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Road Runners Club of America 2019 Annual Report
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TABLE OF RRCA Mission, Vision, and Values ~3 RRCA Leadership ~ 4 2019 Financial Report ~ 6
RRCA
HIGHLIGHTS
Kids Run the Nation ~ 7 Roads Scholars & RunPro Camp ~ 8 Championship Event Series ~ 12 Runner Friendly Community Program ~ 14 Coaching Certification Program ~ 16 Race Director Certification ~17 RRCA Convention Recap ~ 17 National Running Awards ~ 19 RRCA State Reps ~ 24 Donors and Sponsors ~ 26
! ! On!the!cover:!Long&standing!RRCA!Member,!Atlanta!Track!Club,!celebrated!the!50th!Anniversary!of!its!signature!event,!the! AJC!Peachtree!Road!Race!10K.!!Since!1970,!the!event!has!grown!to!attracted!60,000!finishers!each!year.! !
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Dedicated to the Memory of Bee McLeod, RRCA President 2004-2008
Helen%“Bee”%Elizabeth%McLeod,%57,%passed%away%suddenly%on%Saturday,% December% 21,% 2019% at% her% home.% Bee’s% career% included% primarily% management% and% operational% positions% both% with% Landmark% Communications% and% Cox% Communications.% Born% in% Lock% Haven,% Pennsylvania,%she%was%the%daughter%of%Dr.%Alan%L.%McLeod,%PhD%and%the% late%Dr.%Marian%Brodbeck%McLeod,%PhD.% % Bee%attended%Notre%Dame%High%School%in%Lawrenceville,%New%Jersey%and% was%the%youngest%freshman%in%the%history%of%Notre%Dame%High%School,% being%admitted%at%the%age%of%12.%While%there,%she%took%up%running,%on% the%boys’%crossRcountry%team%at%first,%because%there%was%no%girls%team.% After%high%school,%she%entered%the%College%of%William%&%Mary%at%16%years% old.%She%went%on%to%earn%a%B.B.A.%and%an%M.B.A.%(with%honors),%Classes%of% 83% and% 91.% Bee% and% her% husband,% John% “Goody”% Goodenow% Tyler,% III,% endowed%scholarships%at%both%institutions,%and%were%major%donors%to%the% College% of% William% &% Mary,% most% notably% the% McLeod% Tyler% Wellness% Center.% % Following% college,% Bee% became% active% in% her% local% running% club,% the% Tidewater% Striders,% and% served% in% various% leadership%roles,%including%club%president%from%2000%to%2004.%Bee%had%35Ryears%of%continuous,%valuable%service%to% US%distance%running%and%is%credited%with%being%“the%savior”%of%the%Road%Runners%Club%of%America,%where%she%served% as% the% president% from% 2004% to% 2008.% Bee% worked% with% the% RRCA% board% and% several% mentors% to% make% many% constructive%changes%during%her%tenure%as%president,%including%major%updates%to%the%RRCA%bylaws.%Those%updates% constitute%the%main%structure%of%the%RRCA%bylaws%that%remain%in%force%today.%As%a%result%of%her%efforts,%the%RRCA% made%a%dramatic%turnaround.%At%the%end%of%her%presidency,%the%RRCA%eliminated%its%deficit%and%had%over%$500,000% in%reserves%along%with%a%policy%that%requires%board%intervention%for%spending%decisions%if%the%board’s%restricted% reserve%fund%falls%under%a%specified%amount.%That%policy%remains%in%place%today.%Bee%remained%engaged%with%the% RRCA%following%her%term%on%the%board%as%a%major%donor%to%the%organization%and%its%programs.% % Bee%ran%over%60%marathons%and%countless%other%shorter%distance%races%(winning%several),%finished%the%Ironman% Lake%Placid%Triathlon,%and%competed%in%duathlons%around%the%country.%In%1988,%she%qualified%for%and%ran%in%the% Olympic%Trials%Marathon.%In%2000,%she%was%a%member%of%the%U.S.%team%for%the%World%Championship%Duathlon,% competing% in% Calais,% France.% Bee% also% loved% Scottish% Highland% dancing,% and% competed% both% nationally% and% internationally,%winning%and%placing%in%numerous%competitions,%including%fourth%place%in%the%sword%dance%at%the% world%championships%in%Scotland%in%1975.% % Bee%is%survived%by%her%husband%of%15%years,%John%“Goody”%Goodenow%Tyler%III,%her%father,%Dr.%Alan%Lindsay%McLeod% of%Norfolk,%her%brother,%Ross%McLeod%(Kenna)%of%Windham,%NH,%a%nephew,%Adrian%McLeod%of%Seattle,%WA,%and%a% niece,%Mariel%McLeod%of%New%York,%NY.%
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RRCA The RRCA champions the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition.
RRCA The RRCA vision is to see organized and active running clubs and events in every community.
RRCA •! All runners and their safety; •! Diversity in the sport and an enjoyable atmosphere for all; •! Fair competition, no cheating, anti-doping compliance, and respect by participants for race and club rules and policies; •! Positive relations with members, volunteers, donors, and sponsors; •! Best practices in organizational governance and management.
The RRCA uses the term “running “ as a catch all word that encompasses the broad spectrum of “running “ in the United States including competitive running, jogging, fitness walking, race walking, and wheelchair fitness on roads, trails, and tracks.
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!! RRCA Leadership Mitchell Garner President
George Rehmet Vice President & Western Region Director
Craig Minyard Treasurer
Jean Arthur Secretary, At-Large Director
Blaine Moore Eastern Region Director
Sue Brown-Nickerson Central Region Director
Betsy Boudreaux Southern Region Director
Lisa Rippe At-Large Director
Goody Tyler At-Large Director
Jean Knaack Executive Director
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RRCA$President’s$Letter$$ %
Noted%American%educator%Reed%Markham%once%said,%“Outstanding%leaders%pass%the%torch%with%fire%blazing.”%%At% this%year’s%convention,%I%will%be%passing%the%torch%to%the%next%RRCA%President,%just%as%David%Cotter,%my%predecessor% as%President,%passed%the%torch%to%me%in%2016.%%Looking%back%on%the%past%four%years,%I%can%say%unequivocally%that% serving%the%RRCA%as%its%elected%leader%has%been%the%greatest%honor%of%my%life.%%My%philosophy%has%always%been%that% to%be%a%great%leader,%one%must%be%the%servant%of%all.%%Over%the%past%four%years,%I%have%been%the%humble%servant%of% the%RRCA%and%its%members,%doing%everything%from%chairing%board%meetings,%leading%conference%calls,%handing%out% awards,%and%doing%cleanRup%at%local%races.%%I%embraced%each%task%with%the%joy%of%a%servant’s%heart.% % According%to%the%Chinese%proverb,%the%journey%of%a%thousand%miles%begins%with%a%single%step.%%In%1999,%I%took%my% first%step%on%my%journey%of%service%to%my%fellow%runners%and%the%sport%of%distance%running%when,%at%age%49,%I%joined% the%Ann%Arbor%Track%Club%in%Ann%Arbor,%Michigan,%the%city%to%which%our%family%had%moved%a%few%years%earlier.%%I% joined%to%accomplish%two%goals:%%to%become%a%better%runner%and%to%attain%my%lifelong%dream%of%qualifying%for%the% Boston%Marathon.%%Both%goals%were%achieved;%I%improved%as%a%runner%and%later%that%year%qualified%for%the%first%of% seven%Boston%Marathons.% % In%2004,%at%the%urging%of%some%fellow%runners,%I%was%elected%to%the%Ann%Arbor%Track%Club’s%Board%of%Directors,%later% Vice%President,%and%then%President%in%2008,%a%position%that%I%held%for%10%years%thereafter.%%In%2008,%I%was%also%elected% to%the%RRCA’s%Board%of%Directors%as%its%Central%Region%Director.%%Four%years%later,%in%2012,%I%was%elected%RRCA%Vice% President,%and%then%President%in%2016.% % When%I%joined%my%club,%I%never%entertained%any%thoughts%or%aspirations%about%leadership%positions%in%our%sport;%I% just%wanted%to%become%the%best%runner%I%could%be.%%But%somehow,%without%any%plan%or%strategy%or%scheme,%I%kept% getting%elected%to%various%leadership%positions,%culminating%in%my%election%to%the%RRCA%presidency%in%2016.%%In%that% role,%I%took%it%upon%myself%to%be%an%exemplary%goodwill%ambassador%for%the%RRCA%and%our%sport.%%I%attended%as% many%RRCA%running%events%and%meeting,%and%met%as%many%runners%and%volunteers,%as%my%busy%life%as%a%fullRtime% attorney%would%permit.% % When%I%first%became%RRCA%President%in%2016,%I%adopted%the%motto%of%Delta%Airlines,%“Keep%Climbing,”%as%my%motto.%% As%I%reflect%on%my%four%years%as%President,%I%firmly%believe%that%the%RRCA%has%steadfastly%climbed%higher.%%During% this% period,% the% RRCA% has% prospered% and% grown% as% the% leading% voice% in% American% distance% running,% attaining% unprecedented%heights%in%our%sport.%%This%has%been%a%true%team%effort,%combining%the%dedication%and%efforts%of%our% National% Office% staff% under% the% leadership% of% Executive% Director% Jean% Knaack;% the% members% of% our% Board% of% Directors;%our%State%Reps,%who%are%and%always%will%be%the%true%backbone%our%organization;%our%instructors%and% coaches;%and%all%our%sponsors,%supporters,%and%volunteers.%%As%I%pass%the%torch%of%the%RRCA%presidency%to%a%new% President,%I%can%attest%that%thanks%to%that%teamwork,%the%RRCA’s%torch%is%blazing%and%will%continue%to%blaze.% % In% closing,% I% leave% you% with% the% words% of% Julie% Isphording,% a% member% of% the% firstRever% United% States% Women’s% Olympic%Marathon%Team%at%the%1984%Los%Angeles%Summer%Olympics%and%the%keynote%speaker%at%the%2008%RRCA% Convention%in%Cincinnati,%Ohio.%%Reflecting%on%her%life%as%a%runner,%Julie%said,%“Running%has%given%me%the%courage% to%start,%the%determination%to%keep%trying,%and%the%childlike%spirit%to%have%fun%along%the%way.%%Run%often%and%long,% but%never%outrun%your%joy%of%running.”%%% % From%the%bottom%of%my%heart,%I%thank%you.%As%is%said%in%Latin,%“Ave$atque$vale.”%%That%is,%“Hail%and%farewell.”% % Always%on%the%run,% Mitchell Garner
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2019 Financial Report for the RRCA Audited'Financial'information*'as'of'December'31,'2019' '
YEAR
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
NET WORTH
2017
$2,746,051
$1,062,870
$1,683,181
2018
$2,700,101
$1,069,430
$1,630,671
2019
$3,098,130
$1,103,937
$1,994,193
YEAR
INCOME
EXPENSES
NET PROFIT
2017
$3,303,788
$3,031,362
$272,416
2018
$3,263,788
$3,316,298
($52,150)**
2019
$3,702,084
$3,338,563
$363,521
2019 RRCA Statement of Financial Activities and 2020 Budget INCOME Insurance'Prog.'&'Music'Licensing' Membership'Dues' Certification'Programs'' Sponsorship'&'Convention'Revenue' Contributions'&'Other'Income' Investment'Income' TOTAL INCOME ' EXPENSES - PROGRAMS Championships'&'State'Programs' Certification'Programs' Kids'Run'the'Nation'Program' RunPro'&'Roads'Scholar'Program' Insurance'Program'&'Music'Licensing'' General'RRCA'Programs*' PROGRAM SUBTOTAL ' EXPENSES – ADMINISTRATIVE* National'Office'Management' Board'Services' Fundraising' ADMIN SUBTOTAL TOTAL EXPENSES NET PROFIT/(LOSS)
2018 AUDITED $1,916,407' $586,968' $480,739' $151,630' $98,356' $29,688' $3,263,788
2019 AUDITED $1,991,515' $576,638' $454,377' $119,571' $178,452' $374,425' $3,694,978
$194,591' $448,064' $71,496' $75,338' $2,066,252' $297,027' $3,152,768
$173,010' $406,687' $64,154' $122,285' $2,120,154' $255,835' $3,142,125
$69,448' $32,906' $61,176' $163,530 $3,316,298 ($52,510)
$85,284' $41,692' $62,356' $189,332 $3,331,457 $363,521
2020 BUDGET $2,000,821' $577,500' $455,000' $110,000' ' $120,500' $110,000' $3,238,950 ' $200,980' $475,300' $90,000' $146,500' $2,000,821' $300,332' $3,213,933 ' ' $90,000' $42,000' $65,000' $197,000 $3,410,933 ($37,112)***
' *"Functional"expenses"0"The"cost"of"providing"various"program"and"supporting"services"have"been"summarized"on"a"functional"basis"in"the"statement" of" functional" expenses" on" the" RRCA’s" Audited" Financial" Statements." Costs" have" been" allocated" among" the" programs" and" supporting" services" benefited." **"12/31/2018"showed"unrealized"losses"as"the"U.S."stock"market"experienced"a"downturn"at"the"end"of"the"year." ***" The" RRCA" Board"approved"a"special"round" of" funding"by" utilizing"unrestricted" net"assets" from"the"$1.9"million"net"worth"in"support"of"the" Olympic"Trials"Marathon,"thus"showing"a"budgeted"decrease"in"unrestricted"net"assets"by"December"31,"2020.""$30,000"of"the"RRCA’s"net"worth"is" temporarily"restricted"for"Kids"Run"the"Nation"and"Roads"Scholar"Funds"for"future"use.""$575,000"is"board"designated"for"operating"reserves"for"the" RRCA."The"remaining"$1.39"million"is"unrestricted"reserves."
