”. ! Attended the RRCA 2006 Southern Region Meeting in Peachtree City, GA. ! Selected to chair the RRCA National Road Race of the Year Awards Committee. ! Selected as the Southern Region’s Outstanding State Representative in 2004, 2005 and 2006. ! Selected as the Southern Region’s nominee for the 2006 Club Writer national awards competition. COMMUNICATIONS/CONTACTS: ! Produced and e-mailed six Alabama State Rep Newsletters during the year. ! Followed up on all information sent from the national office to insure all club received and understood it. ! Regularly communicated with his clubs via email, phone calls and met in-person with the presidents of seven Alabama clubs. ! Expanded his list of club contacts to not only include presidents, but other officers and contacts given to him by the presidents. ! Responded to inquiries from clubs in a timely and informative manner. ! Actively promoted the RRCA Web site, including FOOTNOTES, as well as the RRCA Convention, Run at Work Day, and issued reminders about membership renewals. CHAMPIONSHIPS: ! Extremely proactive in promoting and selling the program to Alabama clubs. Ron is the “Champion of Championships”. ! Alabama led the nation in the number of RRCA State and Regional Championships with a total number of 12. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
CLUB/RUNNING ACTIVITIES AND HONORS: ! Editor of the Montgomery Track & Running Club’s bimonthly newsletter, Second Wind. ! Club public relations coordinator-interfaces with club members, local running stores and the media. ! Recruited several new club members and was instrumental in a large number of club membership renewals. ! Volunteered at numerous club races attended the vast majority of club meetings. ! Chaired the prize committee for the club's annual Christmas Party. Ran over 20 races this year. Formed the "Shakers”, a group that not only provides running motivation and inspiration, but also created strong, genuine, and enduring friendships. ! Co-editor of Club RRCA Southern Region’s Best Small Club editor in 1995 and 1996 newsletter. The newsletter was also awarded the RRCA Best Small Club Newsletter in 1996. ! Club newsletter received Regional Honorable Mention six times with Ron as editor. There is no finer State Rep than Ron Macksoud! He has my strongest possible endorsement and recommendation for the 2006 Outstanding State Rep of the Year honor. Selection Committee: Bee McLeod (chair); David Cotter (2003 State Rep of the Year award winner and State Rep for Northern California and Nevada ), Tom Fort (Delaware State Rep and past RRCA Secretary Treasurer)
Previous State Reps of the Year 2006
Ron Macksoud
2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984
Joan Davis Hawaii John Devitt Montana David Cotter N. Cal/NV Lisa Paige Colorado George Rehmet California Marlene Atwood Georgia Ken Bendy Florida Scott Christopher Louisiana Don Still Arkansas Joanne Smith Pennsylvania Beverly Coville Georgia Laura Kulsik California Yvonne Lee Louisiana David Harrison Virginia David Samuel Arkansas Judy Tillapaugh Indiana Freddi Carlip Pennsylvania Stan Rosenfield California Bill Marable South Carolina Carl Johnson North Carolina John Sissala Maryland Al Becken Texas
Alabama
Southern
Western Western Western Western Western Southern Southern Southern Southern Eastern Southern Western Southern Eastern Southern Central Eastern Western Southern Southern Eastern Southern
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Ron Macksoud State Rep - Alabama Ron.Macksoud@dir.alabama.gov
RRCA CHAMPIONSHIPS: Alabama led the nation in the number of RRCA Championships in 2006 with 12, including two Southern Regionals for the 5K and 10K. State Championships were held for the following distances: 5Mile, Marathon, 5K, 15K, 10-Mile, 6K, 2-Mile, 10K, 1-Mile, and Half Marathon. I ran in six of the championships, including both regionals, and attended another. Eleven RRCA championships have been scheduled for 2007, so far, including the RRCA National 10K Championship and Southern Regionals for the 5-Mile and 15K. State Championship distances awarded for 2007 are: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 15K, 5K, 1-Mile, 8K, and 10-Mile. By researching Alabama RRCA club race calendars, I have been very proactive in encouraging Alabama RRCA clubs to host championships by contacting them and suggesting that a bid be made for a particular race. I also have done my best to rotate championships among the clubs to try to provide variety to the championship schedule and not have the same clubs and events serving as hosts year after year. Only two events from 2006 are again serving as state championships in 2007. COMMUNICATIONS/CONTACTS: I sent out five e-mail Alabama State Rep newsletters during 2006 and forwarded information from the national office when I deemed it appropriate. I also sent out occasional e-mail reminders not in newsletter form and responded to questions sent to me by e-mail. Within my communications, I have promoted the RRCA Web site, including FOOTNOTES, as well as the RRCA Convention, Run at Work Day, and reminders about membership renewals. I met in-person with the presidents of eight Alabama clubs and talked to a few by telephone during the year. I attended the Anniston Runners Club awards banquet. I have expanded my list of club contacts to not only include presidents, but other officers and contacts given to me by the presidents. I feel I have done an excellent job of making myself "visible" among my clubs and they definitely know that I am an active state representative who greatly enjoys my RRCA volunteer role and considers it an honor. OTHER RRCA ACTIVITIES: I attended the 2006 RRCA Convention in Houston and ran in the RRCA National 10K Championship held in conjunction with the event. I also attended the RRCA Southern Regional Meeting in Peachtree City, Georgia and ran the RRCA 15K Southern Region Championship the same day. The National RRCA Office selected me to chair the committee to select ROAD RACE OF THE YEAR, a new national award category. This RRCA Convention in Chicago marks my fifth consecutive convention and is the ninth in the past 12 years. CLUB DUTIES: I am the editor of the Montgomery Track & Running Club print newsletter, Second Wind. I put together six issues a year, almost single-handedly, including taking many of the photos, contributing a column called In the Flash, compiling race results and race calendars, soliciting original articles from club members, coordination with the printer, and getting the newsletters mailed out after labeling them and putting on the stamps. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
As the club public relations coordinator, I send out e-mail reminders to club members regarding various activities and contact the local media to help in publicizing club races. I have recruited a couple of new club members and was instrumental in a large number of club membership renewals. I worked as a volunteer at three club races this year and attended nearly every club meeting. I am in charge of the prize giveaways during the club's annual Christmas Party. PERSONALLY SPEAKING: I was honored to be selected 2006 Southern Region and National State Representative of the Year, as well as Southern Region Club Writer of the Year. I ran 23 races in 2006, including my longest career distances of 8.2 miles and 15K. I also ran in my first marathon, albeit, as part of a five-person relay team. I ran a 10K leg. I am especially proud of my continuing association with a running group I formed about two years ago called the "Shakers," consisting of myself and five others. It is a group that provides not only running motivation and inspiration, but also, strong, genuine, and enduring friendships.
Steve Bainbridge State Rep - Alaska runner49@alaska.net
Greeting from the State of Alaska! This is a totally amazing state… with an area of over 570,000 square miles and a population of only 621,000 people! At one point in time {before the Governor made a proclamation to have Alaska’s time zones “consolidated” into one}, the State of Alaska encompassed four time zones. And it is not an easy drive to get across all the time zones. Roads in Alaska are few and far between. Planes are the favored method of transportation to get to and from most of Alaska’s “cities”. A person cannot drive to Juneau, the State capital, and home of the Southeast Road Runners. And it is impossible to drive to Prince of Wales Island or Ketchikan, the home of the Prince of Wales Runners Club and the Ketchikan Running Club. Ferries and airplanes are the only way in and out of these Southeast communities. In total, there are 8 RRCA clubs in Alaska, representing over 1100 members. Two of Alaska’s clubs are “event clubs”, the 5-Miler for Men’s Cancer Research and the Alaska Run for Women. These are events that take place in Anchorage, the State’s largest city. The Anchorage Running Club is also an RRCA member, as well as the “Valley Women’s Running Team, which calls Wasilla, Alaska its home. At the northern end of the state, near latitude 64, lies Fairbanks, Alaska, home of “Running Club North”, which features a year-round calendar of running and snowshoe events, including the famous Equinox Marathon, a wonderful trail marathon which may not be a Boston Qualifier, but can’t be beat for the awesome views and friendly folks. So come on up to Alaska for a visit … whether to run under the “midnight sun” in the months of June and July, or to run under the northern lights in the months of December Page - 40
and January, where you might be one of the lucky ones to experience a “convergence”, where the Celsius and Fahrenheit scales come together {at 40 below}. Definitely something that you will never forget!
Steve Feld State Rep - Arizona slfsvt@theriver.com The Southern Arizona Roadrunners, based in Tucson, hosted their annual Grand Prix season for 2006. This season, 10 local SAR and "SAR good neighbor" races comprised the Grand Prix schedule. The distances included two 5K cross-country races, a 5K road race, two 8K road races, two 10K road races, an 8 mile road race, a 10 mile road race, and either a half-marathon or marathon.
I talked with all club presidents, either by phone, or in person in 2006. We also acquired the domain name arkansasrrca.com for our website. People can still go to www.arkrrca.com as well. Our website and message board are second to none! We will have our Grand Prix Awards Ceremony on Feb. 17, after the River Trail 15K. We also have our induction ceremonies for the Arkansas Road Runners Hall of Fame at that time. I attended the 2006 National RRCA Convention, and look forward to attending the 2007 as well!!
James O’Donnell State Rep – Central California
Challenges that SAR faced this year included:
JamesOD@aol.com
! Updating the club's mission statement and vision statement to better encompass the local running/racing community. ! Also update the club By-Laws to better fit present day communication methods to and from the general membership. ! Make better use of the club's website in providing training info, social interactions, local running events (including non-club events), fund raising, and volunteer recognition. ! Improve club events in answer to the challenges raised by recently emerging professional race companies. ! Continue to improve and update the equipment and/or software used to time/record/score events. ! Improve/update the current race director's event guidelines for both SAR events and "SAR good neighbor" events.
Chicago is the seventh consecutive RRCA convention I have attended.
