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RRCA Awards Second Class of Runner Friendly Communities

From the RRCA
August 31, 2011
Arlington, VA

The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States, is pleased to announce the second group of communities to receive the Runner Friendly Community designation: Allen Park, MI; Carson City, NV; Decatur, IL; Knoxville, TN; Lawrence, KS; Lynchburg, VA; Missoula, MT; Reading, PA; Salem, MA; and The Woodlands, TX.

These communities have shown that they meet the program’s criteria, which includes community infrastructure, community support, and local government support for running. Each community has an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment, a proven track record of organizations and businesses working together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport, and positive relationships between the running community and local government.

The goal of the Runner Friendly Community program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly, and to provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner friendly communities. 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.

“Each organization that completed our detailed application, on behalf of their community, clearly outlined how their community is meeting and in many ways exceeding our criteria,” said Jean Knaack, RRCA Executive Director.

“In 2010, after the Missoula Marathon won the award for the Best Overall Marathon in the country from Runner’s World magazine, the event doubled in size, bringing thousands of runners, walkers, and spectators to the community,” commented John Engen, Mayor of Missoula, MT. “The University of Montana’s Business School did a study on the economic impact of the event, and found that it pumped $1.3 million into the economy.”

While runners do not require a lot of expensive equipment, there are several ways that local communities can invest to ensure that running is safe, affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for anyone who wants to run.

“Carson City currently has an extensive network of trails and paved paths with no motorized vehicle access. This allows for quiet and safe running experiences,” commented Janice Brod, Carson City Park and Recreation Commissioner. “Running is an inexpensive way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and an activity available to people of all ages and abilities.”

Learn more about the program including detailed information about these and other Runner Friendly Communities at http://www.rrca.org/programs/runner-friendly-community/.

RRCA Runner Friendly Communities

Allen Park, MI

The Downriver Runners, whose purpose is to promote and support health and fitness in the “Downriver” area of southeast Michigan through running and walking, call Allen Park home. The group started in 1985 and puts on three races per year, starting with the Riverview Winterfest in February, the Taylor Mid-Town 5K race in July, and the Allen Park 10K & 5K in August. Proceeds from the events help the Downriver Runners award a yearly scholarship to both a male and female high school runner.

The races in Allen Park are supported by the Mayor, City Council, numerous businesses, and by these departments: police, fire, recreation, and public service. There has been a high school cross-country and track & field team since 1967. Allen Park hosts the AP Harrier Classic, where more than 300 youth participate in either the two mile or 5K races.

The City of Allen Park is helpful through all of their services. They help with garbage removal, barrels, road block barricades, and installation of the club banner over the road. The Parks and Recreation Department installs a stage and sound system for the awards ceremony. Local businesses donate food and ice for the runners. The Elks provide use of their huge tent to keep the sun off the food area. The proceeds go to two scholarships that are given to local high school runners who excel in scholastic and running achievement.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include: Dan Martinez, President of the Downriver Runners; Tony Mifsud, Girl’s Cross Country and Track & Field Head Coach; and Lynn Ketelhut, Allen Park High School Cross Country Head Coach.

Carson City, NV

Carson City has nearly 6000 acres of open space, most of which is laced with safe trails systems created with the help of runners, hikers, and bicyclists from the community. There’s a navigable river that runs through the city, and the city has been able to secure public ownership of most the river banks for a linear park system. The trails in Carson City are part of Carson City’s Unified Pathways Master Plan, which has a goal of creating a more livable community. There are also running tracks available at the two middle schools and the local high school.

The Sagebrush Stompers and Tahoe Mountain Milers call Carson City home. Their grassroots efforts to build the running community include weekly group runs, weekend trail runs, track workouts, hill jams, and women’s runs. They put on seven events annually, ranging from quarter-mile children's runs to a 100-mile endurance event. Their members also help track and cross country teams, food banks, and other running clubs in the region.

The races benefit a wide variety of charities and organizations including Special Olympics, Boy Scouts, fire departments, police deputy programs, local cross country teams, State Park programs, and environmental programs.