RRCA’s audited financial statements and IRS-990 tax return can be found online at: www.RRCA.org/about/governance
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Kids Run the Nation® Program The% Kids% Run% the% Nation% program,% is% the% RRCA’s% gender% inclusive,% multiRweek,% turnkey,% youth% running% program% designed%to%meet%the%physical%activity%goals%outlined%by%the% United%States%Department%of%Agriculture%(USDA)%for%children% in% kindergarten% through% sixth% grade.% The% RRCA’s%vision% is% to% help% establish% locallyRmanaged% youth% running% programs% in% every%school%in%the%U.S.%% FortyRtwo%programs%from%27%states,%serving%more%than%11,000% children,%received%a%total%of%$35,100%in%grants%from%the%RRCA.% RRCA%member%clubs%and%events,%along%with%individual%donors,% have%once%again%shown%their%support%for%genderRinclusive,%participationRbased%running%education%through%their% contributions%to%the%Kids%Run%the%Nation%Fund.%The%RRCA%also%donated%copies%of%the%Program%Guide%for%Teachers,% Coaches,%and%Program%Leaders%and%the%Running%Guide%for%Kids%booklet%to%additional%programs,%an%inRkind%donation% valued%at%over%$5,000.% % The%youth%running%programs%chosen%to%receive%grants%this%year%represent%the%diversity%of%the%Kids%Run%the%Nation% Fund’s%impact,%both%geographically%and%demographically.%The%following%is%a%complete%list%of%this%year’s%Kids%Run% the%Nation%grant%recipients:% ! Spark%Running%Clubs%–%Fayetteville,%AR% FitKidz%Club%–%Tucson,%AZ% Kids%Marathon%Series%–%Shonto,%AZ% Skyline%North%Mileage%Club%–%Barstow,%CA% Stonegate%Striders%–%Irvine,%CA% HMF%FitKids%in%School%–%Glastonbury,%CT% Free%Runners%–%Washington,%DC% Waterstone%Run%Club%–%South%Miami,%FL% Stinger%Bees%Running%Club%–%Sanford,%FL% S.S.Dixon%Intermediate%Running%Club%–%Pace,%FL% Discovery%Oaks%Elem.%Run/Walk%Club%–%Orange%Park,%FL% Morning%Miles%–%Kailua,%HI% Kids%Run%the%Nation%–%Chicago,%IL% YMCA%Kids%Running%Club%–%Canton,%IL% Seven%Oaks%Running%Club%–%Bloomington,%IN% Roady%Racers%–%Anderson,%IN% Community%Day%School%Running%Program%–%Girard,%KS% LeGrande%Running%Club%–%Horse%Cave,%KY% Cougar%Mileage%Club%–%Denham%Springs,%LA% Youth%Run%NOLA%–%New%Orleans,%LA% Junior%Bulldogs%Running%Club%–%Jamaica%Plain,%MA%
SRR%Kids%–%West%Somerville,%MA% We%Run%Club%–%Raleigh,%NC% KIDS%Klub%FitKids%5K%–%North%Platte,%NE% Warriors%on%the%Run%Club%–%Huber%Heights,%OH% TEEN%Running%Club%–%Columbus,%OH% Kickin'%Asphalt%–%Grove,%OK% Bridgeport%Blazing%Bulldogs%–%Tualatin,%OR% CV%Primary%Kids%of%Steel%–%Bridgeville,%PA% GTC%Rabbits%Youth%Program%–%Greenville,%SC% Beresford%Running%Club%–%Beresford,%SD% Kids%Run%Cleveland%–%Cleveland,%TN% Running%Buddies%&%Fitness%Camino%5K%–%Austin,%TX% Pinkerton%Bullets%Running%Club%–%Coppell,%TX% Christie%Running%Club%–%Plano,%TX% Brown%Elementary%Wildcat%WalkRNRRun%Warriors%–%Tyler,%TX% Stallions%Running%Club%–%New%Braunfels,%TX% Henderson%Huskies%Running%Team%–%Dumfries,%VA% SABGC%Run%Club%–%Richmond,%VA% Kids%on%the%Run%–%Salisbury,%VT% Kids%Run%Club%Program%–%Beckley,%WV% Boys%&%Girls%Club%of%Douglas%Running%Club%–%Douglas,%WY%%
! Learn!more!at!RRCA.org/programs/kids5run5the5nation5program!
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Congratulations to the 2019-2020 Roads Scholar® Class Since 1996, RRCA has awarded grants totaling more than $600,000 to 130 athletes through its Roads Scholar® program. Annie Frisbie!(Minneapolis,%MN):%A%native%of%River%Falls,%Wisconsin,%Annie%Frisbie%competed%for%her%high%school%
in%Cross%Country%and%Track.%By%her%senior%year,%she%won%the%Division%I%state%Cross%Country%meet%and%placed%in%the%top% 25%at%both%Footlocker%and%Nike%Nationals.%%She%went%on%to%run%in%college%for%Iowa%State%University%where%she%graduated% with%a%Bachelor’s%in%Graphic%Design.%While%competing%for%ISU,%Frisbie%received%allRAmerican%honors%in%Cross%Country% and%was%a%part%of%three%Big%12%Championship%teams,%while%being%named%a%threeRtime%AllRMidwest%Region%and%a%three% time%AllRBig%12%Cross%Country.%Frisbie%currently%lives%and%trains%in%Minneapolis,%Minnesota%with%Team%USA%Minnesota,% coached%by%Chris%Lundstrom.%Recently,%she%competed%in%the%USATF%10%Mile%Championships%where%she%took%fifth%for% the%women%with%a%time%of%54:00.!
Frank Lara!(Boulder,%CO)%While%in%high%school,%Houston,%Texis%native%Frank%Lara%won%the%2013%Texas%State%Cross%
Country%title%and%was%a%Footlocker%and%NXN%qualifier%the%same%year.%With%these%accomplishments,%he%joined%%the%team% at%Furman%University%in%Greenville,%South%Carolina.%Lara%is%the%first%and%only%Furman%athlete%to%have%competed%at%the% NCAA% Cross% Country% Championships% for% four% years% in% a% row.% He% finished% his% time% at% Furman% as% a% threeRtime% AllR American%in%the%10,000m%on%the%track.%He%made%his%postRcollegiate%debut%at%the%AJC%Peachtree%10k%in%Atlanta,%Georgia% where%he%placed%13th.%Following%his%graduation%from%Furman%in%2019%with%a%Bachelor’s%in%Health%Sciences,%and%having% learned%quite%a%few%things%from%RRCA’s%RunPro%Camp,%Lara%decided%to%live%and%train%in%Boulder,%Colorado,%where%he% had%spent%the%last%eight%summers%training.%He%is%now%coached%by%Dr.%Richard%Hansen%as%part%of%the%Roots%Running% Project.%Since%joining%the%team,%Lara%has%placed%second%(by%time)%in%the%FORTitdue%10k%(chaseRrace)%and%18th%at%the% USATF%10%Mile%Championship%host%by%the%Twin%Cities%10%Mile.
