ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA
2017
Annual
Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 6-8 9 10
RRCA Mission, Vision and Values Highlights from 60 Year History RRCA Board of Directors Financial Report
RRCA PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 11 12-13 14 15-16 17-20 20 21 21 22-23 24-31 32-33 34-37
Kids Run the Nation Roads Scholars RunPro Camp Championship Event Series Runner Friendly Community Program RUN@WORK and RUN@School Day Coaching Certification Program Race Director Certification RRCA Convention Recap National Running Awards We Run the Nation – Thank You to the RRCA State Reps Donors and Sponsors
We Run the Nation! RRCA.ORG
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CONTENTS
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THE MISSION The Road Runners Club of America is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations dedicated to growing the sport of running since 1958. 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.
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THE VISION To see organized and active running clubs and events in every community in the U.S.
VALUES • • • • •
All runners and their safety Diversity in the sport and an enjoyable atmosphere for all Anti-doping compliance 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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Highlights from the 60-Year History of the Road Runners Club of America 1950s • 1956 – The Long Distance Log is launched by Harrison Browning (Brownie) Ross. The Log began as a mimeo graphed newsletter for 150 subscribers. That same year Browning Ross formed the Philadelphia Road Runners Club. • November 1, 1957 - The Long Distance Log opens with “Long distance running will never prosper unless we organize....a strong central organization is a must to bring together all those interest in long distance running. “ • February 22, 1958 - Ten men met at the Paramount Hotel in New York City and formed an organization that would challenge the “establishment “ and change the future of distance running in the United States forever. Founding member clubs included the New York Road Runners. • March 1958 - The newly formed RRCA awards its first championship designations for 10 mile, 12 mile and one hour run events. Making the RRCA Championship Event Series one of the longest-standing traditions in road running after the Boston Marathon. Only a handful of road races were held nationwide during this time. 1960s • 1961 - Within 3 years, RRCA member clubs grow the number of road races in the U.S. from a few dozen to nearly 600 events. • 1962 - RRCA President Ted Corbitt outlined the importance of accurate course measurement in the quarterly newsletter, along with guidance on how to properly measure a course. The recommendation was made that a “standards program “ should be initiated, which would evolve to become USA Track & Field’s course certification process. • 1963 - the RRCA ignored the AAU age requirements for racing, ignored the AAU medical requirements, and did not set air temperature limits for RRCA member races. • 1964 - RRCA began certifying course accurately measured, and awarded certificates for time on the certified courses. (The USATF certifies courses today, though the original process was developed and implemented by the RRCA.) • 1964 - Before Bobby Gibb and Kathrine Switzer’s Boston Marathons, there was Merry Lepper, the first known American woman to finish a marathon. She completed the 1964 Culver City Marathon in 3:37.07. She is also the first woman to be featured on the cover of a running magazine, the Long Distance Log. • 1965 - the RRCA held the first National Women’s Cross Country Championship at the extended distance of 2.5 mile distance, despite significant objection by the AAU. • 1964 - the first fun runs to promote jogging and health were hosted by RRCA members called “Run for Your Life “. These events did not fall under AAU sanctions, because they were fun runs and not competitive events. 1970s • 1970 - The Atlantic City Marathon in New Jersey hosted the first ever RRCA National Women’s Marathon Championship on October 25, 1970. The event was won by Sara Mae Berman with a time of 3:07:10. Berman would go on to become the first female RRCA board member. That same year, 55 runners would complete the inaugural New York City Marathon. Two years later in 1972, women were officially allowed to compete in the Boston Marathon. • 1972 - The growth of road racing explodes. Many RRCA member events, including Atlanta’s Peachtree Road Race and Spokane’s Bloomsday Race, are founded and grow to become the largest events in the U.S. Between
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1970 and 1990 it is estimated that over 25 million Americans take up some form of distance running for exercise. 1976 - The RRCA received its group exemption status with the IRS, making properly-organized RRCA running clubs and events nonprofit organizations. The designation cemented the RRCA’s socially-significant role of promoting running as a sport and healthy exercise for all Americans for decades to come. The RRCA establishes the first Distance Running Hall of Fame. 1978 - RRCA President, Jeff Darman helped lobby Congress for the passage of the Amateur Sports Act of 1978. The Act changed the nature of amateur sports in the US and essentially broke the AAU. This ended the virtual monopoly that the AAU had on Olympic sports governance in this country. The result of the breakup of the AAU was the formation of “The Athletics Congress/USA “ (TAC). 1979 - The RRCA liability insurance program for clubs and events is launched after the Atlanta Track Club was sued in 1977 in the first known lawsuit against a road race. The suit was ultimately dismissed.
1980s • 1980 - The RRCA launches the Women’s Distance Festival in protest to emphasize the fact that women were not included in distance events in the 1980 Olympics in Moscow. • 1983 - The RRCA vastly expands the categories for the National Running Awards to complement the RRCA’s Distance Running Hall of Fame efforts. • 1986 - The RRCA launches the Children’s Development Program, which included education materials for clubs interested in hosting youth running programs. With a grant from Nike, RRCA issued 600 grants to youth programs through the rest of the 80’s. 1990s • 1996 – The RRCA launches its Coaching Certification program. • 1996 - The RRCA launches its Roads Scholar program to provide additional money to emerging elite athletes due to a lack of funding for U.S. distance athletes at the time. 2000s • 2005 - The RRCA starts the annual RUN@WORK Day promotion, which was an evolution of Run to Work Day found in1986. • 2006 – The RRCA establishes the Kids Run the Nation Grant fund, through a gift from David and Sharlee Cotter in memory of Hank and Nancy Taylor, to support the growth of youth running programs around the U.S. • 2009 - The RRCA launches its Runner Friendly Community and Runner Friendly Business designation programs. Deena Kastor shows off her Olympic Bronze Medal at the 2004 Athens Games
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Happy Anniversary RRCA — Looking Back at 60 Years and Into the Future By Phil Stewart 2010s • 2012 - The RRCA launches the first ever Race Director Certification Course for the organization in partnership with Road Race Management. • 2013 - The RRCA adopted the website RunPro.com and RunPro Camp. The purpose of the RunPro.com and RunPro Camp is to connect aspiring professional runners with the resources necessary to pursue a professional running career. • 2016 - On a brutally hot Saturday morning in Los Angeles, twenty-one recipients of the RRCA’s Roads Scholar grants gritted it out to complete the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. • 2017 - The RRCA has implemented yet another new service that provides a group music license with BMI and ASCAP for events.
I first encountered the Road Runners Club of America in 1967 through the D.C. Road Runners Club (DCRRC). I was a senior in high school, just a year out from having discovered the joys of long distance running (2 miles at that point) by earning a spot in my high school cross country team. I am not sure if it was through my coach or perhaps a notice in a community calendar somewhere that I learned about the “12th Street YMCA 5 Mile “ held in November of that year. With my newly-acquired driver’s license (and surely striking fear into my parents’ hearts), I drove across town to the event and ran with a band of 6070 mostly off-beat distance running
types on streets with no traffic control. I was hooked. At that time the DCRRC hosted nearly weekly events in far flung places like Greenbelt, MD, Langley and Annandale, VA, which greatly expanded my knowledge of Metropolitan Washington, DC’s geography. At each of these locations, the same friendly faces would show up week in and week out, and we would engage in our favorite activity that no one else cared much about. During these years Gar Williams and Jeff Darman served as presidents of the DCRRC, and I followed them into the RRCA, which, since its founding in 1958, had grown to a whopping 19 paid clubs by 1971.
The RRCA is poised to continue serving the running community for another 60 years as it pursues its mission to see organized and active running clubs and events in every community that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition.