Kim Howard State Rep - Arkansas arkrrca@yahoo.com 2006 was the 25th running of the Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series! We had an increase of over 40 runners this year. 240 runners participated in the 2006 Arkansas RRCA Grand Prix Series!! We had 17 races in the Series, with 9 State Championship Races, including the National and Regional 10K Cross Country Championship at the Chile Pepper 10K in Fayetteville! Ken Bendy attended and handed out the National and Regional Awards! We will have 20 races in 2007 with 10 being State Championship Races! We had our State Meeting in November after the Spa 10k in Hot Springs. We gave out over $200 in gift certificates, shorts, hats, gloves, etc. We also gave out $500 in cash! All attendees received a Tyvek Jacket as well! Don Potter also gave a course certification to 10 persons afterwards.
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
The most significant development in my area over the past two years has been RRCA’s involvement with the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon & 5K produced by the Pamakid Runners Club. I coordinated all aspects of RRCA’s involvement with this race. For additional details, see the Western Region Report in the March 1, 2007 issue of FOOTNOTES. I worked with the Pamakids to facilitate the race becoming the RRCA California Half Marathon Championship in 2006 and the Western Region Half Marathon Championship in 2007. With over 9,300 registered runners for the 2007 edition of the event, the race has proven to be an excellent partnership between the RRCA and the Pamakids. This year, RRCA and the Pamakids shared a 10’ x 20’ post-race expo tent where large numbers of race participants stopped by to pick up literature and receive referrals to RRCA clubs and events. Thanks to Northern California/Nevada State Rep. David Cotter and Western Region Director Lisa Paige for attending and assisting with this year’s race. Thanks, too, to Len Goldman of the Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders, former Central California State Rep. George Rehmet, and other running club volunteers for helping out with the expo booth. Following the race, eleven of us gathered for an informal state meeting overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Golden Gate Park’s Beach Chalet. 2006 RRCA Championships in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area Included: National Championship ! Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon California State Championships ! Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon ! Martinez Luka Sekulich Brickyard 8 Mile ! Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon ! Hook & Ladder 10K Page - 41
2006 Additional Accomplishments included: ! Secured Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon (& 5K) as RRCA 2007 Western Region Half Marathon Championship. ! Served on 2006 RRCA Road Race of the Year Selection Committee. ! Grew number of California events listed on RRCA Event Calendar to close to 100 listings at any given time. ! Obtained a variety of items from San Francisco Bay Area clubs and events for the State Rep. Silent Auction at the 2006 convention. ! Volunteered at several RRCA events, including The Lake Tahoe Marathon, where I performed the finish line announcing once again. 2007 RRCA Championships in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area: National Championship ! Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon Western Region Championship ! Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon California State Championships ! Martinez Luka Sekulich Brickyard 8 Mile ! Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon ! Hook & Ladder 10K (expected; awaiting application) Goals for 2007 ! Find a new California (Central/SF Bay Area) State Rep. to replace me! I’ve enjoyed serving as State Rep, but it’s time to cut back on volunteer activities. ! Work with clubs to determine whether to go forward with a bid for an RRCA San Francisco Convention. ! Get clubs to add all their officers to the RRCA email list. ! Continue to grow the number of California events listed on the RRCA Event Calendar. Congratulations to the RRCA National Award winners from the Greater San Francisco Bay Area: ! Len Goldman, Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders - Scott Hamilton Outstanding Club President ! Janet Nissenson, Dolphin South End (DSE) Runners – Rod Steele Outstanding Volunteer ! Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders – Small/Medium Club Web Site Thanks to Georgia State Rep. Marlene Atwood and the staff at the Atlanta Track Club, who provided assistance and guidance for a 5K run I produced in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park this past year.
David Cotter State Rep – N. California/Nevada tahoedwc@sbcglobal.net
I had the pleasure of working with five potential new RRCA Clubs during the past year; two in Nevada, and three in Northern California. One Northern California club joined the RRCA with an additional club in the works. Our newest Nevada event club, the Nevada Wide Open Marathon de Mayo was recently awarded as the 2007 RRCA Nevada State Marathon Championship. I was able to visit five of my clubs during the past year and attended 14 RRCA events. We also hosted one RRCA Nevada State Championship (Escape from Prison Hill Trail ½ Marathon), one RRCA Western Regional Championship (Lake Tahoe Kokanee ½ Marathon Trail Run), and the 2006 RRCA National Ultra Championship (Tahoe Rim Trail 50K Endurance Run). We were also very honored to host RRCA President Bee McLeod at the Tahoe Rim Trail 50K/50M/100M Endurance Runs and Western Regional Director Lisa Paige at Lake Tahoe Kokanee ½ Marathon Trail Run. I have also continued to actively participate in many RRCA programs including, but not limited to: ! Participating on the Outstanding State Rep of the Year selection panel and developed draft selection criteria for that award ! Serving as State Rep Working Group member ! Assisting in the planning and presentation of the State Rep Silent Auction at the National Convention ! Submitting nomination for Women’s Open Road Runner of the Year (the nominee was awarded) ! Continuing to stay in contact with the clubs I service in both Northern California and Nevada via primarily an electronic quarterly newsletter ! Encouraged my clubs to submit National award nominations for deserving members. ! Strongly promoting State, Regional and National Championships and advertised our National Championship in the 2005 RRCA Reports booklet (a great and economical way to advertise your RRCA event!) ! Serving as the Race Director for the Western Regional Half Marathon Championship and Co-RD for the RRCA National Ultra Distance Championship ! Staying in frequent contact with local area media to promote RRCA related running events and special activities ! Volunteering at several non-RRCA running events. One of these events became an RRCA club in 2006 ! Continuing to promote the clubs I serve to send at least one club member to the RRCA Convention. Four club sent representatives to the Houston convention ! Submitting RRCA related articles to some of my clubs for their newsletters ! Providing assistance to the Houston Striders during the early stages of their planning for the 2006 RRCA Convention
Hello from beautiful Lake Tahoe,
I had a great time at the 2006 RRCA National Convention in Houston (thank you Houston Striders!). I look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s convention in Chicago!
2006 was a busy and productive year for the RRCA in Nevada and Northern California.
Oh, and I got married!!! Life is good!
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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Norm Haines State Rep – S. California
http://www.wildwestrelay.com/. The second new Colorado club is Runuphill Racing whose tagline is “When in Doubt, Run Uphill”. The website is http://runuphillracing.com/.
I am happy to say that I am in my 11th year serving the Southern California area. Currently we have 28 clubs and continue to grow.
Championship activity is down somewhat, with only one state championship. But a regional trail marathon championship was added at the American Discovery Trail Marathon. This event is hosted by the Pikes Peak Road Runners in Colorado Springs, Colorado’s largest club.
ultranorm2004@yahoo.com
It has been a very successful year as we gained 3 new clubs, two of which I helped start. The Southern California region had one very successful State Championship, the High Desert 50K put on by the Over the Hill Track Club, Ridgecrest California. I continue to encourage the area clubs to put on championship races but have found that difficult because of the high numbers of runners required by Gatorade for their product. I hope that the RRCA can remedy this problem soon. To date, I have 3 Southern California Championship races scheduled for 2007. I continue to send out the S. California RRCA Newsletter on a monthly basis. The newsletter is emailed to all S. California RRCA Clubs. We have a non-member club list that also receives the newsletter. Several years ago I started the Southern California Yahoo Group site. It has been a great success, and now has 40 individual members. I post RRCA information on this site on a daily basis, or as needed. Since the RRCA has the annual Newsletter Contest, and the Western Region now has an Electronic Newsletter contest, it would be nice if the RRCA added a State Representative Newsletter contest to the awards agenda. The Convention in 2006 in Houston was a great one and hope the pattern continues. I am continuing to campaign for one of the Southern California clubs to host a National Convention and have hopes that in years to come we will achieve that goal. In 2007 I expect to have 4 or 5 championship races and plan on attending all. A goal for the New Year will be to make all the clubs aware of all the RRCA has to offer and the great benefit it is to be a member club.
Chris Vanoni [INCOMING] State Rep – Colorado m_c_vanoni@msn.com
Lisa Paige [OUTGOING] State Rep – Colorado runlpaige@yahoo.com
Colorado continues to add clubs at a steady rate. Two new clubs joined: Timberline Events and Runuphill Racing.
This year we lost a great supporter of running in Colorado and the Western Region. Marc Witkes collapsed during the Tucson Marathon and did not recover. Marc was instrumental in the recovery of one of the oldest clubs in Colorado, the Durango Motorless Transit. He was the president and an involved volunteer in many events. The Colorado clubs continue to offer some of the best adventure running in the United States: Leadville 100, Hardrock, Rim Rock Run, and the Pikes Peak Marathon are just a small sample. These events entail enormous effort securing land use permits from a variety of owners, both public and private. Members of the Colorado clubs are passionate about these races and virtually “do whatever it takes” to ensure production. As often as possible, the clubs readily display the RRCA logo on websites, race applications, and newsletters. On an annual basis, I remind the clubs that the State Rep role is a great way for someone to show leadership and volunteerism to all the Colorado clubs. At the end of 2006, I was approached by a long-time member of the Rocky Mountain Road Runners, Chris Vanoni, about becoming the Colorado State Rep. After some discussion, Chris has agreed to be the new Colorado State Rep. She will be attending her first convention as a State Rep in Chicago.
Beth Schluger State Rep - Connecticut No report filed
Tom Fort State Rep – Delaware t.h.fort@comcast.net
In an attempt to get more Delaware clubs to send delegates to the Annual RRCA Convention, the Delaware Sports Club offered a $500 grant to any Delaware club sending a delegate to this year’s convention. As of today, two clubs are committed to sending delegates and one other is still considering the offer. Not bad for a state with only four RRCA clubs. The Delaware clubs hold over 125 races each year, almost all on certified courses. Doug White, State Record Keeper, maintains age group, open and all-comers road race records for all distances from one mile to the marathon.