Dakotah Lindwurm (Burnsville,%MN):%Dakotah%Lindwurm%was%born%and%raised%in%St.%Francis,%Minnesota.%She% graduated% from% St.% Francis% High%School% in% 2013% as% a% threeRsport% athlete% in% crossRcountry,% hockey,% and% track.% After% graduating,%she%attended%Northern%State%University%in%South%Dakota,%continuing%to%run%Track%and%Cross%Country.%While% there,%she%qualified%for%five%NCAA%national%meets,%earning%two%AllRAmerican%awards%(10k%and%XC).%Since%graduating% from% Northern% State,% Lindwurm% has% pursued% her% goal% to% run% professionally% by% training% with% Team% USA% Minnesota.%%Within%the%last%year%she%set%a%PR%in%every%event%she%has%run%from%the%5K%to%the%marathon.%She%placed%5th% at%the%2019%USATF%25k%Championships%and%14th%at%the%2019%USATF%20k%Championship.%She%debuted%her%marathon%at%
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Grandma’s%Marathon%in%Duluth%last%spring%with%a%time%of%2:34:02,%placing%fourth.%She%lowered%that%time%to%2:32:39%at% the%Twins%Cities%Marathon,%placing%second.%Going%forward,%Lindwurm%looks%to%improve%that%time%at%the%2020%Olympic% Marathon%Trials.%%
Connor McMillan!(Provo,%UT):%Connor%grew%up%in%American%Fork,%Utah%and%graduated%from%American%Fork%High%
School%in%2014.%While%there,%he%developed%into%a%top%high%school%Cross%Country%and%Track%runner,%winning%the%Utah% State%5A%championship%in%%Cross%Country%%and%the%3200m%in%his%senior%year.%Connor%ran%collegiate%Track%and%Cross% Country%at%Brigham%Young%University,%earning%1st%team%AllRAmerican%honors%several%times%during%his%college%career.% Following%graduation%with%a%Bachelor’s%in%Chemical%Engineering,%he%chose%to%pursue%professional%running.%Since%April% 2019,%Connor%has%%placed%4th%in%the%USATF%Outdoor%Championship%in%the%10,000m,%sixth%at%the%New%Haven%Road%Race,% and%third%at%the%USATF%10%mile%Championship%hosted%by%the%Twin%Cities%10%Mile.%
Alexis Zeis!(Boulder,%CO):%Alexis’s%running%career%really%began%in%high%school%in%North%Dakota%where%she%qualified%
for%the%state%championship%all%four%years%in%Cross%Country%and%Track.%After%high%school,%Zeis%stayed%in%her%hometown% of%Bismarck,%North%Dakota%to%attend%Division%II%school,%University%of%Mary.%As%a%freshman,%she%became%the%first%Cross% Country%AllRAmerican%for%the%school,%placing%21st.%%As%a%sophomore,%she%capped%an%undefeated%Cross%Country%season% with%her%first%national%title.%She%went%on%to%break%multiple%records%for%the%school%and%the%conference,%%becoming%%a% thirteen%time%AllRAmerican,%three%time%National%Champion%(XC%2015,%Indoor%5k%2017,%Indoor%5k%2018),%3x%XC%Region% Champion,%and%thirteen%time%Northern%Sun%Conference%Champion.%Following%college,%Zeis%moved%to%Boulder,%Colorado% where%she%currently%trains%with%the%Roots%Running%Project,%coached%by%Dr.%Richard%Hansen.%In%her%first%year%as%a%postR collegiate%runner,%she%has%set%personal%bests%from%the%5K(16:17),%10K%(33:27),%and%10%mile%(54:32).%She%also%competed% in%the%USATF%25k%Championships%where%she%earned%her%first%topR10%finish,%placing%6th.%From%there,%she%%geared%up%for% her% first% half% marathon% placing% third% at% the% Gary% Bjorklund% Half% in% June% 2019,%earning% an% Olympic%Marathon%Trials% standard%of%1:12:41.
Learn more at RRCA.org/our-programs-services/programs/roads-scholars
RRCA/Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Challenge In% 2019,% the% RRCA% again% partnered% with% the%Credit%Union%Cherry%Blossom%10%Mile% to%host%the% Roads%Scholar/RunPro%Camp% Challenge.%%Both%organizations%committed% a%total%of%$3,000%in%prize%money%for%men% and%women%who%were%top%finishers%at%the% race% and% had% either% attended% RunPro% Camp%or%were%Roads%Scholar%grantees.% The% RRCA% was% proud% to% provide% prize% money% to% (left% to% right)% Emma% Bates,% Bethany% Sachtleben,% % Samantha% BluskeR Palmer,% Futsum% Zienasellassie,% Reed% Fischer,% and% Willie% Milam,% pictured% with% Jean%Knaack.%
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Elite Grant Project in Support of the 2020 Team USA Olympic Trials Marathon In%2019,%the%RRCA%provided%grants%to%17%athletes%in%the%amount%of%$2,500%through%its%special%Elite%Grants%program%that% RRCA%provides%in%advance%of%the%Olympic%Trials%Marathon.%%Previous%Roads%Scholar%grantees%received%an%additional% $500.%%The%grants%are%designed%to%support%top%U.S.%athletes,%that%applied%for%the%grant,%as%they%prepare%for%the%2020% U.S.%Olympic%Trials%Marathon%held%in%Atlanta,%Georgia%on%Saturday,%February%29,%2020. Brogan%Austin,%Des%Moines,%IA%% Andrew%Colley,%Blowing%Rock,%NC%% Martin%Hehir,%Philadelphia,%PA%(‘16%Roads%Scholar)% Tyler%Jermann,%Burnsville,%MN%(‘17%Roads%Scholar)% Elkanah%Kibet,%Colorado%Springs,%CO% Bernard%Lagat,%Tucson,%AZ% Augustus%Maiyo,%Colorado%Springs,%CO% Parker%Stinson,%Boulder,%CO% % %
Emma%Bates,%Boise,%ID%(‘17%Roads%Scholar)% Samantha%BluskeRPalmer,%Tuscaloosa,%AL%(‘18% Roads%Scholar)% Kelsey%Bruce,%Dallas,%TX% Lindsay%Flanagan,%Louisville,%CO% Roberta%Groner,%Ledgewood,%NJ% Sara%Hall,%Flagstaff,%AZ% Katy%Jermann,%Burnsville,%MN%(‘15%Roads%Scholar)% Bethany%Sachtleben,%Fairfax,%VA%% Aliphine%Tuliamuk,%Flagstaff,%AZ%
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The% goal% of% the% RunPro% Camp% is% to% encourage,% support,% and% provide% the% tools% and% guidance% for% more% top% postRcollegiate% distance%runners%to%pursue%a%professional%running%career,%and% train%at%a%high%level.%%Our%goal%with%the%program%is%to%support% the%continued%improvement%of%U.S.%performances%at%national%and%international%competitions.%Along%with%the%Roads% Scholar%program,%RunPro%Camp%continues%a%long%tradition%of%the%RRCA%in%providing%resources%and%financial%support%to% pave%the%way%for%the%future%of%American%distance%running.%%RunPro%Camp%welcomed%On%Zap%Fitness%team%member% Andrew%Colley%and%Hoka%One%One%Northern%Arizona%Elite%team%member%Aliphine%Tuliamuk%as%professional%athletes%to% share%their%experiences%with%everyone%attending%%RunPro%Camp%in%2019.%
Congratulations to the following athletes that attended the 2019 RunPro Camp: ! Colin%Abert%–%Penn%State%University% David%Barney%–%Florida%State%University% Annie%Frisbie%–%Iowa%State%University% Paul%Hogan%–%%University%%of%Massachusetts%Lowell% Frank%Lara%–%Furman%University% John%Lewis%–%Clemson%University% Janelle%Noe%–%University%of%Toledo%
Josette%Norris%–%Georgetown%University% Dhruvil%Patel%–%North%Central%College% Andrea%Shine%–%University%of%Iowa% Jaci%Smith%–%Air%Force%Academy% Rachel%Walny%–%Bowling%Green%State%University% Matt%Welch%–%University%of%Portland%
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RRCA Championship Event Series - 2019 !
The%RRCA%Championship%Event%Series%is%one%of%the%oldest%traditions%in%distance%running% in% the% U.S.,% dating% back% to% 1958% when% the% RRCA% awarded% their% first% championship% designation.%The%goal%of%the%RRCA%Championship%Event%Series%is%to%shine%a%spotlight%on% wellRrun%events,%and%to%promote%the%sport%of%running%by%recognizing%the%top%performing% runners%in%the%Open,%Masters%(40+),%Grand%Masters%(50+),%and%Senior%Grand%Masters%(60+)% age%categories%for%both%men%and%women%as%RRCA%Champions.% %
In% total% for% 2019,% the% RRCA% Championship% Event% Series% included%261%races% at% the% State,%Regional,%and%National%level%that%attracted%over%354,000%runners%nationwide,% making%it%the%largest%grassrootsRorganized,%running%event%series%in%the%U.S.%%224%RRCA%State%Championship%Events% were% hosted% with% 310,000% participants,% 30% RRCA% Regional% Championship% Events% were% hosted% with% 24,500% participants,% and% 7% RRCA%National% Championship% Events% were% hosted%with% 19,500% participants.% %We% are%proud% to% acknowledge%the%results%of%the%2019%RRCA%National%Championship%Event%Series%below.% %
RRCA%Championship%Events%receive%sponsorship%support%from%the%RRCA,%Gatorade®%as%the%Official%Beverage%of%the% series% and% Ashworth% Awards®% % as% the% Official% Award% Provider% for% the% series.% The% RRCA% sponsored% over%100,000$championshipRbranded%race%numbers% for%the% events.% The%RRCA% supplied%1566%championship%medals% during%the%year%to%celebrate%performances%from%elites%to%senior%grand%masters%in% the%sport.%% !
RRCA National Ultra Champions Ice Age Trail 50 - May 11, 2019, La Grange, WI Male%Open:%Michael%Quesnell,%age%25,%Madison,%WI%in%6:33:20% Female%Open:%Blair%Doney,%age%29,%Denver,%CO%in%7:42:48% Male%Master:%Ondrej%Tomek%in%7:53:02% Female%Master:%Jennifer%St.%Amand,%in%9:08:50% Male%Grandmaster:%John%Horns%in%8:07:19% Female%Grandmaster:%Meg%Pond%Louthan%in%9:32:48% Male%Senior%Grandmaster:%David%Ulbert%in%9:07:25% Female%Senior%Grandmaster:%Kathy%Siculan%in%11:32:44% !
RRCA National Marathon Champions
People’s United Bank Vermont City Marathon - May 26, 2019, Burlington, VT
Male%Open:%Sergio%Reyes,%age%37,%Palmdale,%CA%in%2:17:40% Female%Open:%Rachel%Schilkowsky,%age%27,%Providence,%RI%in%2:45:59%% Male%Master:%Chris%Coffey,%age%40,%Monkton,%VT%in%2:46:03% Female%Master:%Toni%Diegoli,%age%40,%Potomac,%MD%in%3:08:56% Male%Grandmaster:%David%Putney,%age%54,%Newport,%NY%in%2:52:58% Female%Grandmaster:%Ruth%CardonaRSuarez,%age%51,%Winchester,%MA%in%3:34:28% Male%Senior%Grandmaster:%Jack%Pilla,%age%60,%Charlotte,%VT%in%3:04:46% Female%Senior%Grandmaster:%Sharon%Johnson,%age%62,%Andover,%MA%in%3:51:29% !
RRCA National Half Marathon Champions Koala Health Houston Half Marathon - October 27, 2019, Houston, TX Male%Open:%Zaven%O’Bryant,%age%33,%Houston,%TX%in%1:05:39.9% Female%Open:%Patricia%Terry,%age%28,%Spring,%TX%in%1:15:30.4% Male%Master:%Sean%Wade,%age%53,%Houston,%TX%in%1:14:42.7% Female%Master:%Flora%Lai,%age%49,%Houston,%TX%in%1:19:50.7% Male%Grandmaster:%Sim%Cuevas,%age%59,%Houston,%TX%in%1:25:58.1% Female%Grandmaster:%Peggy%Yetman,%age%51,%Spring,%TX%in%1:21:31.8% Male%Senior%Grandmaster:%Dan%Byrne,%age%61,%Hunstville,%TX%in%1:26:36.9% Female%Senior%Grandmaster:%Suzy%Seeley,%age%60,%Houston,%TX%in%1:42:28.6%
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RRCA National 10 Mile Champions Levi’s Presidio 10 Presented by The Guardsmen - April 14, 2019, San Francisco, CA Male%Open:%Jake%Schmitt,%age%32,%San%Francisco,%CA%in%0:33:28% Female%Open:%Celia%Stockwell,%age%30,%Los%Angeles,%CA%in%0:39:27% Male%Master:%Elliot%Han,%age%42,%San%Francisco,%CA%in%0:43:35% Female%Master:%Laura%Schmitt,%age%55,%San%Francisco,%CA%in%0:44:53% Male%Grandmaster:%Jamie%Austin,%age%51,%San%Francisco,%CA%in%0:46:56,% Female%Grandmaster:%Kirsten%Duvall,%age%52,%San%Francisco,%CA%in%0:48:33% Male%Senior%Grandmaster:%Milton%Lorig,%age%67,%Oakland,%CA%in%0:49:05% Female%Senior%Grandmaster:%Marianne%Plunder,%age%64,%Oakland%CA%in%0:56:14% !