Gar Williams racing in 1965
Williams and Darman proved pivotal in the growth of the RRCA during the 1970s when the “first running boom, “ inspired by Frank Shorter, Bill Rodgers, Jim Fixx and Dr. Kenneth Cooper, brought Americans off their couches and on to the roads. I attended my first RRCA Convention just prior to running my second Boston Marathon in 1975 and found a group of a dozen or so men guiding the organization in a donated room inside the Prudential Center in Boston where the fabled marathon finished at the time. Williams, who had become the RRCA President, was a master of expanding communication about the RRCA — starting the State Rep Program, revitalizing the organizations magazine, FootNotes, and promoting regional club newsletters. He also launched the organization’s first programs including the “RRCA Personal Fitness “ program (a precursor to phone apps that reward you for your training) and rejuvenated the “Age Group Meet of Miles. “ In his spare time, he authored the first “RRCA Handbook “ on club and event organization. There were 60 member clubs when Williams turned the gavel over to Jeff Darman and Stu Brahs in 1976. Darman was the master politician battling the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU and the predecessor of USATF) over eligibility rules — a number of which were incorporated into the 1978 Amateur Sports Act -and securing the RRCA’s position as the voice of the nation’s grassroots running clubs. Some 33,000 runners had joined 150 RRCA clubs by the time Darman’s term ended in 1979. The decades of the 1980s and 1990s featured continued rapid growth for the RRCA. The first liability insurance program for clubs was developed by President Jerry Kokesh in 1979. The RRCA launched its Kids Running Curriculum in 1986, which was the predecessor of today’s Kids Run the Nation program. By the 25th anniversary in 1983 there were 408
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clubs and over 100,000 members. Annual club dues were 75 cents per member. In 1990 the National Office was created and former RRCA president Henley Gibble (Gabeau) was hired as the organization’s first Executive Director. Although the explosive growth in participants during the 1990s was among more casual and charity runners, the RRCA stepped in to support young up-and-coming talented American distance runners with the creation of the Road Scholars grant program in 1996 after USATF had dropped a similar program. A young University of Arkansas graduate named Deena Drossin was awarded one of the grants in the second year of the program’s existence. Seven years later, under her married name of Deena Kastor, she helped launch the U.S. distance running renaissance of the 21st century with a bronze medal in the marathon at the 2004 Athens Olympics and become the first (and still only) U.S. woman to run a sub 2:20:00 marathon. Still mindful of the needs of beginning runners, the organization created the RRCA Coaching Certification program in 1998, providing a path to certification for prospective coaches of aspiring runners of all abilities. Twenty years later, the program certifies 1,000 coaches annually in 32 locations around the U.S. with attendees in the courses coming from countries including India, South Korea, China, Canada, Dominica Republic, Mexico, and more. After Gabeau’s resignation as Executive Director in 2001, the organization endured a divisive and tumultuous four-year period, during which, a portion of the board joined with newly-hired Executive Director David Dobrzynski in an attempt to drive the organization away from its grassroots foundation toward a more commercial model which included the proposal to produce running shoes. As the finances tumbled, the member clubs splintered with a number of them forming a new organization called the “Association of American Running Clubs “ that vowed to carry on the RRCA traditions they
RRCA Executive Director Jean Knaack from 2016
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felt were being squandered by the RRCA leadership at that time. Fortunately, cooler heads eventually prevailed within the RRCA and Dobrzynski and the RRCA parted ways in late spring 2003. By the end of 2004, the two organizations merged back together as the RRCA. Still the board remained fractious, which slowed the recovery from this difficult era.In 2005, current Executive Director Jean Knaack was hired, following a period that had also featured two executive directors, one acting executive director and near bankruptcy over a four year period. Unfazed by the challenges of rebuilding the organization, and with a background in nonprofit management, Knaack told Road Race Management newsletter in 2005, “I am stepping in at the right time of the cycle. “ When asked, during our sit-down interview in her office this February, which was over twelve years since our last interview, how she coped with the turmoil within the RRCA in the early days, she replied, “it’s like a race; you put your head down, push through, and do good work. “ The first phase was wonky activities like revising the bylaws to protect the organization from ever having to endure these types of challenges again. Knaack described it as “putting Humpty Dumpty back together again. “ Many nonprofit principles of governance, which had been largely ignored or only loosely applied, had to be reinstated or implemented in the early days of her tenure. Knaack also note, that “with a mere $60,000 in the bank account, there was only one way to go, and that was up. “ By 2009, the internal structure of the organization was set and Knaack could turn to the more pleasant and rewarding task of building programs and services for RRCA clubs and members as the organization passed through the 1,000 club mark and ended the year with 1,122 member clubs. Confidence in the organization had been restored and several individuals, along with member clubs and events, stepped up to make significant financial contributions to the RRCA that helped the organization progress rapidly with growing programs and services to benefit members. In 2009, the RRCA started the Runner Friendly Community program, which recognizes towns and cities that are supportive of races and a provide runner-friendly infrastructure, and are the home-base for active running clubs. Today over 50 communities have earned this designation. Knaack notes the fact that Jacob Frey, a 2006 Road Scholars grant recipient, who is now the Mayor of Minneapolis, MN, which was named a Runner Friendly Community in 2017, is “a great mark of success for RRCA programs. “ In 2012, in partnership with Road Race Management, the RRCA launched the first online Race Director Certification program designed to provide training for aspiring and current race directors with the goal of improving the quality of event management. Over 265 individuals both in the U.S. and abroad have been certified, with another 275 in progress towards their certification. Two years later the RRCA was able to step in to continue a second program that USATF had stopped
funding when Knaack said that the organization would take over funding and coordinating the RunPro Camp, and its companion website RunPro.com. RunPro provides a two-day seminar for immediate college graduates that were standout runners looking to explore life as a professional runner. Looking ahead, Knaack feels that the RRCA model works well in today’s changing running environment, which she states features a, “challenging model of corporatization — hedge funds buying properties. “ As some of these corporate events have changed hands and faced falling numbers, Knaack asserts, “they didn’t count on an event being successful, because it has a passionate person behind it, someone spending 40 hours a week of uncompensated time. You can’t count that on a balance sheet if you are a hedge fund manager. Hedge funds thought of big profits. It didn’t happen. “ She continues, “The races that have endured, such as the Credit Union Cherry Blossom and the Utica Boilermaker, the Peachtree Road Race, and others have solid community support. They are successful because they are locally owned and operated. “ These are the members the RRCA will continue to serve now and into the future through its programs and services. Her goal as the RRCA moves past 60 years is to “be proactive about the things that are going on in the industry. “ Most recently, the RRCA took the lead, and with many hours of contractual negotiations and legal work over several months, rolled out the first blanket music licensing program for events in 2016. Other organizations in the industry have reacted by offering similar programs based on the initial legal work by the RRCA’s leadership through extensive negotiations with the performing rights organizations. When asked about the declining participation numbers of the last few years, Knaack sees it as “a typical market correction “ for an industry that grew rapidly over a relatively short period of time. As I wrap up our interview in her Arlington, VA office, I notice the walls are laden with RRCA accolades ranging from hats signed by Olympians, to proclamations from municipal officials of large cities and small towns. The couch is piled high with t-shirts to be given out at an upcoming RRCA function. As I walk down the hall to leave the office I see posters of past RRCA publications highlighting much of the history of our sport over the last half century. And as I head for my car, I realize that the RRCA is like your favorite running partner — reliable, loyal and always there for you. Congratulations on 60 years. Phil Stewart is the Editor and Publisher of Road Race Management newsletter and a member of the RRCA Hall of Fame. He served as president of the DC Road Runners Club and Vice President of the RRCA many, many years ago
2017 RRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS A
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A. RRCA President Mitch Garner enjoys catching up with Joan Benoit Samualson at a recent event.
F. Southern Director Ron Macksoud enjoys meeting Desiree Linden at the 2017 RRCA Convention
B. Vice President Jean Arthur volunteers at the 2017 Cherry Blossom 10 Mile.
G. Western Director George Rehmet shows off some bling from the Detroit Free Press Marathon
C. Craig Minyard, Treasurer, educates attendees at the 2017 RRCA Convention D. Eastern Director Blaine Moore (L) with race director Gary Allen E. Central Director Sue Brown Nickerson (C) enjoys the finish line at the Quad Cities Marathon
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H. Kelly “K2” Richards shows off a board gift following her 8 year term. I. At-Large Director Lisa Rippe celebrates her 2017 Boston Marathon finish J. At-Large Director Goody Tyler presents awards for an RRCA Championship in Virginia
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Mitchell Garner President
Blaine Moore Eastern Region Director (Appointed)
Kelly Richards At-Large Director (Outgoing)
Jean Arthur Vice President
Sue Brown-Nickerson Central Region Director
Lisa Rippe At-Large Director (Incoming)
Craig Minyard Treasurer
Ron Macksoud Southern Region Director
Joan Benoit Samuelson At-Large Director (Outgoing)
Dwight Mikulis Eastern Region Director (Resigned)
George Rehmet Western Region Director
Goody Tyler At-Large Director (Incoming) RRCA Annual Report • 9
2017 FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE RRCA Audited financial information as of December 31, 2017
YEAR 2015 2016 2017 *
ASSETS $2,470,700 $2,525,190 $2,746,051
LIABILITIES $1,094,031 $1,114,425 $1,062,870
NET WORTH $1,376,669 $1,410,765 $1,683,181
YEAR 2015 2016 2017
INCOME $3,050,854 $3,214,726 $3,303,788
EXPENSES $3,033,270 $3,171,002 $3,031,362
NET PROFIT $17,585 $ 43,724 $ 272,416
* $575,000 in net worth is restricted by a board designation, $45,504 is temporarily restricted for program use in future years, and $10,000 is permanently restricted.
RRCA FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES REPORT INCOME Insurance Program & Music Licensing Membership Income Coaching Program Income Sponsorship and Convention Contributions & Other Income Investment Income TOTAL INCOME
2016 ACTUAL $1,737,267 $611,160 $469,624 $91,779 $231,271 $73,625 $3,214,726
2017 ACTUAL $1,758,687 $582,104 $434,415 $105,210 $162,246 $261,116 $3,303,778
2018 BUDGET $1,751,500 $575,000 $421,000 $118,500 $96,500 $97,400 $3,059,900
EXPENSES – PROGRAMS Championships & State Programs Coaching Certification Program General RRCA Programs* Kids Run the Nation RunPro - Roads Scholar Program Insurance and Music License Services SUBTOTAL
$137,399 $380,564 $262,506 $100,032 $80,178 $1,893,714 $2,854,393
$167,895 $399,655 $254,182 $88,929 $64,142 $1,881,402 $2,856,205
$170,000 $400,000 $250,000 $90,000 $75,000 $1,881,500 $2,866,600
$174,713 $47,750 $94,146 $316,609 $3,033,270 $17,585
$77,054 $27,464 $70,639 $175,157 $3,031,362 $272,416
$75,000 $35,000 $75,000 $185,000 $3,051,600 $8,300
EXPENSES - ADMINISTRATIVE * National Office Management Board Services Fundraising SUBTOTAL TOTAL EXPENSES Net Profit/(Loss)
*Functional expenses - 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. Accordingly, certain costs have been allocated among the programs and supporting services benefited.
A copy of the RRCA’s audited financial statements and IRS-990 tax return can be found online at www.RRCA.org/about/governance/ 10 • RRCA Annual Report
ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA Growing the Sport of Running Since 1958
2017 RRCA PROGRAMS - AN OVERVIEW OF SUCCESSES
Kids Run the Nation® PROGRAM The Kids Run the Nation program, is the RRCA’s gender inclusive, multi-week, 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 locally managed youth running programs in every school in America.