Timberline Events produces the Wild West Relay. The tagline is “Get Your Ass Over the Pass!” The website is Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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The Delaware Sports Club sponsors an annual Boston Bus for all Boston Marathon qualifiers and their guests. Other activities in Delaware include: an on-line race calendar at “races2run.com” sponsored by Marathon Sports and the Delaware Sport Club and another at “trisportsevents.com” sponsored by Tri-Sports Road Runners; Summer race series, cross-country and youth track by the Delaware Seashore Striders; mid-state races by both Tri-Sports Road Runners and the Downstate Striders and Riders; and another summer beach race series sponsored by the Delaware Sports Club.
volunteer award. Of course, next year’s goal is to see one worker from every North Florida club nominated for a volunteer award.
The Delaware State Rep was honored to serve on the “State Rep of the Year” selection team and to speak at the Downstate Striders and Riders annual Christmas dinner.
1. The shoes are large ones to fill. Fortunately, I’m not alone in this endeavor. When the opportunity comes to award a championship race, I have more-than-enough qualified events willing to step up to the plate. Susan Harmeling at Gasparilla Distance Classic not only was awarded the State 15-Kilometer Championship, but she twisted Ken’s arm and got the Southern Region Marathon Championship, to boot. Two championships in one weekend is a distance runner’s fantasy. I also have two other clubs on deck for the State 10K and 5K Championships, so it’s going to be a great 2007.
Michael Bowen State Rep – N. Florida
I’m thankful for the support of North Florida’s RRCA clubs, of Ken, Marlene, and Jessica up at the main office. 2006 has been a learning experience as the North Florida State Representative, with great challenges in 2007.
michael.s.bowen@gmail.com
Greetings from North Florida! I’m pleased to present my first report as state representative. For lack of a better title, I’m going to call this: “Top Five Reasons to Follow in the Footsteps of Ken Bendy.”
Don Nelson State Rep – S. Florida
5. There is always regular feedback on your website, e-mail announcement, newsletter or other outgoing communication. The first days, weeks, months (years?) of a state rep are fraught with peril, as I suddenly went from being a guy who supported one club to a guy who “had to know” all the answers for nearly three dozen clubs. Fortunately, Ken has been good in encouraging me in the next steps…checking to see whether the site “really” worked, calling to let me know when it didn’t, making certain I didn’t say anything too inflammatory, and so forth. My goal for next year is to directly contact each club, either in person or via phone call, at least once.
Greetings from the Conch Republic. Our Clubs are growing in membership, and we have 8 new clubs on the RRCA Roster for 2007. We were blessed with a inactive Hurricane season this summer and that gave many Clubs and races time to get back on track. Overall I think that participation is up 10 to 20% in most events and the numbers are still growing. Many races that had to be postponed or canceled in 05-06 season came back with good numbers of runners and walkers ready to race. With new clubs and event membership we are up to 29 RRCA clubs in South Florida. We have added a race walking Club, South Florida Race walkers, as a first to the RRCA. I think that most clubs and event now do include race walkers in one way or another and even Fitness Walkers in some. My goal has been to communicate in one way or another with all of these clubs. I rely mostly on e-mail, and have set up a link, on my clubs web page, share news between our South Florida clubs. I am pleased, that our Southern Region Director Ken Bendy, has maintained such a good website to share information between the southern clubs, and often refer clubs to Ken’s site for information as well as the updated RRCA Site
4. Most of the clubs in your state are active and relatively happy. This is partly due to last years’ quiet summer, which allowed us to revive courses and races that had to be cancelled, postponed or moved to a different location. For example, Pensacola Runners Association, my home club, ran the Florida State Championship 10K underneath a canopy of oaks on 12th Avenue after two disastrous, hurricane-filled summers. It’s also due to good leadership in the past. Since Ken lives part of the time in North Florida, it’s like having a second state representative. 3. There’s no lack of reading material in the mailbox…or the in-box. Most of North Florida’s clubs have great on-line and electronic newsletters. I get to see most of them at least once a month; sometimes the Postal Service lets me see them 35-to-40 times a month, but that’s another story. Next year I hope to encourage least three clubs to enter their web pages, as well as three club newsletters, in RRCA’s competition. 2. Familiar faces and names always pop up in the mail…or at area races, or running through water stations at Jacksonville. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least three North Florida club workers who are worthy of a Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Don.N@Juno.com
It was South Florida’s year for state Championships and in 2006, we had 2 RRCA Florida State Championship events scheduled. ! First was the Fire fighters 9-115K by the Gold Coast Runners. This year, the Florida Championship 5K was run September 10, 2006 with over 500 runners. It was well run and publicized, showing off the benefits of a well organized event. ! Next was the 5 Mile RRCA Florida State Championship, the Bradenton Runners Club’s 6th Annual Manatee River Run 5 Mile on December 30, 2006, With over 400 participants and a new female course record, this race once again shows the benefits of a well-organized organization and event. Look for this race again to be a championship event in 2007. Page - 44
Both of these events are run on old and traditional running routes that have great views, not to speak of the usually wonderful Florida climate. I still have clubs that have not responded to my letters or phone calls here in South Florida. Following their web sites I see they are still active but hard to get in touch with. There are also a few clubs that have not rejoined the RRCA. I hope they will see the benefits that the active clubs are getting and will communicate or join up again and continue the RRCA tradition in South Florida. I continue to run as many events as I can and will take a few trips to the mainland to meet with members of as many of our clubs as I can over the next year. With the number of clubs and the size of our area, I hope to have at least 2 get-togethers for SF Clubs, first being at the legendary Bradenton Runners Club Awards Banquet, February 10th, with RRCA Club President of 2006 Alan Meyer, presiding. I look forward, to seeing all of you at the National Convention, and enjoying the camaraderie of the most devoted runners and organizers in the country. Remember next winter when the wind blows cold we are waiting for you to come join us in the Caribbean breezes of South Florida, and the Conch Republic.
Marlene Atwood State Rep – Georgia atfedwood@msn.com 2006 proved to be a very exciting and busy year for the sport of running in Georgia. There were new clubs, new events and new faces in club leadership. Some of the highlights: New Clubs - In 2006 we acquired several new member clubs: the Diabetes Association of Atlanta, the Christian Runners of Roswell, and ING Georgia Marathon, Atlanta. We are pleased to welcome them to the family of RRCA Georgia Clubs. New Events – For many years, the Atlanta Marathon and Half Marathon were the only distance events in metro Atlanta. In 2006, we acquired two new event clubs – the ING Georgia Marathon and the Alpharetta Marathon, both scheduled for March 2007. Both offer half marathons. The Alpharetta Marathon has become our first RRCA Club Championship, offering RRCA Georgia Clubs “team” cash awards. The prizes are generous - $1,000 first place team, $750 second place, and $500 third place. Two sets of prizes are offered over both the marathon and half marathon categories for a total purse of $4,500. RRCA State Championships – In 2006, I recognized several championship races: 5K – Douglas County Rogue Runners Halloween Moonlight Run; 10K – Emerald City Fitness & Running Club’s Leprechaun Road Race; 7K – South Fulton Running Partners Sickle Road Race; 10 Mile – Carpet Capital Running Club’s Carpet Capital 10 Miler. New for 2007 is a 50K – “GUTS” Silver Comet 50K. I’m also proud Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
that these RRCA championship races serve as USATF Georgia Grand Prix Races along with two other RRCA events; the Peachtree City 15K Classic and the Atlanta Marathon. RRCA Convention, Houston – I was involved in several aspects of the convention, from chairing the RRCA National Journalism Awards Committee to publishing and soliciting advertising dollars for the RRCA Annual Reports Book, organizing the RRCA State Rep Silent Auction and organizing the State Rep Session. The State Rep Silent Auction was a first time event yielding over $3,000 in revenue. As always, the State of Georgia was well represented at the 2006 convention where our 2005 National RRCA Georgia Winners were honored: ! George Martin (Peachtree City Running Club), winner of the RRCA National Kurt Steiner Developmental Award ! RRCA National Small Newsletter winner - Peachtree City Running Club’s “Legacy” Newsletter ! In 2005 we had (6) RRCA National Volunteer Award winners. For 2006 we had (23) RRCA National Volunteer Award winners. This award is given to deserving club members who have cumulatively given over 2,000 of service to their clubs. ! We had several Georgia club members garnering honorable mentions at the regional level. RRCA Initiatives: ! I currently serve as chair of the RRCA State Rep Working Group committee. We meet quarterly and publish a newsletter quarterly. We are charged with assisting the national office with state level initiatives. ! 2006 RRCA National Run@Work Day – Georgia had a very successful event, engaging Atlanta City Council employees in a lunchtime Run@Work run. I was also successful in securing proclamations from both the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia – proclaiming September 22, 2006 RRCA National Run@Work Day in the state of Georgia. ! In October 2006, I attended the RRCA Regional State Rep Summit held in conjunction with the RRCA Regional 15K Championship in Peachtree City, Georgia. RRCA Southern Director Ken Bendy conducted the session which was attended by several southern region state reps. It was a very productive meeting. ! I continue to maintain my ASEP/RRCA coaching certification and coach close to 200 runners a year. This last summer, I added the USATF Level I coaching certification to my credentials. I would like to pursue USATF Level II certification in the future. I am also scheduled for RRCA Continuing Education for Certified Coaches at the convention. Miscellaneous: In 2006, I was fortunate to be elected USATF Georgia Association LDR Secretary. It will give me an opportunity to promote long distance running to a whole new audience. In August, I attended a very informative USATF Associations Workshop in Pittsburgh and the USATF National Convention in Indianapolis in December. I am an active USATF Certified Official, officiating at the high school and collegiate levels. Page - 45
2007 – A New Year: 2007 promises to be just as exciting and just as busy as 2006 was. I started out the year with a very successful first time “RRCA Georgia National Volunteer Appreciation Meeting”. I was very pleased to have twelve Georgia clubs in attendance, honoring (23) RRCA National Volunteer Award winners. Here’s wishing all my fellow state reps a very successful and productive year! I look forward to seeing everyone in the Windy City in March.