RRCA National 10K Champions Get in Gear 10K - April 27, 2019, Minneapolis, MN Male%Open:%Silas%Kipruto,%age%29,%Grand%Prairie,%TX%in%29:32,% Female%Open:%Vicoty%Chepngeno,%age%25,%Grand%Prairie,%TX%in%32:15% Male%Master:%Olivier%Vrambout,%age%45,%Bayport,%MN%in%0:32:52% Female%Master:%Becky%Youngberg,%age%44,%Eden%Prairie,%MN%in%38:44% Male%Grandmaster:%W.%Scott%Lindell,%age%51,%Sartell,%MN%in%0:34:16% Female%Grandmaster:%Sonya%Decker,%age%52,%Minneapolis,%MN%in%42:02% Male%Senior%Grandmaster:%Doug%Keller,%age%60,%Minneapolis,%MN%in%38:00% Female%Senior%Grandmaster:%Andriette%Wickstrom,%age%64,%Storm%Lake,%IA%in%46:22%
RRCA National 5K Champions! Kalamazoo Klassic 5K - June 15, 2019, Kalamazoo, MI Male%Open:%Julian%Borst,%age%22,%Kalamazoo,%MI%in%16:30% Female%Open:%Ellie%Voetberg,%age%16,%Portage,%MI%in%18:53%% Male%Master:%Dan%Damaska,%age%44,%Portage,%MI%in%18:43% Female%Master:%Heather%Boersman,%age%51,%Kalamazoo,%MI%in%20:43% Male%Grandmaster:%Gary%Haga,%age%62,%South%Haven,%MI%in%19:03% Female%Grandmaster:%Leslie%Scheffers,%age%54,%Portage,%MI%in%21:34% Male%Senior%Grandmaster:%Morris%Appleby,%age%60,%Portage,%MI%in%19:42% Female%Senior%Grandmaster:%Karleen%Dawson,%age%62,%Winter%Garden,%FL%in%25:33%
RRCA National One Mile Champions Swedish American State Street Mile - August 3, 2019, Rockford, IL Male%Open:%Alejandro%Garcia,%age%25,%Waukegan,%IL%in%0:04:07.0% Female%Open:%Taylor%Frommer,%age%18,%Rockford,%IL%in%0:05:02.5% Male%Master:%Michael%Marty,%age%43,%Grayslake,%IL%in%0:04:38.6% Female%Master:%Olivia%Aranda,%age%40,%Rockford,%IL%in%0:05:29.3% Male%Grandmaster:%Danny%Dubois,%age%43,%Grayslake,%IL%in%0:04:38.6% Female%Grandmaster:%Elena%Shemyakina,%age%60,%Geneva,%IL%in%0:05:55.0% Male%Senior%Grandmaster:%Gary%Haga,%age%62,%South%Haven,%MI%in%0:06:02.5% Female%Senior%Grandmaster:%Jill%Kapala,%age%63,%Rockford,%IL%in%0:07:58.7%
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The goal of the
RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community® program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that stand-out as runner-friendly and provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner-friendly communities. ! ! BELMONT,$CA$=$The%heart%of%what%makes%Belmont%runner%friendly%can%be%found%in%the%support%of%the%local%business%community.% Area%businesses%helping%to%support%running%include:%Waterdog%Tavern,%a%great%postRrun%location%and%the%host%for%the%Tuesdays,% Training,%and%Tacos%events%that%occur%every%other%Tuesday,%A%Runner's%Mind,%family%owned%running%store%and%an%RRCA%member.$ Belmont's%government%is%extremely%supportive%of%running%in%the%local%community,%accommodating%group%runs%and%local%events,% specifically%the%signature%Belmont%Water%Dog%Run.%Using%its%communication%channels,%the%city%promotes%the%race%and%has%provided% the%location%next%to%City%Hall%for%the%finish%line%in%2019.%$Belmont%also%has%infrastructure%befitting%a%Runner%Friendly%Community.% The%city%is%the%home%of%the%Crystal%Springs%Cross%Country%Course.%Running%legends%such%as%Frank%Shorter,%Jeff%Galloway,%and%former% President%&%CEO%of%New%Balance%Shoes,%Rob%DeMartini%have%all%run%on%this%course.%Though%notorious%about%its%difficulty,%the%course% is%used%by%many%community%members%daily.%In%further%support%of%runners,%Belmont%also%contains%community%bathrooms%or%portable% toilets% along% pedestrian% networks,% available% parking% near% pedestrian% networks% (trail% head% parking% lots),% and% wellRlit% pedestrian% networks.$ CHAMPAIGN=URBANA,$IL$=$ChampaignRUrbana’s%local%government%actively%encourages%and%promotes%the%running%community%by% keeping%the%permitting%and%shelter%reservation%process%easy%and%affordable.%Officers%from%the%local%police%department%provide% educational% speakers% for% RRCA% member% Second% Wind% Running% Club’s% Beginning% Women's% Running% Group.% For% the% running% community,%the%police%officers%and%first%responders%of%each%of%the%twin%cities%works%closely%with%the%Christie%Clinic%Illinois%Marathon% on%traffic%control%and%safety.%Both%the%Champaign%Park%District%and%the%Urbana%Park%District%provide%and%promote%running%race% events%such%as%a%Cupcake%5K.%$ChampaignRUrbana’s%spirit%of%collaboration%helps%make%it%a%Runner%Friendly%Community.%There%is%a% pedestrian%safety%partnership%between%the%ChampaignRUrbana%Mass%Transit%District%(CUMTD),%City%of%Champaign,%City%of%Urbana,% and%the%University%of%Illinois%at%UrbanaRChampaign%(UIUC)%through%the%project%MCORE%(Multimodal%Corridor%Enhancement%Project).% The%goal%of%MCORE%is%to%provide%a%balance%between%all%modes%of%transportation,%address%pedestrian%access%routes,%bicycle%lanes,% transit%efficiency%and%vehicle%flow%while%reducing%potential%conflict%areas.%$ChampaignRUrbana%is%home%to%RRCA%member%the%Second% Wind%Running%Club%(SWRC)%who%submitted%the%Runner%Friendly%Community%Application.%%As%part%of%its%mission,%the%club%has%made% it%a%priority%to%connect%with%all%facets%of%the%community.%$ HOUSTON,$TX$=$Houston%has%two%major%RRCA%clubs,%the%Houston%Area%Road%Runners%Association%(HARRA),%who%submitted%the% Runner% Friendly% Community% Application,% and% the% Houston% Striders.% HARRA% is% the% umbrella% running% organization% with% over% 40% member%clubs%that%work%to%promote%running%in%the%greater%Houston%Area.%HARRA%works%with%the%Mayor's%office%providing%a%5K%and% 10K%as%part%of%the%Mayor's%Wellness%Weekend%in%the%spring,%every%year.%They%also%work%closely%with%the%city’s%parks,%especially% Hermann%Park%and%Memorial%Park,%supporting%their%fundRraising%races.%In%turn,%the%parks%support%HARRA%with%discounted%park%use% fees%for%our%Club%events%and%meetings.%The%Houston%Striders%host%the%popular%fall%race%the%Houston%Half%Marathon,%which%served% as%the%2019%RRCA%National%Half%Marathon%Championship.%Houston%is%also%home%to%RRCA%event%member%Running%Alliance%Sport,% which%has%hosted%several%RRCA%Championship%Events,%and%its%Toughest%10K%Kemah%was%named%the%2018%RRCA%Road%Race%of%the% Year.$HARRA%has%a%great%working%relationship%with%the%City%of%Houston.%The%club’s%annual%Bayou%City%Classic%10K%starts%and%finishes% at%the%reflecting%pond%at%City%Hall.%The%city%is%generous%with%free%parking%for%major%running%events,%makes%metro%rail%free%the%day%of% the% Houston% Marathon,% % and% includes% one% of% HARRA’s% races% as% part% of% the% Mayor's% Wellness% weekend% event.% The% Houston% community%comes%out%in%huge%numbers%to%volunteer%for%the%prestigious%Chevron%Houston%Marathon%in%January,%the%largest%singleR day%sporting%event%in%Houston.%Over%7,000%volunteers%are%needed%to%host%the%nearly%33,000%participants.%$ $ WILLIAMSBURG,$ VA$ =$ A% defining% feature% of% what% makes% Williamsburg% a% Runner% Friendly% Community% is% its% infrastructure.% Williamsburg/James%City%County%(JCC)%is%the%starting%point%for%the%50Rmile%Capital%to%Capital%Trail.%The%paved%trail%is%runner%and%biker% friendly;%vehicles%are%prohibited%giving%runners%an%opportunity%to%train%for%virtually%any%race%distance%imaginable.%The%trail%goes% from%Williamsburg,%the%Colonial%capital%of%Virginia%to%Richmond,%the%current%capital.%Along%the%route%you%will%pass%the%birthplace% and/or% residents% of% three% former% US% Presidents.% Additionally,% historical% routes% through% Revolutionary% and% Civil% War% sites% give%
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runners%an%opportunity%to%learn%more%about%the%local%history%by%simply%running%a%National%Park%historical%route%complete%with% markers% and% a% description% of% the% significance% of% each% location.% The% county% and% city% officials% understand% the% needs% of% the% race% directors%and%%delicately%balance%that%with%Williamsburg’s%status%as%a%popular%tourist%destination,%hosting%close%to%3Rmillion%people% a%year.%Mitigating%risk%and%placing%safetyRfirst%allows%races%to%take%place%while%visitors%tour%the%area,%often%at%the%same%locations%as% races.%The%local%Chamber%of%Commerce’s%willingness%to%place%local%running%events%on%the%promotional%calendar%has%seen%a%10%% spike%in%participation%in%Williamsburg%races%across%the%board.$The%Colonial%Road%Runners%(CRR),%who%submitted%the%Runner%Friendly% Community% application,% have% been% the% only% Williamsburg/James% City% County% running% club% for% over% 30% years.% The% nonprofit% organization%is%a%member%of%both%RRCA%and%USATF.%With%more%than%330%members,%the%club%boosts%23%races%per%year,%nearly%daily% group%runs%for%all%abilities%and%social%events%to%promote%youth%running.%The%Mayor,%members%of%the%Board%of%Supervisors,%and% Education%Board%are%often%active%members%in%the%planning%and%conduct%of%local%races.%The%CRR%have%given%more%than%$10,000%in% scholarships%to%local%runners%graduating%from%high%school%in%just%the%last%two%years.%% $ TUCSON,$AZ%R%%With%a%population%of%one%million,%the%greater%Tucson%community%has%long%been%known%as%an%endurance%sport%mecca,% with%its%beautiful%weather,%iconic%scenery,%and%its%plentiful%urban%and%wilderness%trail%systems.%Over%150%miles%of%city%and%county% multiRuse%path%enables%runners%to%run%on%safe%and%flat%paved%surfaces,%while%within%minutes%of%downtown%Tucson%are%hundreds% and%hundreds%of%miles%of%wellRmaintained%trails%in%nearby%Saguaro%National%Park,%Coronado%National%Forest,%Tucson%Mountain%Park,% the%Tortolita%Mountains,%the%Rincon%Mountains,%the%Santa%Rita%Mountains,%and%the%Catalina%Mountains.