$215,000 Amount Granted Since 2007
116,000 Kids Running in KRN Funded Programs since 2007
73,200 Kids Running Guides Donate Since 2007
276 Programs receiving a KRN Grant Since 2007
Fifty-two programs from 30 states and the District of Columbia, serving more than 8,700 children, received a total of $40,000 in grants from the RRCA. The RRCA will also donate copies of the Kids Run the Nation: A Running Guide for Kids booklet to 80 additional programs, an in-kind donation valued at over $20,000. The following is a complete list of this year’s Kids Run the Nation grant recipients:
Congratulations to our Kids Run the Nation Fund Grantees: Tuskegee Mustangs – Tuskegee, AL Roadrunner Milers – Tucson, AZ Fitness Funatics – Tucson, AZ Roosevelt Roadrunners – Long Beach, CA Lake County Junior Milers – Middletown, CA Dr. J. Michael McGrath Elementary School – Newhall, CA Wellness Warriors Mileage Club - Racing to Healthy Lifestyles – Oceanside, CA Runners of the Rockies – Centennial, CO Aragon in Motion – Fountain, CO Teens Run DC – Washington, DC King Middle Running Club – Milton, FL Stingray Running Club – New Smyrna Beach, FL Stinger Bees Running Club and Cross Country – Sanford, FL Flying Eagle Running Club– Honolulu, HI Central Illinois Kids Running Club – Canton, IL Students Run Chicago – Chicago, IL Streator YMCA Kids Running Club – Streator, IL RUN BGC – Huntington, IN Little Charger Striders – Ligonier, IN SJ Run Club – Louisville, KY Mileage Club – Bangor, ME Kids That Run – Baltimore, MD FSRC Spires Youth XC and Track – Frederick, MD Sole Train: Boston Runs Together – Boston, MA Somerville Boys & Girls Club - Running Club – Medford, MA Michael J. Perkins Owls – South Boston, MA
Teen & Pre-Teen Running Clubs – Stoneham, MA Amanda Moore Run Club – Romeo, MI Gage Gallopers – Rochester, MN Run Oxford’s Summer Track Series – Oxford, MS KIDS Klub FitKids 5K – North Platte, NE Community Middle School Running Club – Bound Brook, NJ Running Stars – Bronx, NY Rockland Road Runners Kids Summer Track Program and 2 Mile Race – New City, NY ACDS Young Runners – Plainview, NY Monroe Milers – Rochester, NY Bulldogs on the Run – Siler City, NC Elk Meadow Eagles – Bend, OR S.O.A.R. - Students Overcome and Achieve through Running – Berwick, PA Beresford Running Club – Beresford, SD Parmelee Runners – Parmelee, SD YMCA Run for Life – Chattanooga, TN Pecan Trail Runners Club – College Station, TX Kimball Running Club – Mesquite, TX Nolanville Running Club – Nolanville, TX John Doedyns Broncs Marathon Runners – San Juan, TX Ascent Academies of Lehi Running Club – Lehi, UT CES PTA Just Run – Christiansburg, VT Highgate Library & Community Center’s Cross Country Kids – Highgate Center, VT Running Club – Sequim, WA Eagles on the Run – Dorothy, WV DMA Dash Training Club – Milwaukee, WI
Learn more at www.rrca.org/programs/kids-run-the-nation-program/ RRCA Annual Report • 11
ROADS SCHOLAR® PROGRAM
The RRCA is proud to congratulate its 22nd Roads Scholar® class: Alia Gray, Gabrielle Anzalone, Emma Bates, Johnny Crain, Tyler Jermann and Matt McClintock.
Since 1996, RRCA has awarded grants totaling more than $560,000 to 124 athletes through its Roads Scholar® program.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2017-2018 ROADS SCHOLAR CLASS ALIAGRAY
GABRIELLEANZALONE
(Boulder, CO): After beginning cross country her junior year in high school following a soccer injury, Alia Gray went on to compete in college at Chico State University under the tutelage of Head Coach Gary Towne. During her time there, she became a four time DII NCAA All-American and set the school track record in the 10k. After graduation, Alia began exploring longer distances on the road racing scene. With some encouragement from Towne, she tried her hand at the marathon and was hooked on the distance. The year after graduation, she decided to move to Boulder, Colorado to immerse herself in an elite running culture and to train at altitude. She is now training under USATF Legend Coach Joe Vigil along with Dr. Richard Hansen, the head coach of Alia’s training group Roots Running. Alia’s 10th place finish at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials-Marathon was a breakthrough race for her. She followed that up with a 10k PR on the track that spring with a time of 31:59. At the 2017 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Alia was the 8th female overall and 3rd American with a time of 2:34:25, earning $10,000 in American prize money at the race.
(Madison, WI): Gabrielle found her passion for running while being a part of her middle school cross country team. While in high school, she had the opportunity to participate in numerous Michigan State Championship races and other events on the national stage. She was a member of the 2010 Midwest Footlocker team and holds the third fastest time in state’s cross country history with a time of 17:01.7. Following high school, Gabrielle ran for the University of Wisconsin – Madison. While at Madison, she had the opportunity to represent UW at four NCAA National Championships and four NCAA Preliminary Track and Field events. She was a member of Team USA in 2012 for the NACAC championships, assisting in the team championship. Her focus was on the 5k and 10k in college with personal bests of 16:15 and 34:16. Gabrielle obtained Big Ten honors and academic All-American honors during her competitive years. After graduating from UW in 2016, Gabrielle has continued her running under a new coach, Thomas Breitbach (UW- Parkside Head Coach) while pursuing her Master of Social Work in Madison. She attended the RRCA’s 2017 RunPro Camp. She has been racing on the roads, clocking PRs of 56:06 in the 10 mile and 1:14:51 in the half marathon, as the first place female at the 2017 Cellcom Green Bay Half Marathon. Gabrielle has competed in numerous USATF road championships, with continued growth and success.
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ROAD SCHOLAR® PROGRAM
EMMABATES
TYLERJERMANN
(Elk River, MN): Following a decorated high school career where she led her Elk River team to a Minnesota Class AA state title, Emma Bates accepted a scholarship offer from Boise State University. There, she became a 12-time All-American. With humble beginnings, Bates started her freshman year barely running the times she had accomplished in high school. With an immense amount of hard work and countless miles, she went from running 17:40 in the 5K her freshman year, to 15:30 her senior year. Not only that, she was also able to go from not winning a state title in high school, to winning the NCAA Division 1 title in the 10k in 2014. Now moving to the roads, Emma hopes to improve upon her multiple top ten finishes at various USATF Championship distances, including 5th place at the 2017 Portland Track Festival 10,000 meters and 7th place in the 3,000 meters the 2017 Adrian Martinez Classic. Her best performance came recently at the USATF 10 Mile Championships where she placed 6th with a time of 55:36. She plans to continue her progression in distance running and will make her half marathon debut this fall followed by her marathon debut in early 2018.
(Minneapolis, MN): Tyler Jermann grew up in the Chicago suburb of Naperville where he ran cross country and track at Naperville North High School. During his prep career he led his team to a 3rd place finish at NXN in 2008. His track PR’s of 4:20 and 9:17 for 1600 and 3200 meters respectively earned him a scholarship to Iowa State University. While at Iowa State University, Tyler was a three-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team. He graduated in 2015 with degrees in mathematics and finance. His first two years out of college as a professional runner, he trained at altitude in Flagstaff focusing on the half marathon and marathon distances. Tyler qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials-Marathon and finished 36th. From 2015-2017 he ran seven marathons, achieving a best of 2:16:52 at Pittsburgh in May 2017 and top American finishes at the 2016 Houston Marathon (11th overall), the 2016 Pittsburgh Marathon (3rd overall), and the 2017 Pittsburgh Marathon (4th overall). He won the USATF 50k Championships in the spring of 2017 with a time of 2:48:56, which puts him 3rd on the world all-time list at that distance. Tyler joined Team USA Minnesota in August 2017 and continues to compete at major road races with his sights set on the USATF Marathon Championships, which will be held in Sacramento in December.
JOHNNYCRAIN (Blowing Rock, NC): Johnny grew up in the small town of Dunlap Illinois and capped his high school career with an Illinois State title in the 1600m. Johnny attended the NCAA DIII powerhouse, North Central College, to run under the tutelage of Hall of Fame Coach, Al Carius. During his time at North Central, he helped his team win three NCAA DIII titles, becoming one of the most prolific DIII distance runners of all time. Accomplishments included: being a four-time National Champion, a four time runner up, ten All-American awards, and being ranked in the top 10 in all time DIII history in four events. His college career includes marks of 14:04 for the 5K and 28:52 for the 10K. He also earned Academic All American honors at the same time. After graduating from North Central in 2014, Johnny accepted a position at the University of Oklahoma as a Graduate Assistant for the Track & Field and Cross Country team. While attending Graduate school and working full time with the track teams, Johnny entered the road scene by winning the 2014 Tulsa Run and qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials at the 2015 Houston Half Marathon with a time of 63:21. He attended the RRCA’s RunPro Camp in July 2015. Johnny joined the Reebok ZAP Fitness Elite Team in January 2016, moving to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, once he completed his Master’s degree at Oklahoma. Johnny was one of the few athletes that competed at the U.S Olympic Trials-Marathon (52nd overall) and five months later in the U.S Olympic Trials-Track in the 10K (16th overall). After making the move to Blowing Rock, Johnny won the Peoria Steamboat Classic 4 mile and the VCU Richmond 8K. He was 6th place in the Armagh International Road Race in 2017 and finished 10th in the U.S Championship 25K.
