STU BRAHS – RRCA CO-PRESIDENT (1976-1977) How did you begin running? I began running primarily to lose weight and to try to get a grip on my physical well-being - especially after having quit smoking and coming off a particularly grueling political campaign in New York in 1970.
Who provided “inspiration” for your running? My physician “prescribed” Ken Cooper’s book on the virtues of
running, aerobics, etc. So I guess Cooper was my original inspiration. This was soon followed by the likes of George Sheehan, Jim Fixx, Ted Corbett, et. al.
How did you become involved in the RRCA? After completing my first marathon (of 12) in the early 1970’s, I became
involved in the Washington Road Runners and met fellows such as Gar Williams, Jeff Darman, Phil Stewart, Rick Bayko, Jerry Kokesh. This then segued into the RRCA, and in 1978, Jeff and I were the first (and perhaps only) RRCA co-presidents.
What do you believe were the biggest accomplishments during your tenure? I defer to Jeff on the specifics,
but some of the major accomplishments were (1) ensuring the continued viability of RRCA, from both fiscally and politically, given the contempt which seemed to arise at the time with the AAU and (2) the boycott of the Olympic Moscow Games, which was controversial among some RRCA members. Also, I would like to think Jeff and I helped to continue the efforts to break down barriers against women participating in road races throughout the US and, eventually, leading to athletes such as Joan Benoit participating in the Olympic Marathon.
Do you have any “words of wisdom” for its current leadership? Probably one significant challenge for today’s
RRCA leadership is to maintain the level of enthusiasm and amateurism in road running, especially in view of the growing popularity of other leisure time pursuits. I would encourage the RRCA leadership to continue to be innovative in ensuring that youngsters participate in running, particularly in light of the epidemic of juvenile obesity in America.
JEFF DARMAN - RRCA PRESIDENT (1976-1979) How did you begin running? I had run cross-country in prep school since it was obvious I was not going to make my mark in football. Our school required all students to participate in some way in sports (a good idea) so I chose cross country as it also seemed like a good way to get in better shape for wrestling, my winter sport.
Who provided “inspiration” for your running? After graduation, I stopped running, became a three pack a day
smoker until I neared 30 and decided a lifestyle change was needed. Since I had enjoyed running that seemed like the logical way to go to lose weight, etc. I found out about the DC Road Runners, watched some races and joined. The Run for Your Life was a good start for me (2 mile low key run with prizes for completing a certain number). The then president, Gar Williams, became an inspiration and mentor to me as well as to so many others.
How did you become involved in the RRCA? Gar got me involved in RRCA when he ran for president in 1973. He realized the organization, which I knew little about, was in dire need of rejuvenation.
What were the biggest challenges facing American running & the RRCA then, particularly “grass roots” running? The challenges
facing the RRCA then were finances (lack of), getting more members and putting together a package of programs to attract and retain members, the battles with the AAU over athletes’ rights and the need to educate the public about the benefits of running.
How big (# of clubs/members) was the RRCA when you were President?
I believe membership grew from around 8,000 to close to 50,000 during my term.
Who provided guidance to your Presidency? Gar was a great help, but I also had outstanding Board Members and others who helped
20