2012 Fall Inside Track

INSIDE TRACK

FALL 2012

Quarterly Newsletter for the Members of the Road Runners Club of America IN THIS ISSUE: !

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RRCA: Race Director Certification Launches Race Results Reporting Adopting a Conflict of Interest Policy National Running Awards Nominations And more

RRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Cotter President Mitch Garner Vice President Dan Edwards Treasurer Mark Grandonico Eastern Region Director Beth Onines Central Region Director Lena Hollmann Southern Region Director Bailey Penzotti Western Region Director Kelly Richards At-Large Director Appointment Pending At-Large Director

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RRCA LAUNCHES RACE DIRECTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE The RRCA has partnered with Road Race Management and leading event directors from around the country to provide an affordable education opportunity for anyone interested in putting on a distance running event.

Our program goals are to: • Provide a baseline of training and knowledge for anyone that directs a distance running event; • Provide a structured program for individuals seeking to become certified race directors through a recognized national association for the sport; • Provide credentials to race directors that may assist in the permitting process; • Provide continuing education opportunities and requirements for certified race directors; • Provide a Code of Ethics for Certified Race Directors to follow to help ensure the integrity of the sport and running event management.

Who should take this course?

• This training program is ideal for running club volunteers that direct races on behalf of their club, • For a race director putting on an event for sport or fundraising purposes, • For individuals interested in producing races as a business opportunity, • For seasoned event directors to have a nationally recognized credential.

RRCA Race Director Certification is not mandatory for race directors seeking to insure events through the RRCA insurance program, however the program is extremely valuable to both new and seasoned event directors.

Completing the Race Director Certification course shows that an event director is mindful of best practices and in turn should produce quality events. While this course is not required for all race directors, event participants should expect a safe race, quality event from an RRCA: Certified Race Director.

RRCA running club members seeking to provide training for volunteer race directors should contact the RRCA to obtain a sample letter of understanding to sign between the running club and the volunteer race director taking the course on behalf of the club. RRCA nonprofit running club members should also contact Alyssa Evering, program coordinator, at programs@rrca.org about discounted program opportunities for multiple race directors taking the course on behalf of the club. !

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We Run the Nation!

FROM THE RRCA PRESIDENT

Dear RRCA Members, After seven years of service to the organization as RRCA treasurer, Dennis Novak has decided to resign from the RRCA Board of Directors. President Bee McLeod first appointed Dennis to the RRCA Board of Directors in 2005. He served two terms as treasurer under President Brent Ayer and a partial term under my presidency. During Dennis's tenure the organization implemented several important policies, including the RRCA Board Restricted Operating Reserve Fund and the Board Approved Investment Policy.

I have respectfully accepted Dennis's decision to step-down from the board, and I have appointed, in accordance with the RRCA bylaws, Dan Edwards to serve out the remaining term as treasurer for the organization. Dan has served on the RRCA Board as the secretary since 2010. As a current Board member, Dan provides continuity for this important Board position along with institutional knowledge of the RRCA financial operations.

Most of us understand that the backbone of successful grassroots running events and running clubs across the nation are comprised of key volunteers who work diligently, mostly behind the scenes, from beginning to end. In many cases, without these volunteers there would be no race or club. Most of us reward these efforts locally, but have you considered taking it to the next level? Each year, the RRCA encourages club and event leaders around the US to nominate their key volunteers for an RRCA National Running Award.

Don’t underestimate your chances of a successful nomination. Past RRCA National Award winners have been selected from clubs small and large and from every corner of the country. Those selected are recognized each year at the RRCA National Running Awards Banquet.

You can find more information about nominating someone for an award on page 11 of this issue.

Nominating someone may well be one of the best investments of time you can make towards volunteer recognition for your running club or event(s). We look forward to meeting and recognizing all of this year’s RRCA National Award winners at the 55th Annual RRCA Convention in Albuquerque, NM, May 2-5, 2013 Run safe and stay healthy, David Cotter

SUPPORT THE RRCA A financial contribution to the RRCA from you, your club, or your events supports our programs such as the Kids Run the Nation grant program, the Roads Scholar program, the Runner Friendly Community program, and much more. You support enables us to develop, improve, and implement valuable programs that benefit the running community.