MATTMCCLINTOCK (Blowing Rock, NC): Matt McClintock began running seriously his senior year of high school, placing 15th at the Footlocker National Championships and breaking the Maine State Class C meet records for the 1600m and 3200m. Matt earned a scholarship to compete at Purdue University where he was a three time All-American and two time Big Ten Conference champion, which included setting the Big Ten Cross Country Championship record, along with breaking school records from 3K to 10K. Following the conclusion of his collegiate eligibility, Matt joined the Reebok ZAP Fitness Elite Team to continue his running career. He immediately found success with coach Pete Rea, placing 5th at the 2016 U.S. 10 Mile championships with a time of 47:53. In the remainder of his first year at ZAP, Matt saw personal bests at 5K, 8K, and 10K. He also qualified for his first U.S. Track championships where his 10K PR of 28:27 placed him 10th. Other highlights included a fifth place finish at the Crazy 8’s 8k with a time of 22:55, where McClintock was the first American in the top five in over 20 years. He placed 3rd at the 2017 U.S. 7 Mile Championships with a time of 33:10.
Learn more at www.rrca.org/programs/roads-scholars/ RRCA Annual Report • 13
RUNPRO CAMP
The goal of the RunPro Camp is to encourage, support and provide the tools and guidance for more top collegiate distance runners to pursue a professional running career, and train at a high level so that U.S. performances will continue to improve. Along with the Roads Scholars program, RunPro Camp continues a long tradition of the RRCA providing resources and financial support to pave the way for the future of American distance running. The athletes that attended RunPro Camp have finished their collegiate careers and show good potential to reach the next level.
RunPro Camp Athletes Gabrielle Anzalone – Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison Chelsea Blaase – Univ. of Tennessee Kelsey Bruce – Dallas Baptist Univ. Breanna Colbenson – Univ. of Minnesota-Duluth Reed Fischer – Drake Univ. Rianna Goins – UC Davis Ian La Mere – University of Wisconsin - Platteville
83 Number of athletes that have attended RunPro Camp since 2011
Learn more at www.RunPro.com 14 • RRCA Annual Report
Kevin Lewis – Univ. of Iowa Jennifer Owen – Arizona State Univ. Joel Reichow – South Dakota State Univ. Ryan Rutherford – Illinois State Univ. Rachel Weber – The Ohio State Univ. Futsum Zienasellassie – Northern Arizona Univ.
17 Number of RunPro Campers that are also Roads Scholar grantees since 2011
$80,000 Amount of Roads Scholar grants allocated to RunPro Campers since 2011
CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT SERIES 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 well-run 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 2017, the RRCA Championship Event Series saw continued growth and included 254 races at the State, Regional and National level that attracted over 364,000 runners nationwide, making it the largest grassroots-organized, running event series in the U.S. 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 95,000 championship-branded race numbers to events. Ashworth Awards developed our wildly popular RRCA Championship medals, which are given to all RRCA Champions. Over 2,000 medals were awarded during the year to celebrate performances from elites to senior grand masters in the sport.
Thank you to the following events and congratulations to the 2017 RRCA National Champions: RRCA National 5K Champions: 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade Corktown Races 5K, March 12, 2017, Detroit, MI Male Open: Zacchaeus Widner, 15:30, age 25, Lansing, MI Female Open: Amber Dermyre, 18:32, age 30, Canton, MI Male Master: Jamie LaBrosse, 17:35, age 44, Whitmore Lake, MI Female Master: Denise Costescu, 19:40, age 41, Commerce Twp, MI
RRCA National 10K Champions: Ridgewood Run 10K, May 29, 2017, Ridgewood, NJ Male Open: Mengistu Tabor Nebsi, 30:13.52, age 39, New York, NY Female Open: Roberta Groner, 34:43.19, age 39, Randolph, NJ Male Master: Brian Crowley, 33:52:59, age 52, Hillsborough,NJ Female Master: Hartencia Aliaga, 38:36.65, age 44, Garfield, NJ
Male Grand Master: Paul Aufdemberge, 18:26, age 52, Redford, MI Female Grand Master: Nancy Hobbs, 21:40, age 56, Colorado Springs, CO
Male Grandmaster: John Hogan, 36:20:33, age 51, Washington Town, NJ Female Grandmaster: Misa Tamura, 39:42.66, age 50, Ridgewood, NJ
Male Senior Grand Master: Michael Young, 19:02, age 61, West Bloomfield, MI Female Senior Grand Master: Maureen Tippin, 24:52, age 62, Clarkston, MI
Male Senior Grandmaster: Reno Stirrat, 38:40:07, age 61, Rockaway, NJ Female Senior Grandmaster: Susan Olesky, 47:36.23, age 60, Mendham, NJ
RRCA National One Mile Champions: TMC Meet Me Downtown Festival of Miles, May 27, 2017 Tucson, AZ Male Open: Alexis Verdugo, 04:25.1, age 21, Tucson, AZ Female Open: Shannon Porter, 05:01.19, age 26, Lacey, AZ Male Master: Aaryn Olsson, 05:19.0, age 41, Tucson, AZ Female Master: Tia Accetta, 06:01.8, age 41, Tucson, AZ Male Grandmaster: Kelly Thompson, 05:33.8, age 53, Tucson, AZ Female Grandmaster: Penny Rettenmaier, 07:29.0, age 51, The Woodlands, TX Male Senior Grandmaster: Benito Gonzalez, 05:59.2, age 61, Tucson, AZ Female Senior Grandmaster: Nancy Fuller, 08:58.0, age 67, Tucson, AZ
RRCA National 10 Mile Champions: The Genworth Virginia 10 Miler, September 22, 2017, Lynchburg, VA Male Open: Bernard Ngeno, 00:47:25, age 21, Chapel Hill, NC Female Open: Biruktayit Degefa, 00:54:31, age 26, Lansing, MI Male Master: Julius Kiptoo, 00:52:33, age 40, Toledo, OH Female Master: Catherine Phillips, 01:10:20, age 42, Lynchburg, VA Male Grandmaster: Brian Kelleher, 01:07:24, age 52 Washington Town, NJ Female Grandmaster: Pam Rickard, 01:19:10, age 55, Rocky Mount, VA Male Senior Grandmaster: Preston Evans, 01:10:07, age 61, Madison Heights, VA Female Senior Grandmaster: Layne Ferguson, 01:32:39, age 60, Moneta, VA
RRCA Annual Report • 15
CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT SERIES RRCA National Half Marathon Champions: The DRC Half Marathon, November 5, 2017 Dallas, TX Male Open: Mason Frank, 01:13:28.0, age 28, Denver, CO Female Open: Dawn Grunnagle, 01:24:44.1, age 39, Dallas, TX Male Master: Michael Held, 01:28:14.0, age 52, Dallas, TX Female Master: Debra Okano, 01:37:23.0, age 56, Dallas, TX Male Grandmaster: Francisco Pulido, 01:29:56.0, age 50, Dallas, TX Female Grandmaster: Simone Rapa, 01:51:26.1, age 52, Dallas, TX Male Senior Grandmaster: Ritchie Champion, 01:40:43.1, age 62, Dallas, TX Female Senior Grandmaster: Juli Baldwin Brown, 02:01:16.1, age 60, Dallas, TX National Marathon Champions: Space Coast Marathon, November 26, 2017, Cocoa Florida Male Open: David Kilgore, 2:30:36, age 26, Palm Bay City, FL Female Open: Gabriela Herra Arroyo, 2:59:59, age 38, Heredia, Costa Rica Male Master: Eduardo Souza, 2:53:08, age 40, Coconut Creek, FL Female Master: Pam Carr, 3:15:34, age 43, Oviedo, FL
Male Grandmaster: Jose Mercado, 3:09:46, age 51, Miami, FL Female Grandmaster: Sonia Bergh, 3:26:18, age 54, Satellite Beach, FL Male Senior Grandmaster: David Farraday, 3:21:14, age 61, Jacksonville, FL Female Senior Grandmaster: Elaine Burkholder, 4:15:06, age 60, Charlottetown, PE National Ultra Champions: Lookout Mountain 50 Miler, December 16, 2017, Lookout Mountain, TN Male Open: John Kelly, 7:27:44, age 33, Rockville, MD Female Open: Aden St. Charles, 9:25:45, age 34, Signal Mountain, TN Male Master: Shawn Becker, 9:14:18 age 40, Duffield, VA Female Master: Pam Carr, 3:15:34, age 43, Oviedo, FL Male Grandmaster: Michael Scherzer, 10:18:48, age 51, Ringgold, GA Female Grandmaster: Starr Arthur, 11:48:04, age 54, Whitwell, TN Male Senior Grandmaster: Jeff Macintire, 10:53:13, Clarksville, TN Female Senior Grandmaster: No Finisher
(Bottom) Caption RRCA presents awards to the 2017 RRCA National Half Marathon Champions at the DRC Half Marathon (Left) Congratulations to Michelle Baxter, who won RRCA Alaska State Half Marathon Championship at the Anchorage Runfest in 1:24:46.
16 • RRCA Annual Report
RUNNER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY® PROGRAM Ithaca
Danville
Frederick
Minneapolis
Holland
Columbia and Howard County
Edwardsville Golden
Sheboygan
Memphis
The goal of the RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly and provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner friendly communities. Runner Friendly Communities can also increase the quality of life, improve physical activity for residents as outlined in the National Physical Activity Plan, and provide for increased economic impact for the community. RRCA Annual Report • 17
RUNNER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY® PROGRAM FREDERICK, MARYLAND Located near both Baltimore, MD and Washington, D.C., with a population of over 65,000, Frederick is the second largest city in Maryland. A robust network of publicly accessible running trails takes advantage of Frederick’s geography. Running tracks are open to the public and are well maintained by the community. There are close to ten miles of paved pedestrian networks throughout the city. There is also an off-road trail system, a portion of which runs on the Appalachian Trail. The trail system includes state parks, two national parks, and the city watershed. Mileage is essentially unlimited in this trail system, and it is home to popular ultra runs, including the Catoctin 50K and the JFK 50 Miler. The Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club (FSRC), founded in 1975, is the largest running club in the city and offers a variety of training and racing opportunities from beginner programs to participation in the RRCA Maryland Grand Prix and more. The club has worked with a variety of businesses to develop a network of Runner Friendly Businesses where runners can stop for water, restrooms, shelter in inclement weather, and more. The club has mapped the businesses on their website as a service for their members and area supporters.