%With%over%40%running%races,% the%Tucson%area%has%hosted%RRCA%State,%West%Regional,%and%National%Championships%from%the%Mile%to%the%HalfRMarathon.%One%of% the%defining%aspects%of%Tucson%being%a%Runner%Friendly%Community%is%its%infrastructure.%The%National%Park%Service%maintains%over% 300%miles%of%desert%and%mountain%trails%adjacent%to%the%City%of%Tucson%and%within%the%Pima%County%boundary.%%Tucson’s%business% community%contributes%to%the%city’s%support%of%running.%Tucson's%Downtown%economic%development%district,%Rio%Nuevo,%has%been% especially%helpful%in%promoting%safe%exercise%in%the%downtown%areas,%sponsoring%multiple%running%races%and%the%free%untimed%Meet% Me% at% Maynard's% weekly% walk/run,% averaging% 500% participants% each% night.% In% addition,% the% downtown% business% organization,% Downtown%Tucson%Partnership,%sponsors%TMC%Meet%Me%Downtown%and%TMC%Get%Moving%Tucson%(both%of%which%have%been%RRCA% Championship%events)%in%an%effort%to%ensure%that%the%heart%of%Downtown%Tucson%is%seen%as%a%fitnessRfriendly%space.%Tucson%boasts% two%large%and%active%RRCA%member%clubs,%the%Southern%Arizona%Roadrunners%(SAR),%and%Run%Tucson,%who%submitted%the%Runner% Friendly%Community%application.%% % Lafayette,$ LA% R% Located% along% the% Vermillon% River% in% the% southwest% corner% of% Louisiana,% roughly% 130% miles% from% New% Orleans,% Lafayette%is%the%fourth%largest%city%in%the%state%with%a%population%of%over%127,000.%A%key%moment%in%the%city’s%history%came%in%the% mid%18th%century%when%Acadian%refugees,%expelled%from%Canada,%fled%to%the%region.% Their%subsequent%intermingling% with%other% settlers% formed% Cajun% culture,% and% the% associated% language,% music,% cuisine,% customs,% and% religious% traditions% still% flourish% in% Lafayette% today.% % A% big% component% in% Lafayette’s% runner% friendly% status% is% the% cooperation% of% its% local% government.%The% city% of% Lafayette%has%dedicated%a%large%amount%of%time%and%money%to%help%keep%runners,%pedestrians,%and%cyclists%safe.%Throughout%the% recent%years%more%sidewalks%and%bike%lanes%have%been%placed%throughout%the%city.%The%city%of%Lafayette%has%also%worked%hard%at% maintaining%and%upgrading%the%paths%and%trail%throughout%the%city.%Currently%the%city%is%building%a%new%paved%running/walking%path% at%Acadiana%Park%along%with%upgrading%and%making%a%new%network%of%running%trails%through%the%nature%station.%The%Cajun%Road% Runners%Club%(CRRC),%RRCA% member%who%submitted%the%Runner%Friendly%Community%application,%is%the%largest%running%club%in% Lafayette%with%over%200%members.%CRRC%hosts%an%annual%triple%crown%series%consisting%of%Big%Pete’s%8K,%the%Cajun%Cup%10K,%and%Al% Comeaux% LA% –% 10.% These% races% attract% over% 2,000% runners% each% year% and% have% served% as% RRCA% State,% Regional,% and% National% Championships.% Runners% who% finish% all% three% events% receive% a% special% commemorative% medal.% CRRC% has% also% made% a% strong% commitment%to%fostering%youth%running%in%Lafayette%with%the%creation%of%CRRC%Jr,%which%offers%young%runners%the%opportunity%for% structured%and%safe%training%with%an%RRCA%certified%coach.%% $
Congratulations to the following communities that successfully renewed their Runner Friendly Community status in 2019 for another five years: Spokane, WA S!Renewed%by%Bloomsday%Road%Runners%Club Belleville, IL S!!Renewed%by%Belleville%Running%Club
Learn more about the Runner Friendly Community program at: RRCA.org/our-programs-services/programs/runner-friendly-community
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RRCA Coaching Certification Program Since% 1998,% the% RRCA% Coaching% Certification% Program% has% provided% a% baseline%of%education%for%individuals%seeking%to%become%an%RRCA%Certified% Coach.% The% goal% of% the% program% is% to% create% a% national% community% of% knowledgeable%and%ethical%distance%running%coaches%to%work%with%runners% of%all%ages%and%abilities.%The%RRCA%Coaching%Program%offers%educational%opportunities%that%includes%a%Level%I%and%Level% II%curriculum%and%certification%process%for%interested%coaches.%In%2019,%generous%course%hosts%worked%with%the%RRCA%to% bring%37%course%to%communities%all%over%the%U.S.,%from%Massachusetts%to%Washington%state,%from%Texas%to%Minnesota% and%everywhere%in%between.%%The%Level%II%curriculum%and%certification%process,%launched%in%2016,%provides%for%a%deeper% understanding%of%the%scientific,%psychological,%competitive,%and%managerial%aspects%of%working%with%individual%clients% and%training%groups.%%The%RRCA%held%three%Level%II%inRperson%sessions%in%2019.% We% thank% our% Director% of% Coaching% Education,% Randy% Accetta,% Ph.D.,% along% with% his% team% of% course% instructors% Cari%Setzler%DVM,%Bobby%Gessler%MD,%and%Brent%Ayer%for%another%successful%program%year.%We%also%thank%the%RRCA% members%and%supporters%that%hosted%a%coaching%certification%course%on%behalf%of%the%RRCA.%% Since the program’s inception over 9,000 people have become RRCA Certified Running Coaches.
Learn more at RRCA.org/programs/coaching-program-overview
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RRCA Race Director Certification Program !
The% RRCA% again% hosted% an% inRperson% version% of% the% RRCA’s% Race% Director% Certification% Course% in% November% in% conjunction% with% Road% Race% Management’s%annual%Race%Directors’%Meeting.%%Course%presenters%included%Phil%Stewart%and%Becky%Lambros%R%Director% and%Deputy%Director%of%the%Credit%Union%Cherry%Blossom%10%Mile;%Sean%Ryan%R%Director%of%the%Fall%50;%and%Jean%Knaack% R% RRCA% Executive% Director.% They,% along% with% a% class% of% ten% participants% from% races% around% the% country% shared% their% expertise%on%topics%of%importance%for%race%directors.%At%the%conclusion%of%2019,%the%RRCA%launched%a%revised%version%of% the% Race% Director% Certification% Course% with% updated% information% to% ensure% the% course% remains% relevant% to% the% challenges%and%opportunities%race%directors%face%today.%%
Learn more at RRCA.org/programs/race-director-certification! ! ! !
62nd RRCA National Convention Since% 1958,%members% and%supporters%of% the% RRCA%have%gathered%in%different%cities%around%the% country%for%the%RRCA%National%Convention.%In%2019,%the%62nd%RRCA%National%Convention%was%held% in%New%Orleans,%Louisiana,%March%28R31,%2019,%and%was%host%by%Betsy%Boudreaux%and%Louisiana% RRCA%members.%%The%RRCA%welcomed%over%300%members,%sponsor,%volunteers,%and%prospective% RRCA%Coaches%to%New%Orleans.%%The%Convention%kickedRoff%in%true%Big%Easy%style%with%a%brass%band%and%a%crew%of%Zulu% Tramps.%%The%fun%continued%with%outstanding%keynote%speakers%Michael%Wardian,%fresh%off%his%Fastest%Known%Time%run% on% the% Israel% National% Trail,% and% Golden% Harper,% Altra% Running% coRfounder.% % The% Convention% concluded% with% the% Run/Walk%Through%History%5K%&%1K%in%support%of%Save%our%Cemeteries.%
Thank you to our 62nd Convention Sponsors:%% RunSignUp.com,% Marathon% Printing,% Rock% ‘n’% Roll%
Marathon% Series,% Leslie% Jordan,% Insurance% Management% Group,% K&K% Insurance,% Crescent% City% Classic,% Port% Orleans% Brewing,%the%Drive%Race%and%Club%Solutions,%Ashworth%Awards,%Altra%Running,%Headsweats,%Hasty%Awards,%ARB%Emblem,% and%UCAN.%
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50th Class – RRCA Distance Running Hall of Fame Inductees Kara Goucher$ was% a%standout% runner% for%the%University%of%Colorado.%% In%2000,%
Goucher%became%the%NCAA%Outdoor%Champion%in%the%3000m%and%5000m,%the%NCAA% Cross% Country% Champion,% and% also% a% 5000m% Olympic% Trials% Finalist% (eighth).% % After% finishing%second%in%the%5K%at%the%USATF%Outdoor%Championships%in%2006,%Goucher%set% PRs%at%all%distances%on%the%international%circuit,%running%the%World%"A"%Standard%in%the% 1500m,%5000m,%and%10,000m.%She%finished%third%in%the%3000m%at%the%2006%IAAF%World% Cup%in%a%new%personal%best%time%of%8:41.42.%Her%3000m%time%led%the%nation%and%her% 10,000%m%time%ranked%her%as%the%2nd%fastest%American%woman%of%all%time.%At%the%2007% IAAF%World%Championships%in%Osaka,%Japan,%she%won%the%bronze%medal%in%the%women's% 10,000%m%event.%%Her%career%on%the%track%culminated%in%2008%when%Goucher%competed% in% the% Beijing% Summer% Olympics% in% both% the% 10,000m% and% 5,000m.% In% the% 10,000m% final,%she%placed%tenth%with%a%personal%best%of%30:55.16,%and%in%the%5000m%she%placed% ninth%with%a%time%of%15:49.39.%%Goucher%made%her%marathon%debut%at%the%New%York% City%Marathon%on%November%2,%2008.%She%finished%in%3rd%place%with%a%time%of%2:25:53,% becoming%the%first%American,%at%that%time,%on%the%podium%since%Anne%Marie%Letko%in% 1994.%% The% next% year,% she% placed% 3rd% at% the% 2009% Boston% Marathon% with% a% time% of% 2:32:25.%At%the%2009%World%Championships,%she%finished%10th%in%the%marathon%with%a% time%of%2:27:48.%Following%the%birth%of%her%son,%Goucher%returned%to%competition%at% the%Arizona%Half%Marathon%in%January%2011,%finishing%2nd.%In%April%of%that%year,%Goucher% returned% to% marathoning% in% Boston,% where% she% placed% 5th% with% a% time% of% 2:24:52,% setting% a% new% personal% best.% Goucher% qualified% for% the% 2012% Summer% Olympics% by% placing% 3rd% at% the% U.S.% Olympic% Trials% Marathon% in% Houston,% Texas,% with% a% time% of% 2:26:06.%%She%would%go%on%to%place%11th%at%the%2012%Summer%Olympics%with%a%time%of%2:26.07.%%