Give today! Mail your contribution to RRCA, 1501 Lee Hwy, Ste 140, Arlington, VA 22209

Support

Give online at: www.RRCA.org/about/support/

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Support

Support

RRCA: RACE DIRECTOR CERTIFICATION COURSE How the Program Works: • Program participants do not have to attend an in-person classroom setting • This program is a self-study course that gives you the opportunity to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule • The program is an online learning system with accompanying textbook • The program consists of 6 online-learning modules that are 6090 minutes each. You can view a sample module at www.rrca.org/programs/race-director-certification/sample/.

• Each module is presented by an experienced race director or subject expert • Modules must be viewed in full and in sequence order to progress through the training program • Following completion of all 6 learning modules, each participant will be required to take a 100-question exam • Participants must receive 80% or greater on the final exam to complete the program • You must complete the course within 6 months of signing up or a fee will be assessed to complete the course after this period • To be a fully recognized Certified Race Director by the RRCA, participants must agree to abide by the RRCA Race Director Code of Ethics. A signed and notarized copy of the RRCA Race Director Code of Ethics must be submitted to the RRCA via fax, mail, or email to finalize certification requirements.

• To maintain certification, race directors will be required to maintain 20-hours of continuing education credits (CEC) over each 4-year period • CEC’s can be earned by attending the Road Race Management Race Directors Meeting for 16 CEC’s per year, attending the RRCA Convention for 4 CEC’s per year, and other CEC opportunities that are preapproved and promoted by the RRCA What Does the Course Cover and what is the Cost?

• The course covers all twenty-one chapters in the course textbook, Organizing Running Events, by Phil Stewart • You can view the course syllabus for each module including presenter information online • The cost of the course is $250 (nonprofit running clubs can get a group discount by emailing programs@rrca.org for more details), which includes access to all 6 learning modules, a course textbook valued at $100, access to the online test, and certificate of completion • Certified Race Directors will be listed on the RRCA website so people can verify certification status when working with a race director • Certified Race Directors must pay an annual fee of $20 to maintain certification and listing on the RRCA website Sign-up for the course today at:

www.rrca.org/programs/race-director-certification/ !

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ADOPTING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

By Jean Knaack

An important aspect of my work with the RRCA is to counsel clubs when they find their organization faced with a challenging issue such as miss-use of club/event funds, lack of good club governance, inappropriate behavior by members, etc.

In recent months, I’ve talked with several club leaders around the country that are struggling with managing conflicts of interest on their club boards. As the running industry continues to change, some clubs have had to face the uncomfortable situation of dealing with a sitting board member that has gone out on their own and hosted their own for-profit event that conflict with club owned events. In this situation, the answer is actually simple; the board member has violated their duty of loyalty to the club board by creating competing events.

The board member hosting the competing events must step off the club board or be removed by the board majority to remove any conflict of interest for the individual and the club. However, it is this solution that can often times be challenging, as everyone’s intention is to promote running locally.

In 2004, the RRCA Board of Directors adopted a Conflict of Interest Policy. This policy was re-approved without changes in 2012. The RRCA’s Conflict of Interest Policy outlines that the officers, directors, and employees of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) owe a duty of loyalty to the RRCA, which requires that in serving the RRCA they act, not in their personal interests or in the interests of others, but rather solely in the interests of the RRCA. So using the example of a board member creating their own race that competes with a club race is a clear violation of a person’s duty of loyalty to the organization they serve as a board member.

The RRCA policy also states, officers, directors, and employees must have undivided allegiance to RRCA’s mission and may not use their positions, information they have about RRCA, or RRCA’s property, in a manner that allows them to secure a pecuniary benefit for themselves or their relatives. Unfortunately, we hear far too often about board members of local running clubs that are using club information (email contacts), club assets (timing equipment), etc. for their own personal use/financial gain when putting on events or timing events that are not owned by the club and pocketing the funds as opposed to turning funds over to the club.

The RRCA policy further states, the conduct of personal business between any Officer, Director, employee and the RRCA is prohibited. Business transactions of the RRCA in which an officer, director, or employee has an interest shall not be prohibited, but they shall be subject to close scrutiny. Such proposed transactions shall be reviewed carefully to determine that they are in the best interests of the RRCA and that they will not lead to conflict of interest. For the purposes of this policy, an officer, director, or employee has an interest in a proposed transaction if he/she has a substantial financial interest in it, or has a substantial financial interest in any organization involved in the proposed transaction, or holds a position as trustee, director, general manager, principal officer, or employee in any such organization.