Joan Davis State Rep – Hawaii divavpr4@hotmail.com MPRRC begins the first day of the year with a 10K (6.2 miler). Most of the clubs now have settled into a normal routine and not many new changes with the event clubs. None of the neighbor island clubs had a booth at Honolulu Marathon Expo in December and I did not do my usual personal visit with them. In August, we begin our Marathon Series and it has now attracted over 1500-1700 participants. In October, I volunteered to be the Sweeper and the HONU (Turtle) at the Niketown 5k. This year, it had the largest number of participants (8000+), benefits a number of schools and has become a model for four Mainland cities (Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami, Denver) that recognize fitness for youth. In 2006, the running and sports community lost four notable athletes/referee (Adaline Crocker, Earl Galdeira, Erwin Jaskulski and Lionel Low). In Hawaii, a small majority of our athletes are now in their 80’s/90’s and still competing. Come join us in the Health State.
Vacant State Rep - Idaho No report
Jeff Aubert [INCOMING] State Rep - Illinois jeff_aubert@ajg.com
Sue Brown [INCOMING] State Rep - Indiana
Chris Burch State Rep – Iowa
cburch@desmoinesmarathon.com Greetings from the heartland! I am a member of Capital Striders, a running club in Des Moines, IA with more than 450 members. In April of 2006, I was given the opportunity to fill a vacant seat as the RRCA state representative for Iowa. We have 8 clubs in our state and just fewer than 3,000 members. My time with RRCA has allowed me to spend time behind the scenes at some of the club meetings, group training runs, annual banquets, races and expos in our state. I am proud to report that there are signs of a healthy running community statewide. We are enjoying a modest increase in the number of runners who are joining our clubs and who are signing up for races from their neighborhood fun runs to ultra marathons. I try to stay in touch with the member clubs in our state on a monthly basis to determine if they have any needs or questions regarding their membership. I enjoy keeping them informed of guidelines passed down from the national office and new services available to them through their membership. Highlights this past year have included: ! Volunteering at the finish line in Des Moines, IA on June 3rd at the 27th Annual Dam to Dam 20K Distance Classic as 3,530 athletes ran the early morning summer humidity. ! Meeting members of the Cornbelt Running Club and race organizers of the Bix 7 in Davenport, Iowa on July 29th and running with the 10,680 others who conquered the hills…yes, hills in Iowa. ! Promoting National Run@Work Day across the state on September 22nd, the same day our state hosted Dean Karnazes on his endurance challenge of conquering 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. ! Collaborating with the Capital Striders to increase their presence in the community during the IMT Des Moines Marathon on October 21st by hosting a booth at the Sports & Fitness Expo and water station along the course. ! Working with a group of passionate runners from Pella, IA in November who are interested in establishing their own running club and RRCA membership. I look forward to another year of state representation for Iowa and the member clubs of the RRCA. My goal is to work with each member club to further their awareness of the benefits available to them through RRCA.
Sue_Brown@juno.com
Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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John Haugh State Rep - Kansas
Mark Grandonico State Rep – Maine
No Report
It’s been a busy year up here in Vacationland. Runners have been enjoying the numerous road races and events sponsored by the Maine Running Clubs. In July we saw the return of the Paul Bunyan Marathon back from a 22 year retirement and 15k which drew 358 finishers on a hot July day in Bangor Maine. The TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10k in Cape Elizabeth Maine (Joanie’s Race), set a new record with 4,810 finishers, up over 500 from last year which makes it Maine’s largest road race.
kjgr@cox.net
Lisa Dahl State Rep – Kentucky ldahl@lexmark.com Highlights: ! Communicated with all member clubs by email and newsletter ! Attended the RRCA Annual Convention ! Promoted RRCA to Kentucky clubs and running community ! Supported Run to / at Work Day ! Served as the President of the BLUEgrass Runners of Lexington ! Led by example, participating in numerous races, including 8 marathons during the year (2006 best of 3:35) and the Derby Mini Marathon in costume ! Awarded 2005 Female Runner of the Year by BLUEgrass Runners of Lexington 2007 Goals: ! Communicate with all member clubs by email and newsletter ! Attend the RRCA Annual Convention ! Provide donations for silent auction ! Promote RRCA to Kentucky clubs and running community ! Produce a 3K in Lexington, the Shamrock Shuffle, to benefit the Pat Smith Endowment for Habitat for Humanity ! Participate in a variety of running events, within KY and around the country
Yvonne Lee Thomas State Rep – Louisiana ytrimassage@earthlink.net
Louisiana is off & running! The Louisiana RRCA Clubs are coming on board for an exciting ride in 2007. The state championships are filling up fast with commitments from the 5K to the 30K distances. Varsity Sports (a great running store in Baton Rouge) and Mockler Beverage, C.C. Lockwood (a nationally known photographer) are providing some overall awards. Many courses were changed due to storm damage & crowded roadways. Chuck George of NOTC is helping other clubs measure courses to comply with the state championship rules. We all plan to gather for a state meeting at the last State championship in Shreveport to give thanks and make plans for 2008. We spent 2006 remembering how life was and planning how it will be. Thank you, RRCA, for your kindness. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Grandm@maine.rr.com
The Maine Track Club had a successful experience with the Endurance 50. Dean Karnazes made the Maine Marathon is 31st in his successful quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states. The Maine Track Club supported and promoted the National Run at Work Day through its Newsletter and other promotional activities. The Maine Marathon donated $38,000 to the Maine “Winter Kids” program in December. Winter Kids is a charitable program which promotes healthy winter activities for kids in Maine. 5th, 6th and 7th graders may receive free ski passes for local ski areas as well as skating arenas. The SportShoe Center Maine Marathon/Half and Relay also had over 50 Army National Guard members running the marathon in full fatigue uniforms to pay tribute to 7 members of their ranks who have made the ultimate sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Maine Track Club and MEUSATF also joined forces to create the first Grand Prix series of races last year. The series was a great success. The races were well attended and the 2007 Grand Prix series is just about finalized.
Phil Lang State Rep – Maryland staterep@mdrrca.org First I would to like to thank the Club Presidents and clubs in Maryland for having me serve as the RRCA State Rep. Clubs working together helps the running community as a whole and the clubs in Maryland have been doing that for many years. Two series were established years ago. These series require and encourage participation from each of the clubs. The series also encourages club members to participate in other clubs events around the state. We feel all involved are benefiting. ! The Women’s Distance Festival Series consists of eleven RRCA club sponsored events in Maryland and Northern Virginia. To show that club members are making their way around the state I am happy to report that 67 different women participated in at least four of the eleven events in 2006. An awards party for those 67 Page - 47
women was held to celebrate women’s participation in the great sport of distance running. ! The other series is the Grand Prix Series. It consists of ten RRCA club sponsored events that varied in distance from the mile to the marathon. Over 2,000 members from various RRCA clubs competed in at least on these events. Individual standings are tracked as well as club team standings. We feel this has fostered a healthy sense of athletic competition among running clubs and individuals, while at the same time generating a sense of cohesion among athletes in the broad running community. Both of these series include many of the clubs in the area and the RRCA sponsored club events in the series are being enhanced by the attendance of various clubs members from around the state. A few RRCA State Championship events in Maryland proved to be top notch competitions in 2006 and I would like to thank the Frederick Marathon, the New Balance Jenny Smith Baltimore Women’s Classic 5k, the Queen City Striders for hosting the Great Alleghany Run 15k, the Cumberland Valley Athletic Club for hosting the John F. Kennedy 50 Mile Run and the Falls Road Running Club for hosting the Bay Café Labor Day 5k. Here’s to 2007 being even better!
John Goldenrosen State Rep – Massachusetts president@colonialrunners.org As of the end of 2006, there were 21 RRCA member organizations in Massachusetts (19 running clubs and two “event” members). Since becoming the Massachusetts State Representative in 2006, I have communicated with officers of the member clubs and attended several clubsponsored races to meet them in person. My goal for this year is to attend at least one race or club meeting for each club….hmmm, that might take me two years! Because of my listing on the RRCA website as the state contact person, I’ve also received and responded to telephone and email inquiries from individuals interested in joining local clubs, race directors and health professionals looking for assistance in promoting their events or services, and newspaper and magazine writers seeking information on running club activities and local running routes. As I write this, I’m in the process of trying to organize a Club Management Workshop to be held on a Saturday afternoon, at which club representatives would meet and exchange ideas on common problems and issues that face the clubs. It will also be an opportunity to gauge the level of interest among the clubs in designating RRCA state championships or developing inter-club competition. Over the past two years, I’ve helped one running club organize an annual “club marathon relay race” with 26 runners to a team, each running a mile on a high school track. It’s a competitive event for the clubs, but it also serves as a social event, and has the added benefit of Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
building camaraderie among each club’s participants. I’d like to encourage more of this type of event, in which the focus is on club or team competition, as a way of emphasizing the value of belonging to a running club.
Gary Morgan State Rep – Michigan morgansden@yahoo.com It’s been an exciting year in Michigan for road running. For the first time in history the Ann Arbor Track Club hosted the RRCA Central Region Half Marathon Championship with the running of the Dexter to Ann Arbor race. The Ann Arbor Track Club is bidding on the 2008 RRCA Central Region Half Marathon Championship again along with putting in a bid for the 2008 RRCA National Marathon Championship. The Grand Rapids convention and tourism bureau is putting in a bid for the 2008 RRCA National Convention with the help of the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo running clubs. This year two races here in Michigan celebrated their 30th birthdays. The Allen Park Street Fair race hosted by the Downriver Runners and the Crim Festival of Races hosted by the Riverbend Striders. I’ve been busy pacing and running races around the country. It’s always fun going to races and see what happens at other states races. I always try to learn things about races and seek new ideas to bring back to the Michigan race scene. I attended the USATF Associations workshop and the USATF Convention. These are great events to network at and learn new things. I was a USATF distance coach for a National Team that went to the NACAC(North American Central American and Caribbean) under 23 track and Field Championships. It was an awesome experience coaching young people. I’m also on the board with the Ann Arbor Track Club. Being an RRCA State Rep is a fantastic opportunity for me to promote running and a healthy lifestyle to anyone who wants to improve their life.