GOLDEN, COLORADO Golden was founded in 1859 as part of the Pike’s Peak gold rush. Today, the mills and mines of the late 19th and early 20th century have given way to more modern economic drivers like the Coors Brewery, and the National Renewal Energy Laboratory. Golden has a vast network of trails and paths with pedestrian bridges that cross over busy streets and the river that flows through town. Many of the trailheads provide for clean restrooms along with water fountains with dog water spigots and ample parking. The City of Golden does an excellent job of maintaining trails. They are working with local running clubs to implement additional signage around town to help runners navigate the network of trails in town and in the surrounding area. The City of Golden has developed an award-winning parks and trails system and the city’s website has a listing of the trails in and around town. The Foothills Running and Cycling Club (FRCC), a community-oriented club founded in 2010, is made up of a variety of runners from beginners to ultra runners. The club has a variety of weekly events including trail runs, social runs, track workouts and marathon training groups. The club works with the local food bank by organizing and hosting food donation running events, such as the Christmas lights runs. FRRC promotes and supports area races by providing volunteers, as well as promotion of events in their popular weekly newsletter.
HOLLAND, MICHIGAN Holland, settled in 1847, is situated in Michigan’s lower peninsula, along the banks of Lake Michigan. As the name would suggest, the city of just over 33,000 has a rich Dutch heritage. The Tulip Festival each May brings in close to one million visitors each year. In addition to festivals, visitors and residents alike are drawn to Holland for its trails, green space, and picturesque waterfront. Holland’s commitment to being a Runner Friendly Community can be see through the city’s unique downtown sidewalk snowmelt system, which ensures that nearly five miles of sidewalk are clear of ice and snow during the harsh winter months. The sidewalk system, installed in 1988, uses over 190 miles of tubes pumping over 4,700 gallons of heated water per minute, warming the surface and melting snow and ice. The Holland Running Club hosts runs twice a week from the snowmelt location, giving runners who would prefer to not venture 18 • RRCA Annual Report
onto snow-covered or icy sidewalks the option of running out and back loops on a dry surface. The community’s approach to pedestrian infrastructure has seen a shift in recent years with the City of Holland hiring a “Walkable Communities “ expert to identify means to increase pedestrian safety. The City of Holland has officially adopted a Complete Streets philosophy to community planning. In 2014, a group of runners came together to form the Holland Running Club (HRC). In addition to bi-weekly runs, the Holland Running Club has partnered with numerous organizations to promote the sport of running in the Holland community. HRC provides runners and volunteers in support of the Holland Haven Marathon, the Kal-Haven Trail Run, Park2Park Half Marathon, and more.
HUNTINGTON WOODS, MICHIGAN A Detroit suburb, Huntington Woods is home to over 6,000 residents. The community’s two defining structures can be traced to past resident Horace Rackham. In 1924, Rackham donated 22 acres of land to help with the construction of the Detroit Zoo, which remains in that spot today. Huntington Woods’ commitment to being a Runner Friendly Community begins with its infrastructure. There are 24.75 street miles in the city with sidewalks on 99% of all streets. All 99% of sidewalks at street intersections have ramps that meet ADA standards and make sidewalk routes accessible to walkers, runners and people with disabilities. Runners/walkers could run every street in the city including the interior streets and major roads that create the city’s border, without having to cross a major intersection. In 2002 a running track was installed on the grounds of Burton Elementary School & Burton Community Park, near the center of the city. The Motor City Striders (MCS), founded in 1959, works closely with the city to conduct the annual event, Run/Walk BOOM!!! 1 Mile & 5K. The event serves as a fundraising that assures thousands of young kids and old kids can continue to enjoy the 4th of July Fireworks over Rackham Golf Course.
ITHACA, NEW YORK Ithaca is the largest city in the Southern Tier-Fingerlakes region of New York, with a population of over 30,000. The presence of the Cornell University, as well as Ithaca College, gives the community much of its identity. The local government encourages running and actively makes permitting easy and affordable for races. The mayor actively worked to bring a half marathon to downtown Ithaca, the Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon, by collaborating with leaders in the running community and the Chamber of Commerce. There is a strong spirit of community involvement demonstrated by the Finger Lakes Runners Club (FLRC), The club works with area nonprofits to put on their races by providing volunteer support and equipment, as needed. Since 2011, the club has offered scholarships to deserving male and female high school seniors who participated on their school’s cross-country and/or track and field teams. As an added benefit of membership, Cornell University permits club members to use their indoor track during open hours.
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE A city of both history and culture, Memphis is the second-largest city in Tennessee, with a population of over 650,000. While geography remains a key part of Memphis’s identity, its economy is largely driven by three Fortune 500 companies that call it home: FedEx, International Paper, and AutoZone. Memphis has 100+ miles of rails-to-trails, continuous and intersecting runner/biking paths, and wooded trails ranging from smooth dirt to rocky and challenging technical trails. The trails are accessible from a large network
RUNNER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY® PROGRAM of police-monitored parking lots and entry points. Memphis is also home to the 4,500 acre Shelby Farms, the largest urban park in the U.S. The park features more than 40-miles of trails, both paved and unpaved, that are popular for walking, biking, running and hiking. The park’s trail network includes Shelby Farms Greenline, an iconic 10-mile paved cycling and pedestrian trail. The Memphis Runners Track Club (MRTC), founded in 1975, works to support the local running community in every way imaginable. MRTC is one of the largest and most active running clubs in the U.S., and membership has grown 57% in the last eight years alone. Area runners can participate in the club’s road race series or winter off-road series. The St Jude Memphis Marathon weekend is the largest event of the year in Memphis. The marathon, a Boston-qualifying course, follows a scenic route through the city of Memphis and passes through the St. Jude campus, where patients, their families and other onlookers gather to cheer. Runners will also pass through historic areas before finishing in front of a crowd in AutoZone Park.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA Minneapolis’s population of 410,939 makes it the largest city in the state, and its greater metropolitan area is the 16th largest in the United States. Combined with a robust park system that is generally considered among the best planned and maintained in the country, the city is known for its active lifestyle. Minneapolis’s city government is very supportive of races and the organizers that work so hard to make events successful. The city contains countless, well-maintained trails that offer safe and scenic routes for runners of all abilities. One of the most popular trails is the Midtown Greenery and Cedar Lake Trail, a 5.7mile route, which links the Mississippi River to a string of lakes in the city, all the way out to Minneapolis’s western suburbs. Additionally, Theodore Wirth Park, almost the size of New York City’s Central Park at 759 acres, includes many options for runners. Greater Minneapolis as well as St. Paul has several active running clubs and organizers, including RRCA members Club Rub, Charities Challenge, and Twin Cities in Motion. Many area clubs and groups offer training programs that culminate in participation in the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.
SHEBOYGAN, WISCONSIN Fifty miles north of Milwaukee, and 60 miles south of Green Bay, Sheboygan has a population of just over 49,000. Located on Lake Michigan and home to several sandy beaches, Sheboygan is known as the “Spirit of the Lake. “ The city has undergone significant re-development over the last two decades, including a key project in 2013 when the Shoreland 400 Rail Trail opened on a former Union Pacific Railroad corridor through the heart of the city. Sheboygan County offers 25-miles of lakefront running interspersed with parks with rest stops. The city has a variety of running surfaces that include, state park trails, sand dunes, natural area, black top trails, and crushed limestone trails. Through a 25 million dollar federal grant, Sheboygan County has completed marking designated lanes for running and cycling throughout cities in the county. Sheboygan County Shoreline Striders, established in 1981 and through leadership efforts was reconstituted into the current club in 2005. Members regularly volunteer at events, such as, Brat Trot, Pigeon River Children’s Run, and Full Moon Half Marathon, stuffing bags, assisting with logistics, and pacing on race day. Every August since 1984, Sheboygan, the Bratwurst Capital of the World and home to Johnsonville Sausage, has celebrated the history of the bratwurst with Brat Days. Runners and walkers alike gather in Sheboygan during this same weekend from around the Midwest for the race of the summer - The Brat Trot!
COLUMBIA AND HOWARD COUNTY, MARYLAND Howard County, located between Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., is home to Columbia, a major planned community founded in 1967 that now has a population of over 100,000 residents. Conceived via a novel process that included social scientists as well as urban planners, Columbia was constructed to include local access to jobs, schools, retail, and medical services. Columbia boasts over 100 miles of pathways, many of which lead to several of the 35 parks countywide. There is also a network of over 80 miles of shared lanes. This extensive network is cared for by the Columbia Association, including re-paving and plowing in the winter months for safe use by pedestrians, runners and bikers. The wider Howard County area has a trail directory mapping all the 100+ miles of paved paths, including a mobile app to navigate the infrastructure. The Howard County Striders, an RRCA member club, is dedicated to promoting lifetime fitness through running. An active member of the community, the Striders is one of the largest, most involved clubs in the mid-Atlantic area. Howard County government has played an instrumental role in making the community runner friendly. Government leaders see the value in supporting the Howard County Striders and work to ensure members are safe during runs.