Prior to the start of any negotiations by the RRCA, officers, directors, and employees are expected to make full disclosure, to the best of their knowledge, of any dual interest in a proposed transaction by submitting a report to the President in advance. Depending upon the circumstances, officers, directors and employees may be excluded from any discussion of the matter if a conflict is present.

From time to time we hear about clubs that have a board member whose company is hired to assist with a portion of an event such as timing, scoring, providing shirts, signage, etc. As the RRCA policy notes, there may be times when it is appropriate to consider using a business or service owned by a board member. ! !

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RACE RESULTS REPORTING

By Don Lein, USATF Masters LDR Chair

The reporting of race results has always been an important aspect of any competitive running event.

Typically, once the event is concluded, the results are finalized. What happens next, if anything? Many timing companies automatically submit their results to one or more of the national databases, such as USA Track & Field ("USATF"), Active.com, Cool Running, Running in the USA, Running Network, etc. They are usually posted on the event website.

For the purpose of maintaining accurate American records, rankings, and year-end recognition awards, it is critical that events submit their results to USATF. As part of USATF's ongoing efforts to provide recognition to athletes and to promote the sport, USATF encourages all events to submit their results. This also fulfills the requirement that sanctioned events submit results to USATF. USATF uses these results in its rankings (e.g., all performances on USATF-certified courses will be included in the City/State Rankings). In addition, these performances will be eligible for world rankings, national age group rankings, records and annual awards presented by USATF and various media outlets. Regardless of the size of events, your results are important, and USATF encourages all race directors to submit them. Learn more about reporting at www.usatf.org/events/results/. The reporting of results is also conducive to market research that allows race organizers and leaders in the running industry to know the extent and demographics of the participants in the sport.

Due to the high level of quality control associated with records, race directors or their timing companies must complete a number of steps before the record can be ultimately ratified and added to the record books.

First, in order for an athlete’s performance to be eligible for records, the course must be certified by USATF as record-eligible, and the event must be sanctioned. Sanctioning means that race management has agreed beforehand to follow the rules of the sport and has a safety plan in place for all those participating in the event. Sanction applications and information relating to course certification can be found in the Event Director’s section of the USATF website at www.usatf.org/Resources-for---/Event-Directors.aspx.

Second, following the event, the race director must complete an Application for Record form and return it to USATF. You can find the records reporting form at www.usatf.org/groups/EventDirectors/recordForms.asp.

One of the benefits of event sanctioning is liability insurance for the organization hosting the event. Of course, events have the option of waiving the insurance component as long as the event has liability insurance from another source such as the Road Runners Club of America. Events receiving insurance coverage from the RRCA pay a discounted sanctioning fee.

Another instance in which reporting is mandatory is when an individual performance exceeds USATF guidelines (guidelines found at www.usatf.org/groups/RoadRunning/performanceguidelines.asp"# These performance guidelines were developed by USATF and establish standards from which the selected results will be used for rankings, awards and year-end recognitions. Although there is no obvious need to identify those performances immediately, it is preferable to identify them in the posted results so that the athletes have immediate recognition for their outstanding performances. There are software companies and timing companies (such as Granite State Race Services), which have the capability of asterisking these performances, and use of this capability seems to be well received by race directors and runners.

For example, to asterisk these outstanding performances, Granite State Race Services uses a simple table look-up algorithm approach. This approach could also be used for records, but thus far no one has done it.

The process for identifying record setting performances on the basis of a table like the one used by Granite State Race Services would be relatively straightforward.

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Are you using the correct RRCA logo?

RACE RESULTS REPORTING CONCLUDED

In 2010, we simplified the RRCA logo by removing the There are only a handful of records for any distance, pesky lines for a more user-friendly logo. We also created and the finish times from any race could be a new RRCA member icon for your website. We kindly ask electronically checked against these records. If a our members review the RRCA logo you are using and finish time is identified as a potential record, race updated old logos with the correct RRCA logo. You can management would be alerted that a record find the correct logo at www.rrca.org/services/branding/ We appreciateform your assistance in helping us update national br application needs to be executed by theour race officials and submitted to USATF. Gaining a Why post the RRCA logo on your website or print it on reputation as a race where records have been set your materials? The RRCA logo lets members know that could enhance the race's stature. your organization’s activities are adequately insured, and that your club and event leaders have agreed to follow Race directors should prepare their team for these basic safety guidelines issued by the RRCA. important reporting requirements. It is highly unlikely that an open athlete who has set a record will go WRONG LOGOS CORRECT LOGO unnoticed. Elite/open athletes are of such a caliber and reputation that their performances will be monitored and noted, and they will normally finish first in their gender. Such is not the case with masters (age 40+) athletes, where 5-year age divisions produce many more records each year, but with runners finishing well back in the pack. Unless the software used for the race scoring has the ability to pick-up on potential records, they can be easy to miss.