Kim Maxwell [INCOMING] State Rep - Minnesota Run25@earthlink.net
Joe Wirth [OUTGOING] State Rep – Minnesota jwwirth@comcast.net Runner’s Soul Running Club: August 19, 2006 - The third annual Guidant Heart of Summer 10k attracted top female runners from around the country. The Minneapolis event featured a women’s only race – the RRCA Women’s Page - 48
Distance Festival 10k – as well as a 10k run/walk and a 5k run/walk, both of which are co-ed races. Runners were drawn both by the flat, fast two-loop course around Lake Nokomis and the generous prize purse of $17,300 earmarked for the women’s race. As has become her custom, Katie McGregor of Team USA Minnesota made an early and unrelenting escape from the field. The St. Louis Park, Minnesota resident went to the lead from the gun, passing the mile mark in just under five minutes. Olympian and three-time national 5,000 meter track champion Marla Runyan of Eugene, Oregon followed a few seconds back. A large group of women gave chase, passing the mile in 5:12. McGregor cruised through the second lap of the course, crossing the line in 32:27, ten seconds off the course record she set last year. Runyan held on for second in 33:18. Runyan returned to Minneapolis in October winning the Twin Cities Marathon in a time of 2:32:15. Matthew Chesang, 24, of Manhattan, Kansas defended his title in the men’s 10k race. His 28:57 gave him the victory over Jason Lehmkuhle, 28, of Minneapolis. Lehmkuhle, another Team USA Minnesota athlete, stayed with the Kenyan-born Chesang until the final quarter mile. His time of 29:02 is the fastest 10k ever run by a Minnesotan on Minnesota roads. The Guidant Heart of Summer 10k was the RRCA and USATF10k state championship. It is hosted by the Runner’s Soul Running Club and is dedicated to the mission of educating women about the role of health and fitness in the prevention of heart disease.
Denise Longino State Rep – Mississippi dlongino@cableone.net
This past year has seen a better line of communication on my part with my clubs in the state. Mississippi is having a marked increase in race participation. We have State Championships and look forward to participating in the 50 state championship. I was able to be present at the State 5K and Marathon championships with 2 of our clubs. I was able to attend the RRCA convention in Houston and have tried to promote this convention with my clubs in the state. Personally, I have improved my running workouts since "Katrina" and have been race director for my school's 5k and 1 mile run as well as being the Vice-President of the Gulf Coast Running Club.
Karen Raymer [OUTGOING] State Rep – Missouri ksrdorunrun@att.net
The year of 2006 was a good one for Missouri. We added two new clubs to the RRCA family. The new clubs are Jeff City Road Runners Club (JCRR) and University City Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Memorial Day run. We now have a total of 16 clubs in the state of Missouri. In June, I held my annual state meeting, in conjunction with the Hospital Hill run. There were 3 clubs in attendance. Mid America Running Association has a very good Grand Prix circuit of races and there are many area runners that participate in the circuit. The Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon was held in October. The organizers have worked very hard the past 2 years to improve the event and there was a 30% increase in participation. It was mentioned in Marathonguide.com as one of the top 5 most improved marathons. St. Louis continues to have a successful marathon and now we have one on each side of the state. The St Louis marathon is in the spring and the Kansas City marathon is in the fall. Now, there is something for every marathoner! I will not be able to attend the 2007 RRCA convention, but I am sure that it will be a very good and informative convention. Since it is the 50th anniversary, I really hate to miss it, but keep up the good work.
John Devitt State Rep – Montana Jdevitt144@aol.com This is my fifteenth year as the Montana State Representative. We have again added two more clubs since last year raising the total to seven clubs: the Yellowstone Rim Runners, the Big Sky Wind Drinkers, Run Montana, Headwaters Relay event club, Children’s River Health Run event club, “Heart & Sole” event club, and the “Quality of Life” event club. I have been passing along to the key people in all of these clubs, along with some other key people involved on running in Montana, any information that comes to me about RRCA. I do this whether it has been sent to the clubs by someone else in the RRCA or not. I have made a very major effort to try and get club members to attend the convention. For 2006 to help promote “Run @ Work Day”, I started a program called “Running 101”, where my goal was to bring in people that haven’t run a step and get them fit enough to be able to run club run that we do weekly. It was a 50% success. The other half that came were not members but were looking for some coaching. The Big Sky Wind Drinkers hosted a Baghdad edition of the Bozeman Classic 10K State Championship. I requested sponsorship help from the Montana RRCA member clubs and got a good response. They had prepared for 400 runners in Iraq and 800 entered the race making it a very successful event. In 2006, we had four RRCA State Championship races. A 5K, 10K, 2mi. and a 5mi. Each of these events represent some of our highest quality (and largest) races in the State and will give a big boost to RRCA’s name recognition within the State. Page - 49
For 2007, we have four RRCA State Championship races on the agenda so far. For State Championship events, I allow a little more time than is required for regional and national events that are on a more rigid time frame for bidding. An RRCA state meeting plan is also in the works. I plan to attend the RRCA national convention in Chicago. I believe this is the single most important thing that I can do as a State Rep. I have been promoting donating to the convention’s silent auction as a way for the clubs to promote themselves and the State of Montana. Although I operate on a zero budget, I keep in contact via e-mail with my clubs and try to get to as many events of theirs as I can. They have been very supportive of my efforts. I plan to continue to work with my clubs throughout the year and continue to educate and provide information to the non-RRCA running groups, especially the Missoula Road & Track Club, and individuals in Montana (and outside Montana) and continue to work at giving RRCA a stronger presence in Montana.
Tom Whittaker State Rep – Nebraska lorraineandtom@cox.net This has been a very active and productive year for running in Nebraska. Our three RRCA clubs, the Lincoln Track Club, the Omaha Running Club and Admiral Jenny’s Fun Runners, had very active and productive years in 2006 presenting events and supporting their respective running communities. All are looking forward to continuing their support in 2007 with such events as the State Farm 10miler in Lincoln on March 31, the 30th Annual Lincoln National Guard Marathon and Half Marathon on May 6, the Boys and Girls Town 5-mile race in Omaha on Memorial Day, the NE5 RRCA State 5-mile Championship in Omaha on June 9, and the Omaha Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K on September 23. The Lincoln and Omaha clubs support a number of charity events and provide much useful running information through their websites and newsletters. If you are planning a visit to the Midwest during the year, check out the race calendar at www.lincolnrun.org or www.omaharun.org. There is always a good race any time of the year and we would be pleased to show you what we have to offer.
David Cotter State Rep – Nevada/N. California tahoedwc@sbcglobal.net
See report under California.
David Smith State Rep – New Hampshire No report.
David Demonico State Rep – New Jersey illhavethelot@aol.com No report.
Cecelia Niemczyk State Rep – New Mexico cniemczy@hotmail.com Running in New Mexico is as popular as ever in no small part due to the efforts of our 9 RRCA running clubs. The weather and terrain in our beautiful state is ideal for running and most outdoor activities almost all of the time. We are very fortunate to live here. We had one RRCA State Championship race in New Mexico this year and, once again, it was hosted by the Santa Fe Striders. Their Santa Fe Run Around, although somewhat smaller in attendance than in previous years, was still a success. As usual, it was a beautiful, scenic course in the high altitude city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The La Luz Trail Run, held in August, was also a huge success. This has become an extremely popular event and is filled to capacity (400 runners) very early on. There is always a waiting list to get into La Luz. This year a lottery system was used to select the lucky 400 runners. La Luz is hosted by New Mexico's largest RRCA club, the Albuquerque Road Runners Club. ARRC is a very active club hosting 4 runs throughout the year as well as monthly handicap runs, volunteer work in the community, and timing of other non ARRC runs. Roxie Miller is the current president of the club but will step down as president after this term. We are all hoping that we will have a president who is as dedicated to the club as Roxie is. The Women in Training Program for 2006 was another very successful undertaking by the ARRC. This is one of my favorite programs of the year because it helps to get women interested in running and walking, and in overall fitness. It is great to see the delight on the faces of the women after they have completed the Women's Distance Festival 5K at the end of the program. I had the pleasure, once again, of speaking to the women on the value of cross-training before one of the Saturday morning training sessions. I attended most of the weekly runs and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the progress of the participants. The new president of the Albuquerque Road Runners Club is Marcel Hesch. He has been involved in the New Mexico running scene for many years and will make an excellent
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president. Our former president, Roxie Miller, will remain involved in the club. I recently sent information to a person in Espanola, New Mexico who is interested in forming a running club in that small community in northern New Mexico. I have not yet heard back from him but am hoping that he does start another RRCA club. I will keep you informed. I continue to keep in contact with the RRCA clubs by e-mail a few times a year. Of course I have much greater and more frequent contact with ARRC since I am a member of that club and live in Albuquerque.