Carson City has almost 30 miles of paved trails that are maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department. Water foundations and restrooms are available along the trails. Snow removal is provided on most trails in the winter. There are also many miles of designated bike/running lanes on city streets. Learn more about Carson City through this Video.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include Robert Crowell, Mayor of Carson City; Tom Wion, President of the Sagebrush Stompers/Tahoe Mountain Milers; Janice Brod, Carson City Parks and Recreation Commissioner; Dr. Sean Lehmann, Associate, American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine.

Decatur, IL

Decatur is home to the 22nd Annual Shoreline Classic, a 5K and 15K race around scenic Lake Decatur. The Elite 15K race attracts exceptional athletes from across the nation. The Classic is committed to improving the health and wellness of the Decatur community. Since 2005, the Classic has donated over $12,000 to the high school to help fund running programs and establish running as a fundamental aspect of all athletics.

Millikin University and the Decatur Park District built the Decatur Indoor Sports Center in 2000, which includes a competition-grade, indoor running track, top-of-the-line exercise equipment, and affordable personal training programs. The Park District also hosts several races throughout the year such as the Turkey Trot, Staley Firecracker Road Run/Walk, and Tuesday Night Park Runs. They also provide the Staley Striders Track & Field and Cross Country programs for the youth.

The Decatur Park District has teamed up with the City of Decatur to renovate the community’s lakefront. There are plans to build a pedestrian path that will loop around the lake and connect to the network of biking/walking trails throughout the community.

Established more than 30 years ago, the Decatur Running Club is a non-profit running group whose mission is to promote health and fitness in the Central Illinois area. Partnerships between the city, the Decatur Park District, and Millikin University have helped offer local runners access to several indoor and outdoor facilities and parks, while the community’s infrastructure allows runners access to quality routes in a variety of settings.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include Bruce Bennett, Race Director for Shoreline Classic; Don Luy, President of the Decatur Park Board of Commissioners; William Clevenger, Executive Director of the DPBC; and Tim Aydt, President of the Decatur Running Club.

Knoxville, TN

Knoxville has an extensive greenway system that includes 41 paved miles, enabling runners to run at least 10 miles in one direction without running on a road. In the last two years, the Knoxville Track Club (KTC) has provided funding for the greenway to be marked with mile markers every .25 miles. The KTC is a non-profit running club that organizes more than 18 races a year. KTC partners with county and city governments, and private and non-profit businesses to promote running in the community. Local businesses that support runners through special discounts include Runners Market, Health Shoppe, Gourmet Market, and New Balance Knoxville. City and county police are supportive of local runs, and help plan and execute race routes.

In addition to the greenway, runners have access to the track at the University of Tennessee and local high school tracks. Knoxville recently updated crosswalks with signs in the middle of the street reminding drivers to yield to pedestrians. Currently, Legacy Parks Foundation is working on the Urban Wilderness Corridor Project that will create an extensive system of soft surface trails. They are receiving funding from several groups including the Knox Greenways Coalition and the KTC.

Mostly led by volunteers, the Knoxville Track Club has several successful programs for youth athletics, walking, road, and trail running. The KTC Youth Athletics program reaches children ranging from five to 18 years old. They develop skills for cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track. The KTC Trails Committee organizes several trail races from February through November. Knoxville also hosts the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon. This event brings in more than 6,500 participants each year for a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, and kids run.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include Martha Buchanan, M.D., Director of Knox County Health Department, and Ed Leaver, President of the Knoxville Track Club.

Lawrence, KS

Lawrence is home to runLawrence, an RRCA-affiliated club. RunLawrence has been a club for seven years, with their membership increasing every year. Their annual event, the Thanksgiving Day 5K, is supported by runners, city officials, and local sponsors. Volunteers love working at this event and the local sporting goods stores and grocery stores return as sponsors every year.

Lawrence supports and provides 35 miles of multi-use recreational paths and trails for runners; trail use by motorized vehicles is not allowed. The city works diligently to keep these trails trash-free and cleared of snow in the winter. The city also promotes safety through their “Keep it Safe” initiative. There are guidelines posted at trailheads, on trail maps, on the city website, and in the Parks and Recreation Guidebook.