ADOPTING A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY CONCLUDED In that case, the RRCA recommends utilizing a competitive bidding process with the pricing results only shared with board members not associated with a business. This prevents the sitting board member from “low balling” competition to gain a competitive edge, and therefore profit from their service on the board.

If your club is faced with these or similar issues, the time is now to adopt a Conflict of Interest Policy and ask all board members to disclose potential conflicts. In fact if your organization files the tax form 990, this is a question asked on the form. It is ideal to be able to check Yes to the question asking if your board has a stated conflict of interest policy.

Find the RRCA’s policy that you can adopt at: http://www.rrca.org/club-directors/manage-your-club/

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These problems are not visited upon just small races.

In 2011, while compiling results in November for the USATF Annual Meeting, USATF Masters Long Distance Running officials discovered two records that had been set in the April/May time frame in two very large, prestigious races. Unfortunately, these results were never reported to USATF. The male masters winner, who should have been hard to overlook, set one record, but no one was looking. The second was more obscure, having been set by an 80 year-old female who finished well back in the pack.

However, she was in the first corral, so race management knew her. Yet again, no one was looking for record setting performances.

As masters runners continue to improve and break past records, the reporting of race results will become increasingly important. If race management understands its results reporting responsibilities, it can plan for each eventuality and ensure that every deserving athlete is given his or her just due in a timely and professional manner.!!

RRCA: PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

APPLY FOR THE RUNNER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY DESIGNATION

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In 2011, the RRCA awarded the first-ever Runner Friendly Community" designations to sixteen deserving communities.

The program is designed to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly and to provide ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner-friendly. Runner Friendly Communities can 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.

The RRCA reviews three primary segments: (1) community infrastructure, (2) community support, and (3) local government support. Each segment includes important criteria as part of the designation process.

The goal is for applicants to prove that their community works together to promote running as healthy exercise for their community while ensuring runners safety. To be considered for the next round of the Runner Friendly Community designation, applications are due by February 1, 2013.

Learn more about earning the RRCA: Runner Friendly Community designation at:

www.rrca.org/programs/runner-friendly-community/

2000 HOURS OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER RECOGNIATION PROGRAM The success of the RRCA and our member clubs and events is based on volunteerism. In recognition of these volunteers, the RRCA developed the National Outstanding Volunteer Recognition program.

The purpose of the 2000 HOURS Outstanding Volunteer program is to shine a spotlight on individuals that have volunteered over 2000 hours of their time, over a period of time, to the sport of running. Club presidents, volunteer coordinators, or race directors can submit the names of 3 individuals per year, per club or event, for the outstanding volunteer recognition program.

Submissions will be collected throughout the year, and all recipients will receive a certificate and commemorative patch. These items will be mailed near the end of the year, or at a time requested by the person submitting the information about the 2000 hour volunteer.

2000 Hours Outstanding Volunteer recipients will be announced in the RRCA News during National Volunteer Month in April.

We invite you to recognize your outstanding volunteers. Submit their information using our online at:

www.rrca.org/programs/volunteer-recognition/ !

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EVERYTHING RUNNING

APPAREL | SHOES | NUTRITION | ACCESSORIES & MORE

SPORTS AUTHORITY IS A PROUD PARTNER OF

55TH ANNUAL RRCA CONVENTION SPOTLIGHT

The Albuquerque Road Runners invite you to the 55th Annual RRCA National Convention that will be held May 2-5, 2013 in Albuquerque, NM. The 55th Annual RRCA National Convention starts with the welcome reception on Thursday May 2 at 5:00 PM and concludes on Sunday May 5 with the Run for the Zoo 10K, the 2013 RRCA National 10K Championship (registration for the event is separate from the Convention registration).