Heather Marcellis State Rep – New York Heather.Marcellis@ackerjablow.com 2006 was a busy time for New York runners. I was pleased to award RRCA State Championship race designations to a number of qualified and long tenured road races in the Empire State. Fathers everywhere ran to sign up for the Mule Haul 8K RRCA State Championship race held on Father’s Day, June 18th. A state championship race for many years running, it is sponsored by the Fulmont Roadrunners Club. (Jim Moore, Race Director). The Great Cow Harbor 10K RRCA State Championship race took place on September 3rd. One of the most prestigious and nationally ranked, this Long Island race boasted more than 5000 runners. Runners World named it one of the top 100 races in the country! (Jerry Wood, Race Director). November 11th was the Veteran’s Day 4K Cross Country RRCA State Championship Race. In its 27th year this Northport, NY race is entirely run on a golf course and the start is sounded with a cannon! Both scenic and spectator friendly, it also benefits a good cause. Race proceeds benefit the VA Medical Center to help promote patient recreation. (Northport Running Club). The New York Road Runners Club introduced a fantastic new event in August with its “NYC Half-Marathon Presented by Nike”. With over 10,000 runners in its inaugural year, it quickly became a local favorite and is already attracting top running professionals. This new 13.1 mile race entertained runners with live bands and bright neon lights, even on a Sunday morning! The route wound its way through famed Central Park exiting onto the busy city streets (spectacularly silenced for the exclusivity of the runners). It continued along the Hudson River and finally finished in lovely Battery Park City. Runners were treated to clowns, jugglers, and stilt walkers as they collected their medals and goody bags. (NYRR). The New York Flyers (my own running club) supplied an army of volunteers at Mile 18 of the ING NYC Marathon to hand out power gels to hungry runners. This is our third consecutive year manning the Powergel Station for the NYRR and has become one of the best events for our club. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
Even not running, you’re afforded a vicarious thrill of this great race while providing a great service to fellow runners. At this vantage point I was able to catch the elite runners whizzing by and even caught a glimmer of Lance Armstrong through his crowded entourage! I thought his presence in the marathon was terrific for our sport, as even this amazing 7-time Tour de France winner admitted to being humbled by the 26.2 mile experience. Great PR and a true testament to endurance running! Though garnering no yellow jerseys, I also mixed in a little cycling to my running regime this year. Most of the winter and spring were spent in preparation for a 3 week cycling trip through Eastern Europe. I ran the New Jersey Marathon in April which I highly recommend. In August I organized the 2nd Annual Multisport Carnival for the NY Flyers with the help of two area triathlon clubs. About thirty New York retailers, medical professionals, running, cycling and multi-sport clubs exhibited, along with guest speakers, live demos, clowns and great raffle prizes. I was so pleased to welcome former Olympian and RRCA Michigan State Rep, Gary Morgan, who made the long trip to New York just for this event. Gary was asked as a motivational speaker and manned his own booth for the evening. He even donated some neat Olympic memorabilia – thanks Gary! The event was attended by about 200 people and plans for Carnival 2007 are already underway. Another big highlight for the NY Flyers was being awarded the RRCA’s Jerry Little Excellence in Journalism Award (Large Club). This monthly newsletter was produced by editor extraordinaire, Liz Call, and many other diligent contributors who worked so hard to make it great. Liz will be in attendance at the convention in Chicago to receive her well deserved award. One of my goals as state rep this year is to grant more State Championship race designations for New York and foster a better line of communication for the many clubs that comprise my NY roster. I think Jean Knaack and the entire RRCA office have done an excellent job recruiting many exciting sponsors this year and my job is to help communicate these new opportunities at the local level. I’m not sure the NY State running clubs (mine included!) have taken advantage of all the benefits RRCA membership affords. I hope to change that a little in 2007.
Lena Hollmann State Rep – North Carolina lenamhollmann@bellsouth.net As I am wrapping up my second year as a State Rep for North Carolina, I’m looking back on a quite exciting and productive year. And I am looking forward to an even better 2007. With several State Championships and a Regional Championship coming up this year, I feel like I am finally coming off the launching pad and getting ready to fly! When I reflect on the highlights of 2006, the one thing first comes to mind is the three State Championships that were Page - 51
held. I want to thank Salisbury Rowan Runners, Robeson Roadrunners and North Carolina Roadrunners Club for stepping forward and hosting the 8K, 5K and Half Marathon Championships, respectively. After holding successful State Championships, I encouraged these clubs to bid for a Regional Championship in 2007. This resulted in a successful bid from Robeson Roadrunners, and the Rumba on the Lumber 5K in Lumberton will be the Southern Region 5K Championship in 2007. In addition to attending the above Championships, I visited clubs for other fun events, s.a. the Ultimate Runner in Winston Salem in July, which featured a 100m, 400m, 800m, mile and 5K race, all on the same day. I guided the Outer Banks Running Club through the startup process and was the speaker at one of their club meetings. Three more clubs, two of which were event clubs, also joined the RRCA in 2006. Since a couple of inactive clubs didn’t renew their membership, the total number of North Carolina clubs remained fairly constant, and stays at this writing at 22. I also attended the RRCA annual convention in Houston, and organized a Run@Work day event at my place of employment. And I regularly stayed in touch with all the clubs via a quarterly newsletter, plus other communications as needed. Finally, I contributed with articles for Footnotes and the State Rep Newsletter. Here are some of the goals I have for 2007 and beyond: ! Have State Championships on all “major” distances (5K, 8K, 10K, ½ Marathon) ! Find a sponsor and establish a Grand Prix series of State Championships ! Have at least one Regional Championship in NC in 2008 (bid submitted in 2007) ! Submit at least one article to Footnotes and/or the State Rep Newsletter ! Finally make that trip to visit clubs in the extreme western portion of the state ! Encourage clubs that conduct events but are not members of RRCA to join, and assist in the startup of new clubs ! Continue communicating with all clubs via newsletter at least quarterly, and special messages as needed ! Set up a website for increased visibility and communication ! Actively promote Run@Work Day among the NC clubs and my employer ! Attend the Chicago Convention and report back to the clubs
Tom Whittaker State Rep – North Dakota lorraineandtom@cox.net North Dakota is one of the most sparsely populated states in the country, but in spite of this and the brutal winters, the power of running has led to some great events in the state. The 7th Annual Trestle Valley Marathon and Half Marathon in Minot on April 28 and the 3rd Annual Scheels Fargo Marathon and Half Marathon on May 19 are just two Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
examples. The Fargo Marathon, which attracted over 6,000 runners in 2006, is the outgrowth of the Run for the Children Half Marathon that had developed a good following. And you won’t find a flatter course anywhere in the country. Although there are no RRCA clubs in the state, we salute everyone who shares our love of the sport and our desire to support common goals.
Rich Williams State Rep – Ohio rich@bigdogeventz.com No report.
John Haugh State Rep – Oklahoma kjgr@cox.net No report.
Margie Palmrose-Mace State Rep – Oregon wavelength_50@yahoo.com 2006 marks my first full year as the RRCA State Representative for Oregon. Oregon has eighteen RRCA member clubs, extending down the Willamette Valley, covering the rugged coast and embracing the high desert of Eastern Oregon. These eighteen clubs add 1,859 members to RRCA and they staged over 60 races in 2006. While maintaining a demanding work schedule for my employer, I was able to make visits to four clubs, volunteer for eight races and serve on the Board of one club. Visits included seven Oregon Road Runners Club (Beaverton) board meetings, and one each with Linkville Lopers (Klamath Falls), Coast Hills Club (Newport) and with a visit to Coos Bay for the Prefontaine Memorial race sponsored by the South Coast Running Club (Allegany). Generally, topics of interest by club leadership included how to increase club memberships, race promotion and development of new club leadership. My 2007 goals will focus on providing resources, information and support in these three areas of club development. At each of the club races I volunteered for or participated in, I witnessed the commitment of each Race Director for putting on a quality event. Popular race formats and distances are cross-country, half-marathons and ultramarathons, with many of the Oregon Clubs including these in their line-up. In addition to quality races, training runs that offer social opportunities are popular club activities. An example is Page - 52
Central Oregon Running Klub’s (Bend) weekly group runs and monthly the “Hot Chocolate Runs” that offer socializing over cocoa and goodies after the 5 – 7 miles. Oregon Road Runners Club (ORRC) holds a track workout at a local school, so runners and walkers can train safely under the track lights during the winter. Then monthly, ORRC hosts pizza at a local pizza parlor for a social activity after the track workout. ORRC was also featured in the October 2006 Runner’s World article “Human Race – On the Road Portland Oregon”. Dave Cook, ORRC President, was the tour guide briefly explaining three popular running routes from downtown and places & races in Portland. In May, I was working in Santa Cruz California for a threeweek assignment. To keep up on my training, I pulled up the RRCA web site and reviewed the running clubs in the area. To my great good-fortune, I worked out with the Santa Cruz Track Club and volunteered for their marathon and half-marathon in a local state park, Nicene Marks. It was a fun experience, made new friends and became an advocate for the RRCA web site. My fourth goal for 2007 will be to encourage all Oregon clubs to utilize this terrific resource.
Jeff Crago State Rep – Pennsylvania amrnnr_@hotmail.com No report.
Fred Zyleger II State Rep – Rhode Island Vardner26@aol.com No report.
Vacant State Rep – South Carolina No report.
Tom Whittaker State Rep – South Dakota
Although South Dakota covers a large area with a widely scattered population, it hosts a very active running program and some great races. The Longest Day Marathon and Half Marathon in Brookings, the Mickelson Trail Marathon and Half Marathon in historic Deadwood and the Mount Rushmore Marathon are good examples. These great events along with the many nearby scenic and historic sites make a visit to South Dakota a must for any runner.
Michelle Wimberley State Rep – Tennessee michelle.wimberley@charter.net
We are making progress in the State of Tennessee! In 2006, we held a state championship for the following distances: 5K (Jingle Bell Jog, Clarksville, TN), 4 mile (Firecracker 4 mile, Rogersville, TN), 10K (Wilma Rudolph Run, Clarksville, TN), ½ Marathon and Full marathon (St. Jude’s, Memphis, TN). We also had regional championships for the 8K distance (Clarksville Turkey Trot) and the ½ marathon distance (Germantown Half). That is 5 more state championships and 1 more regional championship than in 2005. I plan to add State Championships in 2007 for the following distances: 15K, 10 mile and a trail run. I am also sponsoring a Grand Prix for the State Championship events. Entry into the Grand Prix is free and will hopefully increase participation in all state championship events. Winners will be announced at the first RRCA Tennessee State Meeting, date and location TBA. We have had increase in the number of races for kids with many adding a 1 mile fun run to established races. I will continue to push clubs and events to provide more kid friendly activities. In 2003, Tennessee reported 15.1% of high school students were overweight. Tennessee is currently 6th in the nation for adult obesity. We need to find creative ways to combat this epidemic. I am currently working with Susan Brotherton, Physical Education Specialist, in the Tennessee State Department of Education to develop more relationships between schools, physical education teachers, RRCA clubs and the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. Goals for 2007 include: 1) improving communication between clubs, 2) a successful state meeting and 3) developing a plan of action with the Tennessee agencies mentioned to present to clubs and generate interest in improving the health of Tennesseans.
lorraineandtom@cox.net
Our one RRCA Club in South Dakota, the Sioux Falls Area Running Club (www.siouxfallsarearunningclub.org) provides a good deal of useful information on running in the southeastern South Dakota, northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota area. The calendar on their web site reveals a very active race schedule and their many club activities serve their running community well.