DANVILLE, VIRGINIA Located along the southern border of Virginia, 70 miles south of Lynchburg, Danville has a population of just over 43,000. The evolution of the textile and railroad industries in the mid-20th century had an adverse impact on the Danville economy. However, the spirit of perseverance in the community remained strong and can be seen in what makes Danville runner friendly. Danville’s emergence as a running town accelerated rapidly in 2012. The city has invested in 16-miles of paved river front trail for running and completed an off road single track that can host a 50K event distance. There has been an expansion of local 5Ks, 10Ks, and Half Marathons. Local infrastructure development also includes the recently completed Anglers Ridge Trail System. Anglers Ridge weaves its way throughout the new CyberPark industrial park just southwest of the Danville Regional Airport. Using the old gravel farm roads as a backbone. One of the driving forces behind Danville’s emergence as a Runner Friendly Community is RRCA member The Brick Running & Tri Store. The store has become a staple of the city, offering group runs, clinics for beginners and injury prevention, as well as event management services to help raise funds to feed the homeless and for cancer survivors. Danville’s local media is supportive of the running community and provides race coverage in the city’s newspaper along with topics of interest to runners, such as safety, health, and nutrition.
EDWARDSVILLE, ILLINOIS Located in the southern portion of the state, Edwardsville has a population of just over 24,000. Part of the greater St. Louis metro area, Edwardsville has a rich history of its own. It is the birthplace of five Illinois governors. Today, Edwardsville is home to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), as well as several historical museums, public parks, and a nature center. The city sits at the hub of the Madison County Transit Trails (MCT Trails), which includes 130-miles of dedicated running/biking trails. Within the narrowly defined city limits there are 19.5 miles of dedicated paved trails. The majority of the trail system was developed through the Rails to Trails conservancy. Southern Illinois Edwardsville University further has a RRCA Annual Report • 19
RUNNER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY® PROGRAM network of paved trails and 10+ miles of off-road trails. Finally, the school district has three publicly available tracks including a dedicated track and field complex. The Metro Milers, an RRCA member, is the largest running club in Edwardsville. The group is dedicated to supporting running in three main ways: coordination, sponsorship, and support. The Metro Milers coordinate the Route 66 10K event each year, which generates funding that is used by the club to promote running in the community. The club also sponsors several local races including the Turkey Trot 5k, the largest race in town that is held on Thanksgiving.
Congratulations to the following communities that successfully renewed their Runner Friendly Community status in 2017 for another five years: • • •
BRAMBLETON, VA - Renewed by Families in Training COLUMBIS, GA - Renewed by Columbus Road Runners LYNCHBURG, VA - Renewed by Lynchburg Road Runners, Inc.
Learn more at www.rrca.org/programs/runner-friendly-community/ RUN@WORK AND RUN@SCHOOL DAY
On September 15, RRCA supporters hosted RUN@WORK and RUN@School Day events around the country. We thank our members and supporters for promoting our goal of encouraging adults and children to get 30 minutes of exercise each day, either in the morning, during lunch, or immediately following work or school, in accordance with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans.
20 • RRCA Annual Report
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 at 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. The RRCA Coaching Certification Level I Course is an in-person course designed to accomplish our goal of educating coaches so they may direct training programs for their RRCA member running clubs. We believe all RRCA Level I Certified Coaches volunteering in their running clubs have the knowledge needed to coach runners in their communities. The Level II curriculum and certification process, launched in 2016, provides for a deeper understanding of the scientific, psychological, competitive, and managerial RRCA coaching program attendees gather for a aspects of working with individual clients and training group photo at a 2017 course. groups. We thank our Director of Coaching Education Randy Accetta, Ph.D along with his team of course instructors Cari Setzler, Bobby Gessler, 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 7,000 people have become RRCA Certified Running Coaches.
Learn more at www.rrca.org/programs/coaching-program-overview/ RACE DIRECTOR CERTIFICATION
RRCA has certified over 265 race directors from around the world by the end of 2017 with an additional 275 people enrolled in the course as of December 31, 2017.
Launched in November 2012, the RRCA’s Race Director Certification Course was created with help from some of the more prominent names in race management, including Dave McGillivray of the Boston Marathon, Phil Stewart of the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler & Road Race Management, and Don Kardong of the Lilac Bloomsday Run. They, along with others, shared their expertise on what topics of importantance for race directors to understand and apply.
In 2017, the RRCA certified its first race director in India, Venkatraman Pichumani. He is also an RRCA Certified Coach. The RRCA also certified race directors from Singapore, the Phillipines, Canada, Romania, showing this RRCA program has a global reach and audience.
RRCA Certified Race Director Venkatraman Pichumani received his certificate at the 2017 RRCA Convention and enjoyed a photo with course instructor Dave McGillivray
Learn more at www.rrca.org/programs/race-director-certification/ RRCA Annual Report • 21
59TH ANNUAL RRCA NATIONAL CONVENTION Through the theme, Building Community through Running, the RRCA engaged leaders in discussions about a broad range of topics related to the sport of running during the 59th RRCA National Convention held in Detroit, Michigan. We extend a big thank you to the convention chairs, Doug and Ann Kurtis, who ensured the convention was a huge success. Out keynote speakers at the luncheons included RRCA Hall of Fame Members Doug Kurtis and Craig Virgin.
THANK YOU TO OUR
2017 SPONSORS
GOLD LEVEL
Marathon Printing K&K Insurance Star Insurance RunSignUp.com Leslie Jordan Ashworth Awards MarathonGuide.com
SILVER LEVEL
Innovative Timing Solution
BRONZE LEVEL
Feetures!, The Driven Race & Club Solutions, MyLaps, The Parade Company, Motor City Brewing Works, and Corktown Races.
22 • RRCA Annual Report
RRCA CONVENTION RECAP
RRCA Annual Report • 23
48
NATIONAL RUNNING AWARD WINNERS
TH
CLASS
AMY(HASTINGS) CRAGG Amy (Hastings) Cragg, born January 21, 1984, was an Arizona State University teammate of Desiree (Davilla) Linden. Running for ASU, Amy was the 2005 NCAA Indoor Champion in the 5000 meters. She ranks as one of the all-time greats earning ten total All-America honors. She had a breakthrough year in 2011 when she knocked 34 seconds off her previous time in the 5000 meters, to become runner up at the 2011 USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The results of that race also qualified her for the 2011 IAAF World Championships, where she qualified for the final. That same year she ran her first marathon, the Los Angeles Marathon, placing second in 2:27:03, making made her the eighth fastest American. In 2012, Hastings finished fourth at the U.S. marathon trials, one place out of a team spot, but went on to win the Olympic Trials 10,000meter race. At the 2012 London Olympics, Hastings ran 31:10.69, placing 11th. On July 4, 2014, she won the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, GA with a time of 32:16. In the fall of 2014, she married Irish Olympian Alistair Cragg and began competing under her married name. On March 14, 2015 Amy won the USA title by 32 seconds at 15 km championship in Jacksonville, Florida with a time of 50:18. On 13 February 2016, Amy placed first at the US Olympic Marathon Trials, finishing in 2:28:20 on a warm day in Los Angeles. Six months later in Rio, she placed ninth in the Olympic marathon. On August 6, 2017, she placed 3rd at the 2017 World Championships Marathon in London in 2:27:18. Her performance ended a 34-year marathon medal drought for Team USA at the world championships. In 2018, Amy placed third at the Tokyo Marathon, a World Marathon Majors race, in 2:21:42.
24 • RRCA Annual Report
NATIONAL RUNNING AWARD WINNERS
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
BARTYASSO Bart Yasso is a legend in the running community. Yasso, born in 1958, has served as the Chief Running Officer of Runner’s World since 2007, traveling the world to inspire and educate runners of all levels. Yasso joined Runner's World in 1987 to develop the groundbreaking Runner's World Race Sponsorship Program, creating a vehicle for Runner's World to work with over 7,000 races representing 4 million runners per year. In his career, he’s run with two presidents, competed in races on all seven continents, completed the 146-mile Badwater Ultramarathon (before the course was shortened to 135 miles), published a memoir titled My Life on the Run. He has appeared at over 1800 races, along with the RRCA Convention, as a featured speaker. He has been dubbed “the Mayor of Running, “ and is credited with inventing the Yasso 800s, a widely-used marathon training workout. Yasso has competed in more than 1,200 races during his 30+ career at Runner's World and 40 years he’s been involved with the sport. He has successfully finished the 56-mile Comrades Marathon and the Mt. Kilimanjaro Marathon and has run races on all seven continents. In 1987 we was the winner of the 1987 U.S. National Biathlon Long Course Championship . He has cycled twice across the country by himself with no support. Yasso was inducted into the Running USA Hall of Champions and now the RRCA Distance Running Hall of Fame. At the conclusion of 2017, Yasso retired from his position at Runner’s World, but he still plans to attend events.
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NATIONAL RUNNING AWARD WINNERS
OUTSTANDING CLUB PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR
BRENDAGROSKINSKY runLawrence
During Brenda Groskinsky’s two years as President of runLawrence, her exceptional organizational and management skills have resulted in a concise mission statement, a detailed strategic plan and updated bylaws as well as clear policies and procedures. Brenda has updated her club’s accounting and financial practices and used her extensive experience in government agencies and non-profits to help runLawrence avoid the common pitfalls of such entities. Brenda has encouraged runLawrence to become more of a presence in the local community. She has facilitated the donation of funds from the club’s annual Thanksgiving Day 5K to youth running clubs citywide. She also participates in and encourages other club members to join her in running-related community activities such as a yoga class held at a local running store and group travel to running events. Throughout her tenure, Brenda has also cast an eye towards building a sustainable leadership model for runLawrence. To encourage members to run for a club office, Brenda has recommended an “acting officer” role to try out the duties of an officer. Learning more about the duties of an officer could lead someone to see that they are capable of doing the job without having to immediately make a one-year commitment.