The Convention schedule includes educational workshops on best practices, the RRCA Annual Meeting of the Membership, the National Running Awards Banquet, and several social networking luncheons and events.

Registration is only $350. Registration fee includes all educational seminars, coaching CECs, attendee goodie bag, event shirt, and ALL social events and meals including: • Thursday night welcome reception, • Friday breakfast, • Friday luncheon, • Friday night BBQ social, • Saturday luncheon, • Saturday night National Running Awards banquet The Convention is a great opportunity for running club leaders, race directors, fitness professionals, RRCA State Representatives, Regional Directors, Board Members, RRCA Certified Coaches, running industry vendors, sponsors, and runners to come together to share information, best practices, and contribute to the mission of the RRCA. Hundreds of runners, club leaders, event directors, and corporate supporters attend the RRCA Convention each year. Clubs are encouraged to reward their key volunteers with a trip to the RRCA Convention.

Register today at www.RRCACONVENTION.org

Convention Central: Hotel Albuquerque Located in the heart of Old Town, our Albuquerque, New Mexico hotel offers luxurious accommodations and amenities, including two on-site restaurants and bars, and an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool. The Hotel Albuquerque offers a unique location amidst historic charms that is just 15 minutes from the Albuquerque International Sunport. Nearby downtown landmarks, restaurants, shopping and businesses, and many attractions are within easy walking distance.

The RRCA Convention room rate is only $109/night for double occupancy.! !

Visit www.rrcaconvention.org/hotelinformation.html for details about reserving your room under the RRCA Convention block.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Dear RRCA Members, 2013 renewal time is just around the corner. In advance of renewing your membership, please be sure that your primary contact information is UP-TODATE with the RRCA. This ensures the correct person can access the online renewal system and process the online membership renewal form. You can review your primary contact information for your club or event by viewing your profile at www.rrca.org/manage-profile/. If you are the new primary contact for your club or event you MUST create a profile in our system, then email membership@rrca.org to be granted access to your organization as the primary contact. Once online renewals begin, you will receive an email announcement. Keep you eyes open for the Keeping Pace email to learn more about membership renewal. We are pleased to inform our members that for the sixth year in a row, the Board has voted not to increase dues. Insurance rates for our nonprofit running club members will remain the same while event member rates for participant liability insurance have increased slightly.

Updated insurance rates for 2013 are posted on the RRCA website under the “Membership” tab. In the membership section on the website, you will find clearly outlined requirements of membership, information about the membership term, and more. As always, members are strongly encouraged to mail a check to pay for dues and insurance. Your check saves the RRCA thousands of dollars in credit card processing fees that can be better invested in programs, such as Kids Run the Nation.

Happy running, !

Find back issues of Inside Track online at www.rrca.org/publications/inside-track/

RRCA ANNOUNCES PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED ATHLETE OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR 2012 In May 2012, the RRCA Board of Directors elected to include the category of Physically Challenged Athlete of the Year as part of the annual Road Runners of Year award category that is included in the overall RRCA National Running Awards program.

Nominees for this award must actively participant in running events with a verified disability. For this award category, the RRCA defines a physically challenged athlete as a male or female athlete racing in multiple events throughout the course of the year without the use of a limb or combination of limbs (leg, arm). Athletes may race with or without the use of prosthetics. Athletes may also race using a push-rim wheelchair. Physical disabilities also include dwarfism, amputation/limb loss, blindness/visual impairment, spinal cord injury/wheelchair-users and cerebral palsy/brain injury/stroke.

The person with the disability may or may not be a member of an RRCA club. However, special consideration will be given if a nominee is a member of an RRCA running club. The general selection criterion for this award includes performances and accomplishments at events during the year; the types of events the person has participated in; and placement in those events. Participation in RRCA member events is encouraged. In addition, the runner's participation helps to promote the inclusion of other athletes with disabilities.

Additional selection criteria include someone that is a dedicated volunteer for promoting runners with disabilities. Under this person's leadership, a club and/or event should see increased and continued participation of runners with disabilities.