Lawrence is home to a well-publicized, free community fitness program, Red Dog Days, which includes running. There are up to 600 people who participate in this community workout on a regular basis. This program has attracted nationwide media attention and serves as a model to other communities. Most of the local junior high schools and elementary schools have started running clubs in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club. The city is also home to Dam Run, a 12K and 5K.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include Becky McClure, President runLawrence; Mike Amyx, Mayor of Lawrence; and Kent Dobbins, O.D.

Lynchburg, VA

Lynchburg has been home to the Lynchburg Road Runners Club (LRRC) and the Virginia 10-Miler since 1974. The LRRC owns and operates the Virginia 10-Miler, which has grown into a full weekend event. The Festival of Race” offers a youth one-mile fun run, a four-mile race, and a four mile walk, in addition to the 10-Miler. Their annual race series offers a set of nine different races of varying lengths and in different locations around the city, from April through September. The LLRC also offers eight fun runs. The LRRCA offers several informational clinics and seminars related to running and wellness. These clinics and seminars resulted from partnering with YMCA of Central Virginia, Centra Health, The Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia, and Pilates to Breathe.

Lynchburg has two fantastic park systems: Blackwater Creek Natural Area, and Peaks View Park. The city currently supports eight miles of paved trails and 15 miles of natural trails for running, awlking, biking, roller blading, etc. Residents also use these trails to commute from residential areas to the downtown business and government area. Lynchburg is also in the process of exploring both the “Complete Streets” and “Safe Routes to School” programs to further enhance the pedestrian and runner friendliness in the city.

In October 2010, the Mayor’s Youth Council created the first ever “Lighten Up Lynchburg Walk for Childhood Obesity”. The youth running initiatives aim to engage the youth of the city, and include the Lynchburg Road Runners Summer Track Series, Peaks View Pacers running club, and YMCA Achieve youth running program.

In addition to the paved and natural trails, runners run on Rivermont Avenue during the week. The area offers a wide, tree-lined street with sidewalks the entire length, from downtown Lynchburg to the western city limits, about six miles. This course will take you past Riverside Runners, where you will always find a cooler in front of the store with water and Gatorade and use of the restroom facilities.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include Joan Foster, Mayor; Jonathan Perrotto, President of Lynchburg Road Runners Club; Elena Edwards, COO of Genworth Financial; Catherine Mosley, External Communications & PR, AREVA; Susan Brandt, Communications/Marketing, Centra Health; and R. Sackett Wood, President & CEO, Moore & Giles.

Missoula, MT

The City of Missoula is committed to making running and walking accessible and safe to the residents of Missoula. Missoula’s Riverfront Trail in the heart of the city connects to other trail systems so runners and walkers can safely recreate without having to frequently cross traffic. Missoula Parks and Recreation, Run Wild Missoula, the Missoula Biomimicry Institute and the Missoula Natural History Center recently collaborated on a project to add interpretive signage and mile markers to the Riverfront Trail. This allows recreational users to track their distance and learn about local plant and wildlife. The trail--with restrooms and drinking fountains--is used by hundreds every day, including commuters. Many runners and hikers also utilize the trail systems in Missoula’s Open Space. The City purchased parcels of land in the mountains surrounding Missoula to protect habitat and make it available for the public.

The Missoula Marathon was first held in 2007, and has doubled in size. The only running store in Missoula, The Runners Edge puts on, volunteers at, or sponsors more than 50 running events a year. Their trailer is used by race directors at least once a week, at no cost to the race director. The Runners Edge has also worked hard to help grow the local running club, Run Wild Missoula. They sponsor or help with all races organized by Run Wild Missoula.

Missoula has been investing in, planning for, and implementing an ever growing network of trails and pedestrian facilities. They have an extensive network of multi-use commuting trails for bikes and pedestrians, and miles of hiking/running paths through an extensive Open Space System. Learn more about Missoula through this Video.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include John Engen, Mayor; Anders Brooker, Missoula Marathon Race Director, Owner of The Runners Edge; and Marilyn Marler, Chair of the Parks Committee.