Bernard Lagat$ moved% to% the% U.S.% from% Kenya% in% 1996% to% compete%
collegiately%at%Washington%State%University.%%While%there,%Lagat%was%an%11Rtime% NCAA%AllRAmerican,%winning%the%1999%NCAA%Indoor%Mile%title%in%3:55.65.%%Lagat% first% represented% his% native% Kenya% at% the% 2000% Summer% Olympics% in% Sydney,% Australia.%He%would%take%home%a%bronze%medal%in%the%1500m.%Four%years%later,% he% would% improve% on% his% performance% at% the% Olympics,% taking% home% a% silver% medal%in%the%1500m%at%the%Athens%games%for%Kenya.%Lagat%also%won%his%first%gold% medal%in%international%competition%that%year,%placing%first%in%the%3000m%at%the% IAAF%World%Indoor%Championships.%In%March%2005,%Lagat%announced%that%he%had% become%a%citizen%of%the%United%States%and%would%compete%for%his%new%country% internationally.% In% 2008,% Lagat% represented% the% U.S.% at% the% Beijing% Olympic% Games%in%both%the%1500m%and%5000m,%but%an%Achilles%tendon%tear%impacted%his% performances%during%the%Games.%At%the%2012%Olympic%Trials,%Lagat%was%runnerR up%in%the%5000m%to%make%his%4th%Olympic%team.%At%the%2012%Olympics%in%London,% Lagat%finished%4th%in%the%5000%m%race,%crossing%the%line%1.33%seconds%behind%the% leader,%Mo%Farah,%after%being%tripped%up%when%he%was%going%into%his%final%kick.%Lagat%won%the%5000m%at%the%2016%United% States%Olympic%Trials,%qualifying%him%for%his%5th%Olympic%Games%in%Rio%de%Janeiro,%Brazil.%Lagat%became%the%oldest%runner% at% the% 2016% Summer%Olympics% to% represent%the%U.S.%Lagat% initially% claimed%the%6thRplace%finish%in%the%5000m% at% the% Olympics.%He%was%moved%to%bronze%after%three%runners%were%disqualified,%but%was%moved%back%to%5th%after%two%out%of% the%three% were% reinstated.% Lagat%made%his%marathon%debut%in%2018%at%the%New%York%City%Marathon%with%a%time%of% 2:17:20.%In%July%2019,%Lagat%ran%2:12:10%in%the%Gold%Coast%Marathon%in%Australia.%The%result%placed%him%7th%overall%and% broke$Meb%Keflezighi‘s%US%Masters%record%(40+)%of%2:12:20%in%the%men’s%marathon.%As%of%2019,%Bernard%Lagat%now%holds% the%fastest%time%by%a%U.S.%40%and%over%man%at%every%distance%from%the%1500m%through%the%marathon.%
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Tatyana McFadden$ was% born% with% a% hole% in% her% spine%
caused%by%spina%bifida.%%She%spent%the%first%six%years%of%her%life%in%a% Russian%orphanage%with%virtually%nothing,%not%even%a%wheelchair.% Paralyzed%from%the%waist%down,%and%with%no%other%way%to%move,% she%learned%to%walk%on%her%hands%simply%to%keep%up%with%the%other% children.% In% 1994,% Deborah% McFadden,% then% Commissioner% of% Disabilities% for% the% U.S.% Department% of% Health,% came% upon% Tatyana%while%visiting%her%orphanage%on%a%routine%business%trip.% She% felt% a% connection,% an% inexplicable% feeling% that% they% were% meant%to%be%together.%Deborah%adopted%Tatyana,%brought%her%to% the%United%States%and%gave%her%both%a%wheelchair%and%a%new%start% on%life.%At%15,%Tatyana%made%her%Paralympic%debut%in%Athens%in% 2004.%She%was%the%youngest%member%of%Team%USA.%She%returned% from%Greece%with%her%first%two%medals%and%a%hunger%to%become%the%best.%Two%years%later%she%was%winning%gold%at%the% World%Championships%and%setting%a%new%world%record%in%the%100m%event.%At%the%2008%Paralympic%in%Beijing,%at%19%and% still%in%the%infancy%of%her%athletic%career,%she%earned%four%more%medals.%In%2012%at%the%London%Games,%she%added%another% four%medals,%three%of%which%were%gold.%One%year%later,%at%the%2013%World%Championships,%she%became%the%first%athlete% in%history%to%win%six%gold%medals%at%the%same%event.%Her%dominance%was%in%full%swing,%and%she%was%only%24%years%old.%In% 2016%at%the%Rio%Paralympics,%Tatyana%continued%her%dominance%in%wheelchair%racing%by%winning%four%gold%and%two%silver% medals,% bringing% her% total% count% of% Paralympic% medals% to% 17.% % Tatyana% challenged% herself% with% the% professional% marathon%circuit%in%2009,%and%with%her%win%at%the%Chicago%Marathon,%she%set%off%an%extraordinary%string%of%first%place% finishes%that%is%still%going%strong.%In%2013%she%won%the%Boston,%London,%Chicago,%and%New%York%marathons;%becoming% the%first%man%or%woman,%ableRbodied%or%disabled,%to%win%the%Grand%Slam,%four%World%Major%Marathons%in%the%same% year.%%She%repeated%her%Grand%Slam%victory%in%2014,%2015%and%again%in%2016.%
Bee McLeod$ brought% a$ pioneering% spirit% to% the% sport% of% running% that% was%
evident%early.%In%high%school,%there%was%no%women's%cross%country%team,%so%she% competed%as%a%member%of%the%men's%team.%Following%college%she%became%active% in%her%local%club,%the%Tidewater%Striders,%and%served%in%various%leadership%roles% including% club% president% from% 2000R2004.% Bee% ran% over% 60% marathons% and% countless%shorter%distance%races%(winning%several),%finished%the%Ironman%Triathlon% Lake% Placid,% and% competed% in% duathlons% around% the% country.% In% 1988,% she% qualified%for%and%ran%in%the%Olympic%Trials%Marathon.%In%2000,%she%was%a%member% of% the% U.S.% team% for% the% World% Championship% Duathlon,% competing% in% Calais,% France.%%McLeod%gave%35Ryears%of%continuou%service%to%U.S.%distance%running%and% is% credited% with% being% “the% savior% of% the% RRCA.�%% The% RRCA,% at% the% turn% of% this% century,% was% undergoing% a% crisis%of% survival,% with% financial% deficits% in% excess% of% $180,000.% Many% RRCA% members% were% very% dissatisfied% with% the% organizations% administration%and%financial%position.%In%2004,%under%difficult%circumstances,%Bee% McLeod%was%elected%president%of%the%RRCA.%%Bee%worked%with%the%RRCA%board% and%mentors%to%make%many%constructive%changes%during%her%tenure%as%president% (2004R2008),% including% major% updates% to% the% RRCA% bylaws.%% Those% updates% constitute%the%main%structure%of%the%RRCA%bylaws%that%remain%in%force%today.%%As% a%result%of%McLeod's%efforts,%the%RRCA%made%a%dramatic%turnaround.%At%the%end% of%McLeod's%presidency%the%RRCA%eliminated%its%deficit%and%had%over%$500,000%in%reserves%with%a%policy%requiring%board% intervention% for% spending% if% the% boardRrestricted% reserve% fund% falls% under% a% specified% amount.%% McLeod% remained% engaged%with%the%RRCA%following%her%term%on%the%board%as%a%major%donor%to%the%organization%and%its%programs.%%She% continued%to%attend%every%RRCA%Convention%since%her%term%as%President%expired.%In%2014,%she%received%the%Browning% Ross%Spirit%of%RRCA%award.%%
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2019 RRCA National Running Award Recipients! !
Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA – Jeff Darman Jeff%Darman%served%as%RRCA%President%from%1977R1979.%He%actively%engaged%women%in%leadership% roles% and% worked% hard% to% provide% more% running% opportunities% for% women.% When% Jeff% became% President,%there%were%60%RRCA%member%clubs.%During%his%tenure,%that%number%grew%to%150%clubs%and% 33,000%runners,%a%testament%to%his%ability%to%secure%the%RRCA's%position%as%the%voice%of%the%nation's% communityRbased%running%clubs.%%Jeff%has%remained%an%advocate,%advisor,%and%important%ally%for%the% RRCA.% His% steady% presence% and% belief% in% the% mission%of% the% organization% has% helped% shepherd% the% RRCA%through%multiple%challenges%over%a%40Ryear%time%span.%Jeff's%work%with%Road%Race%Management% and%the%annual%Race%Directors'%Meeting%has%provided%valuable%resources%for%RRCA% member%event% directors%and%helped%to%shape%the%development%of%the%RRCA’s%Race%Director%Certification%Course.%Jeff% is%a%fundraising%steward%for%the%Roads%Scholar%fund%and%continues%to%be%a%champion%for%this%longR standing%program.%%As%a%running%event%director%himself,%he%has%helped%to%fight%for%gender%equality%in%the%sport,%and%advised%countless% others%on%elite%athlete%coordination,%marketing,%and%media%relations.%% !
Outstanding Club President – John Brust, San Francisco Road Runners Club, San Francisco, CA John%Brust%has%served%as%President%of%the%San%Francisco%Road%Runners%Club%(SFRRC)%for%three%years.% In%that%time,%he%has%shown%a%strong%ability%to%lead%a%large%and%diverse%urban%running%group.%%John%is% committed%and%passionate%about%SFRRC,%inspiring%others%to%become%involved%by%actively%networking% and%opening%doors%in%the%running%community%at%large.%Through%innovative%measures%like%seminars%at% a%local%running%store,%camps,%a%Fall%member%retreat,%and%even%a%book%club,%John%has%helped%SFRRC’s% membership%increase%by%more%than%25%%to%over%500%members%during%his%tenure.%%John’s%contributions% to%SFRRC%extend%beyond%member%engagement%and%recruitment,%he%is%a%true%executive%leader,%actively% seeking%and%encouraging%input%from%members,%and%delegating%duties.%John%has%strived%to%diligently% update%the%club's%mission%statement,%bylaws,%and%operating%policies.%While%doing%all%of%this,%he%is%an% active%and%encouraging%presence%at%weekly%group%runs%and%club%workouts.%%% !