BROWNING ROSS SPIRIT OF THE RRCA
KELLY “K2 “ RICHARDS Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers
Kelly, known to everyone as “K2 “, has served the RRCA for over 10 years as a Texas State Representative and a member of the RRCA Board of Directors. In that time, she has promoted, encouraged, championed, and advocated for many programs and functions of the RRCA, including the RRCA Convention, the Kids Run the Nation Fund, and the Roads Scholars program. She's authored and co-authored many articles for RRCA's Inside Track, Running Journal, Arkansas Outside, and writes a monthly RRCA column in her club newsletter. Within her local club, the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers, Kelly has been a member, a board member (including 5 terms as president), a race director, a volunteer coordinator, and a social media maven. Thanks to her tireless efforts, the RRCA has become a well-known staple of the running scene in her home community of Dallas/Fort Worth, TX. And if that's not enough, she still runs! She's qualified for the Boston Marathon for the last ten years, and recently completed her long-held goal of running a marathon in all 50 states and Washington DC. She has run marathons all over the world and has also completed the Comrades Marathon (actually 89km) in South Africa. Kelly is an amazing asset to her local club, and to the RRCA at large.
OUTSTANDING STATE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE YEAR JACKIEBRITTON California - Southern Jackie is a true champion for the clubs and running community of Southern California. She excels at promoting, volunteering, and assisting others, drawing on her many years of experience in the sport of running. The biggest skill that Jackie demonstrates is connecting with clubs. Over the last several years, Jackie has organized an annual meeting for clubs in her region. This has allowed her to not only promote RRCA programs, but also encourages discussions on local issues. In 2017, Jackie arranged noted coach and RRCA Hall of Famer Bob Larsen to serve as the meeting’s keynote speaker, providing a unique perspective on the sport and leading to increased attendance. Jackie has also made communicating with clubs throughout the year a priority. She has represented the RRCA by attending numerous State Championships, and she has also visited many clubs on their training runs. Jackie sends out newsletters on a regular basis and has actively recruited members to serve as local ambassadors for the RRCA. With her enthusiasm, knowledge and guidance she has reached out and touched the lives of hundreds of runners and walkers, conveying the importance of the RRCA and its programs.
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NATIONAL RUNNING AWARD WINNERS
OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
JONATHONGOTTSCHALK Fort Wayne Running Club
Jonathon Gottschalk’s service to the Fort Wayne Running Club (FWRC) impacts a number of areas of club operations. He is the designated volunteer photographer for 17 races, loading over 1,000 pictures to Facebook every race. In 2016, Jonathon added race director to his responsibilities, raising over $60,000 in two years for the event’s charity partner while also increasing runner registration. He has also worked to upgrade the FWRC website, moving it to a more user-friendly platform. This move allowed the previously manual membership signup process to migrate online, making it a more streamlined, cost effective process. Jonathon is also responsible for managing the club’s online race marketing efforts on social media, and he ensures the running club's information on the website and social media is current, pictures and results are updated. Finally, Jonathon is also responsible for coordinating the Fort4Fitness pace teams, a free service FWRC provides. He recruits 20 pace leaders each year, takes care all of their sign up housekeeping tasks, making sure the pacers have signs, singlets, setting expectations for the pacers.
ROAD RUNNER OF THE YEAR - MALE
GALENRUPP
Signs 2017 would be a banner year for Galen Rupp first appeared in April. After a strong showing at the Prague Half Marathon, Rupp placed second at the 121st Boston Marathon, finishing in 2:09:58, just 21 seconds behind the winner, and as the top American. Rupp’s 2017 season culminated at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon in October, when he broke from a pack at Mile 23, and finished first in 2:09:20, becoming the first American to win the race in 15 years. Following his victory, Rupp told The Chicago Sun-Times “At the heart of it, it is about competition. I love these competitive races. “
ROAD RUNNER OF THE YEAR - FEMALE
SHALANEFLANAGAN In November, Shalane Flanagan became the first American in 40 years to win the Women’s New York City Marathon, finishing first in a time of 2:26:53. With three miles to go in the race, Flanagan pulled away from three-time defending champion Mary Keitany, ultimately besting her by more than one minute. Flanagan’s performance was notable for her exceptionally strong finishing kick. Here average pace over the race’s five miles, on an unseasonably warm day in New York, was faster than the pace that set the women’s marathon world record time.
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NATIONAL RUNNING AWARD WINNERS
MASTERS RUNNER OF THE YEAR – MALE ABDIABDIRAHMAN
At age 40, Abdi Abdirahman ran the 2017 Boston Marathon in 2:12.45. The time was good enough not only for sixth overall, but also made him the third-fastest American male, as well as the oldest runner to finish in the top-ten in either the men’s or women’s races. In November, Abdirahman ran an almost identical 2:12.48 at the New York City Marathon, good enough for seventh overall, the top American finish, and first place in the masters division. His time also established a masters record for the New York City Marathon, besting the previous mark of 2:13:32, set in 2015 by fellow RRCA Hall of Fame member, Meb Keflezighi.
MASTERS RUNNER OF THE YEAR – FEMALE KATHRINESWITZER
Fifty years after becoming the first official woman to run the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer returned to the race at age 71 in 2017, and completed 26.2. As a 20 year-old college student in 1967, Switzer had entered the race despite rules at the time that prohibited women from competing. Although race officials attempted to physically remove her from the course, Switzer persevered and became the first woman to officially finish the event. In 1972, no doubt spurred by Switzer’s performance, the Boston Marathon officially allowed women to begin registering. Her bib number from 1967, 261, came to symbolize the continued struggle for gender equality in the sport of running, and Switzer fittingly wore it again as she crossed the finish line in 2017.
OUTSTANDING CHALLENGED ATHLETE TONYGROSSI
Tony Grossi was born with fibular hemimelia of his right leg. To run, Tony must strap on a knee brace to compensate for missing knee ligaments and wear a custom shoe to make up for his several-inchesshorter leg. But Tony has never let his disability stop him from competing. In 2017, Tony finished his 13th consecutive Boston Marathon, and has now completed 67 career marathons including multiple New York City Marathon (including 2017) and Marine Corps Marathons. Tony is also a regular fixture in local races, in his native Chattanooga, with 2017 age group places of 3rd at the Moccasin Bend Fall Classic (10K), 6th at Raccoon Mountain (10K), 7th at the Market Street Mile, 9th at the Chattanooga Chase (8K), and 10th at the Missionary Ridge Road Race (4.7 miles) – all versus able-bodied runners. Besides competing, Tony regularly volunteers at group runs and other events put on by Achilles International, the track club for athletes with disabilities – often acting as a guide for other athletes who are mobility or vision-impaired.
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JOURNALISM AWARDS
COMMUNICATIONS EXCELLENCE
OREGON ROAD RUNNERS CLUB
Over the last two years, four people, Alan Smith, Michael Allen, Charissa Yang and Margo Glass, have given over 1,500 volunteer hours to advance a lively, interactive Oregon Road Runner Club (ORRC) communications footprint. Recent planning by the ORRC recognized the need for a broader strategy to better market the club’s presence and purpose to the community. Alan and Michael gave rise to a website designed to be easily updated, with unique and dynamic content, consistent navigation throughout, quick downloads, and readable on all devices. The informative monthly e-newsletter was Alan Smith’s brainchild, and the publication now reaches over 7,000 email addresses. ORRC’s Facbook/Twitter presence are led by Charissa Yang and Margo Glass. Using these platforms to share daily current information, news, and congratulatory mentions have helped grow the club’s membership among younger runners.
EXCELLENCE IN RUNNING JOURNALISM
AMANDALOUDIN Howard County Striders
Amanda Loudin's name has become nationally recognized for freelance writing in the health & wellness, as well as outdoors and recreation fields. A runner and freelance writer from Howard County, Maryland, Amanda has worked incredibly hard at perfecting her craft through her participation in continuing education courses, professional writing workshops and retreats. She constantly strives to improve her work and provide content that reflects what is going on in the running community with a creative angle. Amanda is not only a passionate runner, but also a community advocate, and many of her pieces include elements of social responsibility. She has been widely published by The Washington Post, Outside Magazine, Runner's World, Competitor Magazine, Her Mind, RRCA’s Club Running, and many more.
OUTSTANDING BEGINNING RUNNING PROGRAM LEARNTORUN Decatur Running Club
Tracey Hewitt started the Learn2 Run Program through the Decatur Running Club in 2014 with the goal of teaching new runners how to be successful in their endeavors. The program started as a cost free program with warm up exercises, walk/run time, and cool down exercises. The ten-week program is presented six days a week, with volunteer mentors as advisors to the participants. The program culminates with a “Graduation Run “ that celebrates participants. Tracey has built a wonderful, encouraging, and supportive environment and program where many lifelong friendships among participants have been made. The impact of Learn2Run can be seen not only in the program’s exponential growth, but also in the passion that graduates feel for it. In fact, man past participants come back in following years to help mentor other new runners and promote the benefits of making running part of their lives.
OUTSTANDING YOUTH PROGRAM OF THE YEAR TEENSRUNDC Teens Run DC serves students in eight schools in Washington, DC, offering structured programming in the form of in-school groups, after school practices, Saturday practices, and training for distance races like the TRDC Mentoring Matters 5K and local events like the Jingle All the Way 5K and Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile. The inclusive, participation-based program focuses on mentoring as a means of fostering positive personal, academic, and athletic development.