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Kelly (K2) Richards State Rep – N. Texas RRCANorthTXRep@aol.com 2006 was my first year s a state rep and if they give out awards to the biggest PITA, I’d surely win! I spent the entire year asking questions, debating and challenging SOP and making numerous suggestions. To make up for being Page - 53
such a pest I worked tirelessly to advocate the RRCA in a “state” where most runners and clubs didn’t know the RRCA had anything to offer besides insurance.
overall awareness of the RRCA. I still need a lot of mentoring and look forward to picking the brains of all the state reps in Chicago.
After attending the RRCA convention in Houston I set out to contact all my clubs only to discover 50% of the contact information was incorrect. After several weeks I finally tracked everyone down. Being a long distance runner, I’ve learned persistency pays off!
Steve Shepard State Rep – S. Texas
In order to communicate with everyone I created a monthly newsletter that has improved each month but has a long way to go before it could be considered a work of art! The constant reminder that N. TX needed a State Championship finally paid off and for the first time in an unknown number of years there was a RRCA State Championship race in N. TX. By year’s end we actually had a 50K and a 10K State Championship race. We’ve already been awarded a Regional Championship for 2007 and applications have been submitted for 2007 state championships. One of my focuses throughout the year was getting key individuals from clubs interested then involved with the RRCA. Again, persistency paid off when a handful of individuals volunteered to serve on the national award committees, several clubs nominated their members, web sites (Dallas Running Club was named in the “Top 3”) and races for awards. A few people have even signed up for the convention in Chicago. Texans are no dummies - did you notice they went for all the fun stuff? With all of this increased interest in the RRCA it wasn’t too difficult to get Luke’s Locker to sponsor the 50K Championship event and to get more involved with supporting RRCA clubs. In addition to my State Rep responsibilities I’m still the President of the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers. RAW is home to the Southern Female Masters Road Runner of the Year and the National Female Road Runner of the Year! Not only is everything bigger in TX, its better too! Personally, I had another fun year of running, highlights include: running the Salt Lake City marathon, running with Sam Thompson during his successful quest to run 50 marathons in 50 days in 50 states (Sam is a personal friend and RRCA member), running a 40-mile trail race in NC with my buddy on his 40th birthday and running the NYC marathon. NYC is an absolute must-do for every runner. Some people like meeting movie stars, me, I like meeting runners! Especially fast, handsome Olympians so I was overjoyed to meet Alan Culpepper in February. It was one of those rare moments where in my excitement I was speechless and had to be jabbed in the ribs before I remembered to say, “hi”. I had the privilege of meeting many talented, gracious, humble and kind runners in 2006. Our sport is truly unique and amazing that we get to line up at the same starting line with the world’s best athletes on race day. 2007 promises to be a challenging and exciting year. My goals include awarding a minimum of three state championship races, recruiting new clubs and increasing an Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
TexasSheps@aol.com Greetings from South Texas! Our "State" encompasses Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi and surrounding areas. I am about to complete my fourth year as the South Texas State Representative. RRCA communications in South Texas are managed the modern way, with email blasts "as it happens". This is how our clubs communicate with their members; "newsletters", previously the main vehicle for news you can use have been transformed to "newsmagazines" with a focus on feature writing and non time-critical information which can be consumed at leisure. We are delighted that Stridelines, the monthly publication of the Houston Striders, was named the 2006 winner in the Jerry Little Memorial competition for best medium-sized club newsletter. Congratulations to Stridelines Editor Miriam Terc for this award. Check out back issues of this fine publication at www.houstonstriders.com. We are also pleased that Stridelines contributors Greg Boncimino, Jen Kim, Nancy Kral, and Aimee Solway were recognized with 2006 South Region Honorable Mentions in the Club Writer competition. More great news is that three members of the Houston Striders, Lee Baughman, Pam Paling and Lisa Ruthven, were recognized in the RRCA National Volunteer Certificate Program in 2006 for their volunteer efforts for the Houston running community. Lastly, congratulations to Houston runner Sean Wade of The Kenyan Way for winning the RRCA Master Runner of the Year title. Sean's been burning up the racing circuit and it's great to see him get this recognition. Publicity for the RRCA reached record levels in 2006 in South Texas as the Houston Striders held 2006 RRCA National Convention in Houston March 8-12 in conjunction with the HEB Bayou City Classic 10k, the RRCA National Championship 10k for 2006. Convention “headliners” included Kathrine Switzer, Roger Robinson, Bart Yasso, Rich Benyo, Jan Seeley and Houston Mayor Bill White. Fun runs included a run on the 2003 USA Cross Country National Championship course, the Metrorail Run ‘n Ride and the Walk Rallye through the Downtown Houston Tunnel System. The Convention had 16 outstanding seminars, a silent as well as a live auction, a coach’s certification, a Texas barbeque and early morning breakfast tacos, terrific Houston springtime weather, and lots of surprises along the way. A full recap from RRCA Board Member John Farrow is available on www.houstonstriders.com/2006_04.pdf. In September we held a very successful and well-received Tour de Art Run in Houston, a celebration of the RRCA's Run@Work Day. Special thanks to Tour Guide Roger Boak for course design and to the Houston Striders for event Page - 54
management. We expect to make the Tour de Art Run an annual fixture on the Houston running calendar for years to come. The New Branfels Running Club held a successful 5 Mile State Championship, the Wurst 5 Miler, in November, and will repeat as the South Texas 5 Mile State Championship in 2007. In 2006 we started a campaign to get the RRCA news feed posted on South Texas websites. We're off to a great start and are looking forward to more implementations in 2007.
Paul Thompson State Rep – Washington D.C. thompsonp@ndu.edu This was another banner year for the Nation's Capitol with dozens of races taking place. Even those which were non RRCA events often sought our assistance in technical and PR areas. Big news for runners this year was the election of DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, son of Phil Fenty, a renowned runner and owner of a running store in downtown DC. Maybe, this will boost the cause of running in the District, and perhaps give some breaks to runners, especially to the high costs for security!
Vacant State Rep – Utah No report.
Rich Frank [IMCOMING] State Rep – Vermont richardfrank1@verizon.net
Bob Platt State Rep – Virginia bob@racepacket.com Bob Platt became Virginia State Representative in March 2006. He is trying to visit each of the 25 clubs in the state, and hopes to meet with each club by the end of 2007. In 2006, the Neptune Festival championship. So far for 2007, we Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon championship. We are currently championships.
courses in the commonwealth. For 21 years, Thurston has been co-director of the National Capital 20 Mile Run, as well as its predecessor 36-mile ultra marathon. Thurston is also the co-director of the Bread Run 10K. Thurston is a member of the DC Road Runners Club.
8K was our only have designated the as our marathon soliciting additional
On October 28, we held our state meeting in conjunction with the Marine Corps Marathon Expo. At that meeting, we presented the following awards: ! Rick Platt is the Virginia Outstanding Club President for 2006. Platt is the President of the Colonial Road Runners in Williamsburg, and has served in a leadership capacity at the club for two decades. Platt is also a frequent contributor to various running publications and serves a number of races as Promotion Director or Elite Athlete Coordinator. ! Brian Sagedy is the Virginia Outstanding Race Director for 2006 in recognition of his leadership of the Elizabeth River Run 10K in Portsmouth and the Neptune Festival 8K in Virginia Beach. Sagedy is a member of the Tidewater Striders running club. Among his accomplishments, Sagedy supervised the relocation of the 27-year old Elizabeth River Run from Norfolk to Portsmouth. ! Robert Thurston is the Virginia Outstanding Volunteer for 2006. Thurston is the Virginia course certifier measuring or supervising the measuring of road race Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
The DCRRC continues to be the flagship for local runners, crossing jurisdictions and offering running venues, training, and workout opportunities, throughout the region. I was honored at its annual banquet by being admitted into the DCRRC Hall of Fame, personally welcomed by Jim Hage, the most recent inductee. I also directed again the 31st annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, with participants from all over the world, including recent governor of Virginia, John Warner, who has become a regular participant along with Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, and Vice Mayor Del Pepper. For that race, and for several others, we have worked in close association with the local food banks, filling several truckloads. The highlight of the April 2nd annual banquet was the induction of former DCRRC president Paul Thompson as the 16th member of the club’s Hall of Fame. Paul has been integral to the club’s success for many years. He served on the board for 10 years and was president for three. For the past 14 years and counting, Paul has directed the club’s biggest race (and biggest fundraiser), the Alexandria Turkey Trot 5 Mile run. He directed the Hugh Jascourt 4Miler, named for the club’s founder, for many years. He has been the longstanding DC representative to the RRCA. As if all this weren’t enough (did we mention a wife and four kids?), Paul practices what he preaches—he has run 14 straight JFK 50 Mile runs, 54 marathons (3:09 PR), 25 triathlons, including three Ironman events. Professionally, Paul is a full professor of strategic studies at the National War College in Washington. Congratulations! By Jim Hage. Goals for 2007: More of the same, but better! Try to get more races, or training runs in the inner city. Try to get the Capitol Hill running club reenergized after the elections in which Jim Ryun and other runners lost! Work with all the jurisdictions (DC, Park, and Capitol Hill Police, and Secret Service) to get a standard permit and accelerate the approval process.
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Tony Quinn [OUTGOING] State Rep – Washington Our club #1670, registered with RRCA to sanction our eight events in 2006. ! Feb 11, 2nd Annual Run/Walk 4 The Heart (Youth Against Crime) Benefit Challenge ! March 25, 3rd Annual Pacific NW Mtn Bike Duathlon Challenge Series #1 ! April 22, Series II ! May 27, Series III Championships ! June 17, 4th Annual Clean Air Road Bike Duathlon Benefit Challenge ! July 27-29, Inaugural Uncle Sam's 150 Classic Two-Day Bike Tour ! Sept 23, 2nd Annual Run/Walk 4 The Poor Trail 1/2 Marathon ! Dec 31, 5th Annual Midnight Express 8k (New Year's Eve Fitness) Challenge All of our club hosted events benefited local Food Banks, Youth Multi-sports Programs, and local homeless and disabled veterans I had the pleasure of observing and meeting with both the Seattle Marathon and Portland Marathon Event Teams. Also, our club was an exhibitor distributing club membership materials and flyers. During 2006 I attempted to contact all registered club with RRCA. I made contact with over 3/4 of the registered club and left my contact number and information. During the 2006 year, our club also was a co-host for the 13 events on Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord Air Force Base. Our club mailed out all the RRCA materials to 40 different running club's in the Pacific Northwest. We will make every attempt to register some of the existing 150 clubs throughout the Pacific Northwest in 2007. Our goal is to at least register five new clubs. We did have some success with Fort Lewis Army Base attempting to register with RRCA. There will be some challenges in 2007 to register new organizations with RRCA. We hope to work with Lisa acquiring the materials to distribute to new clubs here in the Pacific Northwest.