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NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR RRCA NATIONAL RUNNING AWARDS Since 1971, the RRCA has been honoring dedicated individuals for their service to the running community through the RRCA Hall of Fame and the National Running Awards. Detailed information about the award categories along with selection criteria and the online nomination form can be found at www.rrca.org/services/national-running-awards/. To nominate a deserving individual simply follow the instructions on the online nomination form, print a copy for your records, and click the submit button. Email or mail newsletter copies as instructed in the online form. The RRCA will provide a $400 travel stipend and one complementary ticket for each award winner to the 2013 RRCA National Running Awards Banquet that will be held in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 4, 2013.

The nomination deadline is 5:00 PM Eastern on December 31, 2012. The period of performance for the individual being nominated is January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012 for all awards except the Hall of Fame and Browning Ross awards which are lifetime achievement awards. All nominations are forwarded to the appropriate selection panels tasked with selecting the final award recipients.

Individuals interested in serving on one of the award selection panels should email Alyssa Evering at programs@rrca.org.

RRCA NATIONAL RUNNING AWARDS CATEGORIES: RRCA DISTANCE RUNNING HALL OF FAME: Inducts individuals that have dedicated themselves to the sport of distance running.

SPIRIT OF THE RRCA IN HONOR OF BROWNING ROSS: Honors a club member who is an unsung hero and champions the RRCA at the local and/or national level.

OUTSTANDING CLUB PRESIDENT IN HONOR OF SCOTT HAMILTON: Honors an outstanding RRCA club president for the year.

ROAD RUNNERS OF THE YEAR AWARD: Honors top male and female open, masters U.S. runners with outstanding records of distance racing performance during the year. Honors one outstanding Physically Challenged Athlete of the Year (male or female).

EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM IN HONOR OF JERRY LITTLE: 1. Club Newsletter Award honors two club newsletters that demonstrate a variety of content, good presentation, informative and creative, and inclusive of the RRCA logo. One award will be given for a print newsletter and is open to any size club. 2. Club Writer award honors a top club writer that is an unpaid running journalist. 3.

Club/Event E-Newsletter recognizes the use of technology when communicating with members. It is open to any size club or event.

The e-newsletter can be emailed to members or clearly posted on a website and should be in PDF, HTML, or another similar format. The e-newsletter should look like a newsletter and not simply be a page on a club website or a text email. 4. Journalistic Excellence honors a professional writer who has made a notable contribution to the literature of distance running.

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR IN HONOR OF ROD STEELE: Honors an outstanding volunteer (excluding the president) of a local club or event.

OUTSTANDING STATE REPRESENTATIVE IN HONOR OF AL BECKEN: Honors the outstanding service of an RRCA State Representative.

OUTSTANDING YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR IN HONOR OF KURT STEINER: Honors a club member who is dedicated to promoting children’s running and/or coordinating an outstanding children’s running program.

OUTSTANDING BEGINNING RUNNING PROGRAM: Honors beginning running programs hosted by nonprofit clubs that engage new or returning runners to the sport, regardless of their gender.

RRCA ROAD RACE OF THE YEAR: Honors a volunteer-run, nonprofit race that is safe, well organized, promotes grassroots running, and the mission of the RRCA. OUTSTANDING WEBSITE AWARD: Honors a club with an outstanding website design and content. One website will be chosen from the nominations.

Learn about all of the RRCA National Award Winners at www.rrca.org/about/history/award-winners/. !

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ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA 1501 Lee Hwy, Ste 140 Arlington, VA 22209 703-525-3890 www.RRCA.org

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WE RUN THE NATION!

RRCA National Race Shirt Contest Sponsored by Sport Science The RRCA is pleased to announce the 5th Annual RRCA National Race Shirt Contest. This is an opportunity to showcase your event from a little different angle. The RRCA is seeking shirts (long or short sleeve, cotton or performance) from 2012 events hosted by RRCA members. Only one shirt per event is needed, size does not matter. A club hosting multiple events can submit entries for multiple races. **The race shirt must have the RRCA logo on it to be considered for judging** All entries should be mailed to the RRCA National Office at 1501 Lee Hwy, Ste 140, Arlington, VA, 22209 by March 1, 2013. Please include the name of the event, event date, location, host club, contact name, contact email, and contact phone number with the shirt.

RRCA National Convention attendees will vote for their favorite shirt, and the winning shirt will be announced at the 2013 RRCA National Running Awards Banquet. The contest is sponsored by Sport Science, and the winning event will receive a prize pack from Sport Science.

Photo: 2011 National Race Shirt Winner, Avenue of the Giants Marathon

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