Outstanding State Representative – Simone Adair, California - Eastern Simone%Adair%has%been%the%state%rep%for%Eastern%California%for%eight%years.%During%that%time,%she%has% represented%the%RRCA%by%tirelessly%attending%races,%expos,%and%club%events.%With%her%easyRgoing%and% engaging%personality,%Simone%is%seen%by%running%clubs%as%an%ambassador%for%the%RRCA%and%her%impact% on%the%Northern%California%running%community%is%almost%impossible%to%measure.%%Simone%is%an%active% member%of%her%home%club,%the%East%Bay%Front%Runners,%and%can%be%found%frequently%hosting%social% events%for%members%and%participating%in%organizational%activities.%In%2019,%she%represented%the%RRCA% at%seven%championship%events,%including%helping%to%coRhost%a%state%meeting%for%Northern%California% members%as%part%of%the%RRCA%National%Championship%Presidio%10.%%Simone’s%inRperson%and%written% communications% with% clubs% have% allowed% her% to% be% seen% as% a% valuable% resource.% Simone% is% also% a% powerful% force% for% inclusiveness% in% running,% advocating% that% runners% of% all% genders,% races,% sexual% orientations,%and%physical%abilities%have%a%place%in%the%sport.%%
Outstanding Volunteer of the Year – Scott Stauske, Badgerland Striders, Wisconsin! Scott%has%devoted%hundreds%of%volunteer%hours%to%the%Badgerland%Striders%in%2019,%while%working%a%fullR time%job.%%The%Badgerland%Striders%serves%runners%in%Southeastern%Wisconsin%and%is%one%of%the%larger% RRCA%member%clubs%in%the%U.S.%Scott%serves%on%the%club's%Road%Race%Committee%as%VP%of%Road%Racing,% and%he%is%the%race%director%of%the%Milwaukee%Lakefront%Marathon.%The%Lakefront%Marathon%is%known%as% a%race%for%runners%by%runners%and%is%managed%by%volunteers%of%the%club.%Scott%volunteered%at%almost% every%one%of%the%club's%seventeen%races,%helping%with%activities%ranging%from%race%announcing%to%finish% area%cleanRup.%Scott%was%instrumental%in%moving%the%club’s%website%to%an%improved%platform,%powered% by%the%Driven%Race%and%Club%Solutions.%At%club%meetings%and%fun%runs,%Scott%can%be%seen%seeking%out%the% new%members%and%making%them%feel%welcome.%%As%race%director%of%the%Milwaukee%Lakefront%Marathon,% Scott%recruited%elite%runners%for%the%2019%race%and%made%a%major%improvement%in%the%runner%experience% by%moving%the%finish%area%to%the%festival%grounds.% %
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Outstanding Challenged Athlete – Daniel Romanchuk As% result% of% Spina% bifida,% Daniel% Romanchuk% competes% in% wheelchair% racing.% In% April% 2019,% at% age% 20,% Romanchuk% became% the% youngest% winner% ever% of% the% Boston% Marathon’s%wheelchair%division,%as%well%as%the%first%American%man%to%win%that%race%since% 1993.%His%finishing%time%of%1:21:36%is%the%fastest%ever%for%an%American%in%the%wheelchair% division.%%In%2019%he%won%the%London%Marathon%and%the%World%ParaRAthletics%Marathon% Championship%title.%%With%that%win,%he%lockedRin%the%Abbott%World%Marathon%Majors% Series% XII% title.% He% broke% the% Peachtree% 10K% record% in% 2019% and% won% the% Utica% Boilermaker% 15K.% At% the% Chicago% Marathon,% Romanchuk% not% only% won% the% race,% but% qualified% to% represent% Team% USA% at% the% 2020% Tokyo% Paralympics.% In% November,% he% repeated% as% the% New% York% City% Marathon% Champion.% Later% that% month,% he% capped% the% year% at% the% World% ParaRAthletics% Championships% in% Dubai,% winning% the% 800m% in% a% championshipRrecord%time%of%1:32.81.%%
% Road Runner of the Year – Leonard Korir
In%November%2019,%at%the%Amsterdam%Marathon,%Korir%ran%the%fastest%debut%marathon%ever%for%an% American,%finishing%in%2:07:56.%While%the%race%marked%a%high%point%in%the%year,%Korir’s%performance% throughout%2019%clearly%demonstrated%a%breakthrough%race%at%that%distance%was%possible.%In%March,% Korir% took% second% at% the% 15K% Gate% River% Run,% finishing% in% 43:42.% In% May,% he% improved% on% that% showing,% finishing% first% at% the% USATF% Half% Marathon% Championship%hosted%by% UPMC% Health% Plan% Pittsburgh%Half%Marathon%in%1:01:52.%Korir%followed%that%race%up%by%winning%the%September%USATF% 20K%Championship%hosted%by%Faxon%Law%New%Haven%Race%in%1:06:47.%%Korir%was%the%highest%point% earner%at%the%USATF%Running%Circuit,%earning%$30,500%in%the%series.%
Road Runner of the Year – Sara Hall A%prolific%and%successful%2019%for%Sara%Hall%peaked%in%September%at%the%Berlin%Marathon.% She% finished% fifth% in% 2:22:16,% the% sixth% fastest% marathon% time% ever% for% an% American% woman.%Showing%off%her%versatility,%just%one%week%later,%Hall%won%the%USATF%10%Mile% Championship%for%the%third%year%in%a%row%at%the%Medtronic%TC%10%Mile%with%a%time%of% 53:11.%Overall%for%the%year,%Hall%raced%three%marathons,%two%half%marathons,%and%five% races%between%seven%miles%and%25K.%Other%notable%performances%included%first%place% at% the% USATF% 10K% Championship% NYRR% Mini% 10K% in% 32:27,% first% at% the% USATF% 20K% Championship%Faxon%Law%New%Haven%Race%in%1:06:47,%and%second%at%the%USATF%Half% Marathon%Championship%UPMC%Health%Plan%Pittsburgh%Half%Marathon%in%1:11:04.%%Hall% was%the%highest%female%point%earner%for%the%USATF%Running%Circuit%earning%$54,000.%
Road Runner of the Year – Female Master – Roberta Groner$ In%April%2019%at%the%Rotterdam%Marathon,%Roberta%Groner,%ran%a%2:29:06,%becoming%just%the%third% American%woman%to%break%2:30:00%in%a%marathon%after%turning%40.%%Her%performance%was%even%more% remarkable%considering%she%had%given%up%running%for%much%of%her%20s,%returning%to%the%sport%only% about%a%decade%ago%as%a%way%to%deRstress.%If%a%2:30:38,%at%the%2017%California%International%Marathon% flashed% her% potential,% 2019% marked% a% breakthrough.% In% September% at% the% IAAF% World% Marathon% Championships%in%Qatar,%under%brutally%hot%conditions,%Groner%finished%in%2:38:44,%the%top%American% woman%and%sixth%overall.%
Road Runner of the Year – Male Master – Bernard Lagat In% July% 2019,% at% the% age% of% 44,% fiveRtime% Olympian% Bernard% Lagat% ran% 2:12:10% in% the% Gold% Coast% Marathon%in%Australia,%giving%him%the%fastest%time%ever%for%an%American%over%40,.%The%performance% bested%the%previous%mark%of%2:12:20,%set%by%Meb%Keflezighi%at%the%2016%U.S.%Olympic%Marathon%Trials.% Perhaps%most%impressively,%the%time%made%Lagat%the%fastest%American%Male%over%40%at%every%distance% from%the%1500m%through%the%marathon.%%October%12%in%Vienna,%Austria%Lagat%captained%the%first%and% last%shifts%of%41%pacers%for%Kenyan%marathoner%Eliud%Kipchoge%as%he%broke%2%hours%for%the%marathon,% running%1:59:40.%Lagat%ran%directly%ahead%of%Kipchoge%during%his%pacing%shifts.%% % %
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Beginning Running Program – Gulf Winds Track Club Beginning Program, Tallahasee, Florida Headed% by% Chika% Okoro% and% Sarah% Shuler,% the% Gulf% Winds% Track% Club% (GWTC)% Beginning%Running%Program% prepares%new%or%returning%runners%to%complete%a% 5K.% The%environment%is%welcoming%and%friendly,%and%coaches%work%with%participants%to% help%them%find%the%best%routine%and%strategy%to%meet%their%fitness%goals.%Countless% members%have%completed%the%beginning%training%program%then%proceeded%to%join% the% club% on% a% fullRtime% basis,% becoming% regular% runners% with% more% ambitious% objectives.% Chika’s% annual% leadership% of% this% program,% including% managing% various% pace% group% leaders,% has% been% nothing% short% of% exemplary.% She% quietly% exudes% excellence%and%humility,%and%the%beginning%runners%admire,%love,%and%respect%her.%%
Outstanding Youth Running Program – Humbolt Redwoods Running Association for Youth, Arcata, California Director%Jack%West%launched%the%Humboldt%Redwoods%Running%Association%for%Youth% (HRRAY)% nearly% a% decade% ago% in% connection% with% the% Six% Rivers% Running% Club% in% Redwoods,% CA.% In% 2019,% there% were% 300% kids% participating% in% the% program,% with% thousands%of%kids%in%total%having%completed%the%program.%HRRAY%is%open%to%kids%from% Kindergarten%through%8th%grade,%and%targets%participants%that%may%not%have%a%running% program%or%physical%education%available%at%their%school.%The%program%runs%through%the% school%year%and%concludes%with%a%race%ranging%in%distance%from%a%½%mile%to%1.5%miles.% !
Communications Excellence – Northstar Running Club, Maple Grove, Minnesota Northstar%Running%Club%is%a%very%active%club%in%the%Minnesota%running%community% that%demonstrates%consistency%in%member%communication%by%sending%a%quarterly% TruNorth% newsletter% and% weekly% Week% Ahead% bulletins% to% their% members.% They% actively%use%Facebook,%Twitter,%and%Instagram%among%other%social%media%platforms% in%creative%ways%to%keep%existing%and%potential%members%engaged,%informed,%and% excited.%In%addition,%Northstar%Running%Club’s%website%is%current%and%updated%as% needed%so%that%information%is%pertinent%to%those%that%are%looking%for%a%run%club%to% join.% Featured% information% includes% a% calendar% of% events,% team% store% for% promotional%items,%a%racing%schedule,%highlights%of%members%and%race%results,%online%membership%portal,%and%contact%information.%%
Excellence in Running Journalism – Eric Strout Erin%Strout%is%a%freelance%writer%and%contributing%editor%at%Women's%Running%Magazine.%In%her%near% decade% of% covering% running,% Erin’s% writing% and% reporting% has% focused% on% a% multitude% of% topics.% Her% stories%have%ranged%from%profiles%of%the%sport’s%top%athletes%to%howRto/service%pieces%on%best%strategies% related%to%training,%fueling,%nutrition,%and%injury%prevention.%In%2019,%some%of%Erin’s%top%stories%included% a%recap%of%Brigid%Kosgei%breaking%the%world%record%at%the%Chicago%Marathon%and%revealing%interviews% with% Sara% Hall% and% Desiree% Linden.% Erin% also% offered% inRdepth% coverage% on% the% fallRout% of% Alberto% Salazar’s% fourRyear% ban% for% violating% antiRdoping% rules,% and% Mary% Cain’s% revelations% of% abuse% while% training%at%the%Nike%Oregon%Project.% !
Road Race of the Year – Cajun Road Runners Al Comeaux LA-10, Milton, Louisiana The%Cajun%Road%Runners%Al%Comeaux%LAR10%(mile)%takes%place%in%Picard%Park%in%Milton,%LA% and%is%both%a%celebration%of%Louisiana%hospitality%and%a%road%race%with%a%flat%and%fast%course,% taking%place%along%a%scenic%route.%%In%2019,%volunteer%race%directors%Christina%Simon%and% Damien% Chaisson% offered% countless% hours% of% service% to% the% successful% delivery% of% the% race.%%Strategically%placed%on%the%area%race%calendar%in%late%January,%the%event%is%the%finale% of%the%Triple%Crown%Challenge,%which%includes%an%8k%race,%10k%race,%and%the%Al%Comeaux% 10%mile.%%The%race%serves%as%a%warmRup%event%for%runners%training%for%Spring%half%and%full% marathons.% In% 2019,% the% race% was% the% RRCA% Southern% Region% 10% Mile% Championship.% Following%the%race,%finishers%are%treated%to%a%postRrace%scene%that%includes%a%live%band,% beer,%and%Cajun%cuisine.%The%fun%carries%over%to%the%awards%ceremony%where%participants% stay%to%eagerly%and%graciously%cheer%on%award%recipients%in%all%age%categories.%
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RRCA Running Around the Nation !