Tom Kramer State Rep – West Virginia kram37@suddenlink.net
Last year I greeted you from West Virginia, the Mountain State. This year I greet you from that same mountain state, but by proclamation of our governor, we are now “Open For Business”. And we are truly that.
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In 2006, we again hosted two RRCA National Championships: The Debbie Green Memorial 5K, August 5th in Wheeling WV and The News and Sentinel Half Marathon, August 19th in Parkersburg, WV. We were, honored, and very fortunate to have RRCA Executive Director Jean Knaack, who ran both races, and RRCA President Bee McLeod, here representing the National Office. We involved them both in the award presentations. We are very proud to be hosting these two great races as National Championship’s for 2007, and continue to invite Road Scholars and Regional Champions to these two prestigious races, as our guest. Many of you no doubt remember Willis Ridenour, WV State Rep, 1998-2005. Willis has been a driving force in our community, state and the promotion of the RRCA, for many years. Joe Corra, President of the River City Runners Club, made a proposal, and was accepted by the club B.O.D. to establish and fund an annual award to recognize an individual member of one of the WV RRCA clubs that has done the most to promote running. This award is named after Willis Ridenour and will be administered by the current WV RRCA State Rep. Five members of the River City Runner Club attended the 2006 National Convention, in Houston. We look forward to seeing you in Chicago.
Barbara Jewell [INCOMING] State Rep – Wisconsin bcjewell@ra.rockwell.com
Dennis Novak [OUTGOING] State Rep – Wisconsin d.w.novak@worldnet.att.net The year 2006 saw both good news and bad news. Keeping with something I learned long ago - start and end with good news and slip the bad news in between. The first bit of good news was that my club, the Badgerland Striders, had record attendance at the annual Lakefront Marathon, and registration filled up at an earlier date than ever before. Because this race was capped at 2500 participants and a limited number of relay teams it filled up fast. This is truly a class event and has applied to be the Midwest Region Marathon for 2007. Hopefully this race will get this prestigious recognition. The bad news is that in 2006 Wisconsin lost one of its clubs because it could not find someone to take over the club. Hopefully someone will step up in 2007 and resurrect this club. The other piece of good news is that the very popular S-NO-W Fun Run in early January has been saved. Long time Race Director Joey Falch had pleaded to members for someone to take over as Race Director as she would be moving out of the area. With the race in jeopardy veteran runner Joel Lamers stepped up to the challenge. With Joey Page - 56
in the wings Joel put on an excellent race in early January, 2007. This was the first time in many years I was able to participate in this 8K event. I also ran into, but could not keep up with, Central Regional Director Beth Onines. She is much too fast for me. The last thing to report out of Wisconsin is that I and some of my fellow Badgerland Striders have been asked to serve on the committee for the 2007 RRCA Convention in Chicago. We have spent much time over the past several months getting the details put together and are looking forward to seeing everybody in Chicago.
Amy Daley State Rep – Wyoming TeachNRun@aol.com People DO read these reports! While enjoying my pre-race pasta meal at our very own Casper Marathon last June, I overheard a gentleman ask the race director if “Amy Daley” was here somewhere. The gentleman, Bruce Mansur, a Houston Strider, had attended the National Convention in New Orleans last year and had read my “report!” WOW! I was impressed! My goals this year will be a continuation of last year’s goals... mainly trying to travel to some of the club races around our state. Picture my hometown, Casper, as the center of the state, with each of our 4 other clubs 150 miles in each direction! Since the weather cooperated and I wasn’t preparing the Thanksgiving feast this year, I headed 2 ½ hours north to Gillette for their annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning. The club president, Rick Mansur, (yep, brother of the above mentioned Bruce!) and his crew organized a great event and I even won a turkey! I am receiving regular e-mails from all of our clubs in Wyoming to keep me posted on events. Our Windy City Striders here in Casper has been very supportive by acting as “Wyoming Clubs Central” and keeping all of the events around the state posted on our website calendar. This year I have also begun conversations with race directors about hosting a State Championship event. At this point it looks like we have a possible plan for 2007. Stay tuned! Along with a conscious effort to promote running and the RRCA every chance I get (not too hard, as I am just as addicted as the rest of the running world), my other main goal was to attend the National Convention in 2006. The planets must be in alignment because first of all, my daughter lives in the Houston area and is also a Houston Strider. In fact, Steve Shepard is her marathon running coach! (Just hum, “It’s a small world after all...”) Secondly, the date has been moved up to March, which as a teacher, I could never seem to get away in May! Therefore... I have sent in my registration and look forward to meeting all of you at the convention in March!
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Contributions From Top – Steve Shepard (Texas Run@Work Day); Ken Bendy (RRCA Southern Regional Championship banner); Chuck George (“The Wall” 30k State Championship); Joe Wirth (Marla Runyan, Kati McGregor, Jenelle Deatherage, Jenny Crane – Pic by Wayne Kryduba).
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RRCA at Work and Play
From Top Left: Houston Striders at 2006 Convention; Kelly Richards running with Bart Yasso; Norm Haines at City of Trees Ultra; Kim Maxwell – new Minnesota State Rep; Kim Howard and Heather Marcellis; Tom Fort – Delaware State Rep; Mark Grandonico – Maine State Rep; Ron Macksoud – Alabama State Rep; Lisa Dahl – Kentucky State Rep; Tom Kramer- West Virginia State Rep with President Bee McLeod and Executive Director Jean Knaack; RRCA Board Centipede competition at Houston RRCA convention. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book -
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The Road Runners Club of America wishes to express its sincere thanks to the
Alpine Striders and Illinois Runs for hosting the
2007 RRCA National Convention March 21 - 25, 2007 – Chicago, IL
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Acknowledgements The RRCA wishes to acknowledge the following contributors to the RRCA Annual Reports Book: RRCA Executive Board: President Bee McLeod Vice President Tom Downing Central Director Beth Onines Eastern Director Brent Ayers Southern Director Ken Bendy Western Director Lisa Paige At Large Directors David Epstein, Bob Holmes, John Farrow Jean Knaack, Executive Director; Jessica Sleight, Membership Director Working Committees: Coaching Committee – Patti Finke National Championship Committee – Don Kardong Nominating Committee – Michael Hughes Road Scholar Program – Carl Sniffen State Rep Working Group – Marlene Atwood Website Committee – Warren Finke Our National Awards Committees: Browning Ross – Freddi Carlip Hall of Fame Awards – Jim Oaks Jerry Little Memorial Journalism Awards – Marlene Atwood Kurt Steiner Children’s Developmental Award – Don Kardong Outstanding State Rep – Bee McLeod Rod Steele Award – Dawn McEnery Scott Hamilton Award – Bee McLeod Runners of the Year – Phil Lang Nina Kuscsik Women’s Running Award – Evan Thomas Inaugural Road Race of the Year – Ron Macksoud Our Contributing RRCA State Representatives: Marlene Atwood, Steve Bainbridge, Michael Bowen, Chris Burch, David Cotter, Lisa Dahl, Amy Daley, Joan Davis, John Devitt, Steve Feld, Thomas Fort, John Goldrosen, Mark Grandonico, Norman Haines, Lena Hollman, Kim Howard, Tom Kramer, Phil Lang, Denise Longino, Ron Macksoud, Heather Marcellis, Gary Morgan, Don Nelson. Cecelia Niemczyk, Dennis Novak, James O'Donnell, Lisa Paige, Margie Palmrose-Mace, Bob Platt, Tony Quinn, Karen Raymer, Kelly Richards, Steve Shepard, Yvonne Thomas, Paul Thompson, Tom Whitaker, Michelle Wimberley, Joe Wirth Our National Sponsors: Gatorade, Ashworth Awards, Sportscience, Runners World, Fleet Feet Sports, Marathon & Beyond, Road Race Management (RRM), GEN-A Marketing, Star-EGL Insurance – Diller Smith Office/K&K Insurance Our Contributing Sponsors: Running Times, Merastar, HerSports & Fitness, Fuelbelt, Active.com, SkirtSport Our Advertising Sponsors: Casper Marathon, Delaware Marathon, Escape from Prison Hill – RRCA Half Marathon Championship Huntsville Track Club, Houston Half Marathon & Relay, Milwaukee’s Lakefront Marathon, Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs – 2007 RRCA 100 Mile National Ultra Championship/2007 RRCA 50k/50 Mile State Championship, Jim & Ann Oaks, Parkersburg News & Sentinel RRCA National Half Marathon Championship, Birmingham Track Club – Vulcan Run – RRCA National 10K Championship Photo Credits: P.6 – RRCA Condensed History Archives; P. 10 – Marlene Atwood archives; P. 16 – RRCA Condensed History Archives; P. 27 – Janet Nissenson; P.29 – John Devitt, Marlene Atwood; P. 20- 21 – Victor Sailer; P.36, 38, 39 – Marlene Atwood archives; P . 57 – Steve Shepard, Ken Bendy, Chuck George, Wayne Kryduba; P. 58 – Steve Shepard, Kelly Richards, Norm Haines, Mark Grandonico, Ron Macksoud, Lisa Dahl, Tom Kramer
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~ Congratulations ~ Harold Tinsley 2006 Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA Award Winner
(We know you couldn’t have won without Louise) Jim and Ann Oaks
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