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NATIONAL RUNNING AWARD WINNERS
THE DRC HALF MARATHON Dallas Running Club
30 • RRCA Annual Report
ROAD RACE OF THE YEAR
THE DRC HALF MARATHON Dallas Running Club The 42nd Annual Dallas Running Club (DRC) Half Marathon was the 2017 RRCA National Half Marathon Championship. The DRC Half is put on by volunteer members of the DRC – even the Race Directors, Sean and Erin Jett, are volunteers. The racecourse is well marked, safe, and manned with ample aid stations and volunteers. The course winds through various neighborhoods and around White Rock Lake, the 9-mile jewel of the RRCA Runner Friendly Community of Dallas. The race starts and ends at a large park with plenty of green space, which is perfect for the big postrace celebration featuring local brews and pizza. The race directors proudly incorporated RRCA president Mitchell Garner, and at-large director Lisa Rippe, who traveled from Michigan and Minnesota respectively to be there on race day. The Facebook event name, website, and race results included the words “RRCA Championship “ and the championship logo was used widely in promotional materials. Most importantly, the race is centered on the RRCA’s mission of embracing and celebrating the local running community. RRCA Annual Report • 31
RRCA RUNNING AROUND THE NATION – THANK YOU RRCA STATE REPS
32 • RRCA Annual Report
The RRCA would like to thank the following individuals for volunteering their time to serve as RRCA State Reps, promoting the mission of the organization and the sport of running:
For over three 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. State Reps monitor trends and issues at the state and local level and report them to the National Office. Learn more about the State Reps, including their contact information and bios, at www.RRCA.org/about/state-reps/
Alabama: Alex Morrow Alaska: Sharron Fisherman Arizona: Randy Accetta Arkansas: David Meroney California - East: Simone Adair California - Coastal: Jenni Kirk Sorrow (outgoing) Stephanie Davies (incoming) California - South: Jackie Britton Colorado: John Perez Connecticut: Rachel Tambling Delaware: Seth McElroy District of Columbia: Bob Cawood Florida - North: Michael Bowen Florida - South: Don Nelson Georgia: Rogelio Quintanar Hawaii: Ron Alford Idaho: Kjell Schiรถberg Illinois: Doug Pitchford Indiana: Rose Scovel (outgoing) Robert Lopez (incoming) Iowa: Chris Burch Kansas: Brenda Groskinsky Kentucky: Lilly Riherd Louisiana: Betsy Boudreaux Maine: Blaine Moore (outgoing) Chandra Leister (incoming) Maryland: Bob Cawood Massachusetts: Steve Viegas Michigan: Scott Fiske Minnesota: Lisa Rippe (outgoing) Paulette Odenthal Mississippi: Bryan Lagg Missouri: Vacant Montana: John Devitt Nebraska: Tom Whitaker New Hampshire: Chandra Leister New Jersey: Erica Phillips New Mexico: John Farrow New York: Mickie Sanders-Jauquet Nevada: Dave Moore North Carolina: Brad Broyles North Dakota: Vacant Ohio: Samantha Collmar Oklahoma: Stormy Phillips Oregon: Steve Wright Pennsylvania: Jeff Hills Rhode Island: Vacant South Carolina: Tracy Gariepy South Dakota: Tom Whitaker Tennessee: Sherilyn Johnson Texas - North: Marcus Grunewald Texas - South: Lee Greb Utah: Dave Moore Vermont: Dara Zink Virginia: Mike Muldowny (outgoing) Grattan Garby (incoming) Washington: Steve Wright West Virginia: Tom Kramer Wisconsin: Barbara Jewell Wyoming: Marlene Short
RRCA Annual Report โ ข 33
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS TO THE RRCA
ANNUAL PROGRAM FUND Thank you to the following individuals, events, and organizations that have contributed over $22,820 to the Annual Program Fund in 2017. Annual contributions to the RRCA help fund Kids Run the Nation program materials, RRCA Championship Events Series awards and materials, RRCA National Running Awards including award winner travel stipends, Runner Friendly Community program, RUN@WORK Day promotional efforts, State Reps Program, Join a Club marketing efforts, and much more. Alaska Salmon Runs Amazon Smile
Laruie Spieler Leave your Mark Events
William Snelling Yellowstone Rim Runners
Angela Pohl Annmarie Licatese Anonymous Atomic City Roadrunners Bee McLeod and Goody Tyler*** Birmingham Track Club Bob Rall Carol Ball Charlie Alewine Racing Charmed by Endurance LLC Club South Runners Crow Athletics David Trump Durbin Race Management Dwight Mikulis** Ed Kelleher Flower Child Production Friendship 5K Race Front Runners Tampa Bay George Rehmet Greater Redondo Youth Running Club Greenburagh Road Runners Hawaii Ultra Running Team Jersey Shore Running Club Juan Hernandez Kalamazoo Area Runners Kansas City Track Club Kathleen Reading Kelly Richards
Mammoth Track Club Manfred Galatowitsch* Mara Linskey-Deegan Mary Carter Michael Gibbs Mile 26 Tribe Mitchell Garner New Hyde Park Runners Club Oil Creek 100 Trail Run Pacesetters Running Club Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon Prairie State Road Runners Randy Accetta Ribbit Running LLC River City Runners Club Rocky Mountain Endurance Club Run to Remember 1st Responders Running Club of Granville Scott Shortmeyer Sean Wyatt Seashore Striders Skelton Law Racing Stacey Malecky Steven Wright TeamFootWorks*** Tennessee River Athletic Club The Sheehan Classic, Inc The Virgin Islands Pace Runners Warrior's Run
Google, Inc (In-kind)*** Crowell & Moring (In-kind
***$5,000 and above **$1,000 and above *500 and above
34 • RRCA Annual Report
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS TO THE RRCA
KIDS RUN THE NATION FUND Thank you to the following clubs, events, individuals, and corporate supporters that given have over $38,800 for the Kids Run the Nation Grant Fund in 2017 making our ability to grow youth running a huge success for the year.
15th Street Flyers Alaska Salmon Runs Alta Vista Sports Anchorage Running Club** Ann Arbor Track Club Ann Kurtis Athletic Equation, Inc. Atomic City Roadrunners Badgerland Striders * Big Blue Adventure Big Sky Wind Drinkers** Charlie Alewine Racing Charmed by Endurance LLC Chattanooga Track Club * Chicago Road Runners Club South Runners Crow Athletics Erika Stickney* Fast Finishes, Inc Feetures, Inc.**** Frederick Steeplechasers Front Runners Tampa Bay George Rehmet Grattan Garby Greater Redondo Youth Running Club Heather Johnson Heather Johnson Hogeye Marathon and Relays Hogeye Marathon and Relays Houston Striders** Howard County Striders Jane Johnston
Jean Knaack Jersey Shore Running Club Joe Gigas - Coach Kansas City Track Club Kathleen Mahon Kelly Richards ** Lisa Rippe* Maine Track Club *** Mammoth Track Club Marathon Charity Corperation Mark Grandonico Mendocino Coast 50K Mercedes-Benz Marathon Weekend of Events Michelle Ornum Michigan Running Foundation Mickie Sanders-Jauquet Mile 26 Tribe Mitchell Garner Montana Amateur Sports Inc Network for Good Oil Creek 100 Trail Run Oregon Road Runners ** Outdoor Arts & Recreation OZ Events LLC Paul Berry Paulette Odenthal Rachel Frutkin Racine Area Running Club * Rainshadow Running Club Randy Accetta Ribbit Running LLC
River City Runners Club Rocky Mountain Endurance Club Run Lawrence Kansas Run to Remember 1st Responders Runner's High Club Running Club of Granville Ryan Lamppa Salisbury-Rowan Runners Seashore Striders Skelton Law Racing South Floride Racewalkers Spring Lake Five Mile Run Stacy Tohl Stephen G. Viegas Suzanne Montgomery Terry Diller** The Sheehan Classic, Inc The Virgin Islands Pace Runners Toledo Roadrunners Club* Travis Eliot Landreth Memorial Scholarship** Velo Amis Warrior's Run White Mountain Milers Club
***$5,000 and above **$1,000 and above *500 and above
RRCA Annual Report • 35
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS TO THE RRCA
ROADS SCHOLAR FUND Thank you to the following clubs, events, and individuals that helped us raise $24,410 in support of the Roads Scholar Fund.
Alaska Salmon Runs Athletic Equation, Inc.
Marathon Guide Mile 26 Tribe
Atomic City Roadrunners Barb Bennage* Barb Jewell Bee McLeod** Bill Orr Bloomsday Road Race Brent Ayer Cherry Blossom Inc.**** Club South Runners Cynthia Timek* Dalton, Rich & Poor Front Runners Tampa Bay George Rehmet Goody Tyler and Bee McCleod** Greater Redondo Youth Running Club Greenville Track Club Huntsville Track Club* James Jessup Jean Arthur Jersey Shore Running Club Kansas City Track Club Kelly Richards** Lisa Paige Mammoth Track Club
Mitchell Garner Nancy Hobbs NAPA Valley Marathon** Oil Creek 100 Trail Run Randy Accetta Ribbit Running LLC River City Runners Club Rocky Mountain Endurance Club Running Club of Granville Seashore Striders Skelton Law Racing Spring Lake Five Mile Run Sue Brown-Nickerson The Sheehan Classic, Inc The Virgin Islands Pace Runners Trail Nerds Warrior's Run
****$10,000 and above ***$5,000 and above **$1,000 and above *$500 and above
36 • RRCA Annual Report
THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS TO THE RRCA
OFFICIAL SPONSORS Gatorade RunSignUp.com Ashworth Awards ElliptiGo Health IQ FEETURES!
CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
Brainshark.com Constant Contact Innovative Timing Solutions K&K Insurance Leslie Jordan
Marathon Printing My Laps Sports Timing National Rentals Star Insurance Agency Inc. The Driven Race & Club Solutions
THANK YOU TO ALEX LARSEN FOR DESIGN AND LAYOUT RRCA Annual Report • 37
RUNNERS WITH THE TRAVELING TIGERS MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM (2016 KIDS RUN THE NATION GRANTEE FROM GREENSBORO, NC) TAKE OFF AT THEIR END OF SEASON RACE.
38 • RRCA Annual Report
We Run the Nation! RRCA.ORG