For%four%decades,%the%RRCA%State%Representatives%(State%Reps)%have%served%as%ambassadors%for%the%organization%by% providing%a%physical%presence%in%each%state%for%the%RRCA.%State%Reps%promote%our%programs%and%services%to%clubs%and% events%in%their%home%state.%They%assist%the%National%Office%and%the%RRCA%Board%of%Directors%in%carrying%out%the%mission,% vision,%and%values%of%the%organization.%%The%RRCA%thanks%the%following%individuals%for%volunteering%to%serve%as%RRCA% State%Reps:% !
Alabama:!Alex!Morrow! Alaska:!Melani!Clark!! Arizona:!Tim!Bentley! Arkansas:!Jayme!ButtsSHall!! California!S!East:!Simone!Adair! California!S!Coastal:!Stephanie!Davies! California!S!South:!Jackie!Britton! Colorado:!John!Perez! Connecticut:!Rachel!Tambling! Delaware:!Vacant! Florida!S!North:!Michael!Bowen! Florida!S!South:!Don!Nelson! Georgia:!F.M.!Barron!! Hawaii:!Ron!Alford! Idaho:!Allison!Evaro! Illinois!S!North:!Doug!Pitchford! Illinois!S!South:!Erica!Hunt!! Indiana:!Frank!Murphy!! Iowa:!Kristin!Adkins! Kansas:!Brenda!Groskinsky! Kentucky:!Anna!Heeman! Louisiana:!Todd!Delahoussay! Maine:!Chandra!Leister! Maryland!&!DC:!Lou!King!! Massachusetts:!Stephen!Viegas! Michigan:!Scott!Fiske! Minnesota:!Paulette!Odenthal! Mississippi:!Bryan!Lagg! Missouri:!Jacob!Varadian! Montana:!Ronda!Vukasin!! Nebraska:!Tom!Whitaker! New!Hampshire:!Chandra!Leister! New!Jersey:!Dominique!Hamel! New!Mexico:!John!Farrow! New!York:!Mickie!SandersSJauquet! Nevada:!Jimmy!Gabany! North!Carolina:!Scott!Waldrop!! North!Dakota:!Vacant! Ohio:!Samantha!Collmar! Oklahoma:!Stormy!Phillips! Oregon:!Steve!Wright! Pennsylvania:!Jeff!Hills! Rhode!Island:!Stephen!Viegas! South!Carolina:!Lionel!Adams! South!Dakota:!Tom!Whitaker! Tennessee:!Sherilyn!Johnson! Texas!S!North:!Marcus!Grunewald! Texas!S!South:!Lee!Greb! Texas!–!Central:!Sharron!Fisherman! Utah:!Carrie!Underwood!! Vermont:!Chandra!Leister! Virginia:!Grattan!Garby! Washington:!Grace!Martinez! West!Virginia:!Tom!Kramer! Wisconsin:!Barbara!Jewell! Wyoming:!Marlene!Short!
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Generous!support!from!our!members,!individual!donors,!corporate!sponsors,!and!foundations!enables!the!RRCA!to!grow! and!enhance!our!valuable!programs!that!benefit!the!running!community.!!The!RRCA!is!proud!to!be!a!BBB!Wise!Giving! Alliance!Accredited!Charity!and!is!a!PlatinumSLevel!Guidestar!Exchange!Partner.!
Kids Run the Nation® Fund Thank!you!to!the!following!clubs,!events,!individuals,!and!corporate!supporters!that!contributed!$47,115!towards!our!fundraising! goal!for!the!Kids!Run!the!Nation!Fund!in!2019.!! ! 15th!Street!Flyers! Insurance!Management!Group/K&K! Runner’s!High!Club! Alaska!Salmon!Runs! Insurance!****! Runners!High!Timing!&!Race!Mgmt.! Albert!Becken***! Jean!Arthur! Running!Club!of!Granville! Ann!Arbor!Track!Club*! Jean!&!James!Knaack! San!Antonio!Road!Runners**! Athletic!Equation,!Inc.! Jersey!Shore!Running!Club! Seashore!Striders! Annapolis!Half!Marathon! Joe!Gigas! Stampede!Running!Co.! Athletic!Equation! Junction!311!LLC! The!Virgin!Islands!Pace!Runners! Atomic!City!Roadrunners! Kansas!City!Track!Club! Tristi!Matzuka! Badgerland!Striders**! Kelly!Richards**! Tug!Valley!Roadrunner!Club! Big!Sky!Wind!Driners**! Kelly!Zibell! Varisty!Running! Charmed!by!Endurance!LLC! Lake!Grapevine!Runners/Walkers**! Velo!Amis!!!! Chattanooga!Track!Club*! Lynchburg!Roadrunners!Club! Warrior's!Run! Chesapeake!Bay!Running!Club! Macon!Running!Club! ! Chicago!Road!Runners! Malibu!Race!Series! ! Colorado!Runner!Events!LLC! Marathon!Charity!Corperation! ! Dalton,!Rich!&!Poor! Mark!Grandonico! ! Epic!Tahoe!Adventures! Mile!26!Tribe! ! Falcon!Events!LLC! Mitchell!Garner! ! Frederick!Steeplechasers! Oil!Creek!100!Trail!Run! Gilbert’s!Gazelles! Pilar!ArthurSSnead! ! Hammond!Track!Club!of!NW! ProSMotion!Events! Indiana! Racine!Area!Running!Club*! *$500!and!above!donors! Hogeye!Marathon!&!Relays! Renaissance!Running!Club! **$1,000!and!above!donors! Hope!4!Landon!Run&Walk! Ribbit!Running! ***$5,000!and!above!donors!! Houston!Striders!***! River!City!Run,!Inc.! ****$10,000!and!above!donors! Howard!County!Striders! Rocky!Mountain!Endurance!Club! RunLawrence!Kansas!
Roads Scholar® Fund We!thank!the!following!clubs,!events,!individuals,!and!corporate!supporters!that!helped!raise!$29,367!of!our!$30,000!fundraising! goal!in!support!of!the!Roads!Scholar!Fund!for!2019.!!! ! Alaska!Salmon!Runs! Jersey!Shore!Running!Club! Rocky!Mountain!Endurance!Club! Ann!Arbor!Track!Club**! Junction!311!LLC! Runner’s!High!Club! Annapolis!Half!Marathon! Kalamazoo!Area!Runners! Runners!High!Timing!&!Race!Mgt.! Atomic!City!Roadrunners! Kansas!City!Track!Club! Running!Club!of!Granville! Barbara!Jewell! Kelly!Richards**! Seashore!Striders!! Bee!McLeod!&!Goody!Tyler***! Kelly!Zibell! South!Florida!Racewalkers! Boilermaker!Road!Race! Len!Goldman! Stampede!Running!Co.! Brent!Ayer!! Lilac!Bloomsday!Run,!Inc.**! The!Virgin!Islands!Pace!Runners! Credit!Union!Cherry!Blossom!Runs!****! Lisa!Rippe**! Toledo!Roadrunners!Club! Chicago!Area!Runners!Association**!! Lynchburg!Roadrunners!Club! Varsity!Running! Colorado!Runner!Events! Mile!26!Tribe! Wabash!Valley!Road!Runners! Cumberland!Valley!Athletic!Club**! Mitchell!Garner! ! Extra!Mile!Fitness!Co!Running!Group**! Oil!Creek!100!Trail!Run! ! Fulmont!Road!Runners!Club! Pilar!ArthurSSnead! ! Get!in!Gear,!Inc.! Pinedale!Half!Marathon! Gilberts!Gazelles! ProSMotion!Events! ****$10,000!and!above! Hal!Higdon! Ribbit!Running!LLC! ***$5,000!and!above! Hope!4!Landon!Run&Walk! River!City!Run,!Inc.! **$1,000!and!above! Huntsville!Track!Club**!! River!City!Runners!and!Walkers!Club*!! *$500!and!above! Jim!Stasaitis!!
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Annual Program Fund Thank!you!to!the!following!clubs,!events,!individuals,!and!corporate!supporters!that!have!contributed!nearly!$60,000!to!the! Annual!Program!Fund!in!2019.!Annual!contributions!to!the!RRCA,!along!with!our!fundraising!auction!proceeds,!help!support!the! Kids!Run!the!Nation!program!materials,!Runner!Friendly!Community!program,!RUN@WORK!Day!promotional!efforts,!State! Reps!Program,!RRCA!National!Running!Awards!Ceremony,!including!award!winner!travel!stipends,!Championship!Events! Series!awards!and!materials,!2,000!Hour!Volunteer!Recognition!program,!and!much,!much!more.!!! ! Alaska!Salmon!Run Albert!Becken!****! Junction!311!LLC! Runners!High!Timing!&!Race!Mgmt.! Amazon!Smile! Kansas!City!Track!Club! Running!Club!of!Granville! Anchorage!Running!Club! Kelly!Richards! Ryan!Clarke! Ann!Arbor!Track!Club*! Team!Footworks****! Scott!Fiske! Annapolis!Half!Marathon! Lynchburg!Roadrunners!Club! Seashore!Striders! Atomic!City!Roadrunners! Mickie!SandersSJauquet! Sole!2!Soul!Sports!Visalia!Forever!! Bee!McLeod!and!Goody!Tyler***! Mile!26!Tribe! Springfield!Road!Runners!Club! Bradford!Purcell! Mitchell!Garner! Stan!Rosenfeld! Colorado!Runner!Events! Montgomery!County!Road!Runners*! Young!Events! Commonwealth!Timing!&!Race!Mngt! National!PanSHellenic!Council!of!!!!!!!!!! The!Virgin!Islands!Pace!Runners! Dallas!White!Rock!Marathon*! Greater!Atlanta! Toledo!Roadrunners!Club*! Duke!City!Marathon! Oak!Ridge!Track!Club! Varsity!Running! Epic!Race!Timing! Oil!Creek!100!Trail!Run! Visalia!Runners*! Epic!Tahoe!Adventures! Oklahoma!City!Running!Club! ! Front!Runners!Tampa!Bay! Oregon!Road!Runners*! ! Gilbert's!Gazelles! Ozark!Mountain!Ridge!Runners***! ! Go!!Running!Race!Team! Paypal!Giving!Fund**! ! Greenburagh!Road!Runners! Pilar!ArthurSSnead! ! Hal!Higdon! Playmakers!Fitness!Foundation! ! Harold!&!Louise!Tinsley****! ProSMotion!Events! Brainshark!(InSKind)***! Hope!4!Landon!Run!&!Walk! Randy!Accetta! Crowell!&!Moring!(InSKind)**! Jacqueline!Britton! Ribbit!Running!LLC! ****$10,000!and!above! Jean!Arthur! River!City!Run,!Inc.! ***$5,000!and!above! Jersey!Shore!Running!Club***! Rocky!Mountain!Endurance!Club! **$1,000!and!above! Joe!Gigas! Runner's!High!Club! *500!and!above
RRCA Official Sponsors and Corporate Supporters RunSignUp.com! Gatorade! Ashworth!Awards! Leslie!Jordan! Insurance!Management!Group! K&K!Insurance! Marathon!Printing! the!Drive!Race!and!Club!Solutions! Rock!‘n’!Roll!Marathon!Series! Altra!Running! Headsweats! Hasty!Awards! ASB!Emblem! ! ! !
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