Reading, PA

The Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club is the largest running club in Pennsylvania. They organized an annual Junior High School Cross Country Invitational Meet to encourage the love of the sport in younger persons. Together, with the cooperative effort of the Recreation Department and the County’s Planning Commission, Reading continues to offer new trails and other off-street options. Muhlenberg Township is finishing their 1.5-mile rail trail project this summer. There are trails in the Greater Reading Area with signage; most have maps available on the internet. Within easy driving distance are additional trail running options such as the French Creek State Park and portions of the Appalachian Trail.

Two non-profit organizations work on improving and increasing trails in the Greater Reading Area, the Berks Conservancy and Riverplace on the Schuylkill. Local governments are devoting more attention to the development or improvement of park and recreational facilities. Local governments plow paved portions of the area’s running/walking paths in the winter, and periodically sweep the paths during the other three seasons.

Bridges that cross our rivers and creeks have sidewalks, and there are pedestrian-only bridges crossing these waterways.Nearly all of the streets in residential areas have sidewalks.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include Polly Corvaia, President, Pagoda Pacers Athletic Club; Neal McNutt, Director of Parks and Recreation; and Thomas McMahon, Mayor of the City of Reading.

Salem, MA

In Salem, the Wicked Running Club, along with other organizations in the city, have created races for all types of runners and distances, from the annual January 1st Frosty Four Race, to the Cross Country 5k Old Salem Green Race, to the summer WRC Wicked Kidz Race and the Annual Wild Turkey Race, among others--there’s a race for every type of runner.

Salem offers running services to their youth as well, including: Summer Youth Track Club, all-ages track meets held each summer at the Salem High School, and the Wicked Kidz half and one mile run at Forest River Park.

The Wicked Half Marathon, first held in 2007, has tripled in size over the past five years. Salem’s signature race, the Wild Turkey 5 Mile Run on Thanksgiving Day, benefits youth programs at Salem Park & Recreation and the Boys & Girls Club. It’s the largest race on the North Shore with more than 1,500 participants. Salem has introduced the first ever North Shore snowshoe race, the largest snow shoe race in New England. Learn more about Salem through this Video.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include Alison Phelan, Co-President, Wicked Running Club; Doug Bollen, Director, Park, Recreation & Community Services; Brandi, Steve, and Ashley of B&S Fitness Programs; Kimberly Driscoll, Mayor of Salem; and Shari Hewson, Co-President of the Wicked Running Club.

The Woodlands, TX

The Woodlands Running Club is a non-profit running club and member of the Road Runners Club of America. The Woodlands boasts over 160 miles of pathways and trails connecting the villages, schools, park, and shopping centers while allowing runners to stay off the roads. These pathways are paved, have water fountains (dog-friendly), parking, and restroom facilities. Runners can also use four running tracks at the local high and middle schools during non-school hours. Luke’s Locker, the local running store, sponsors the Run the Woodlands 5K Series. Also, the Woodlands Running Club sponsors Sunday Night Lights, a monthly 5K. The community is also home to the first Ironman in Texas.

There are cross country and track programs integrated into the middle and high school programs. Local schools have competed at the state and national level. The International Commodities Export Corporation sponsors youth programs and events including the YMCA Trail Run, boys regional track qualifier meet, the annual Dragon Boat Races, and the girls high school cross country team.

The Woodlands hosts several events for all types of runners: Memorial Hermann Ten for Texas, Muddy Trails Bash 10/5K, CB&I Triathlon, and the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas. In addition to these many races, the Parks and Recreation Department sponsors training programs for runners of all abilities.

Community leaders who provided support and a letter of recommendation include Cathy Steele, Assistant Manager at Luke’s Locker; Mark Whittemore, Executive VP for International Commodities Export Corporation; Bruce Tough, Chairman for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors; and Randy Bradley, President of The Woodlands Running Club.

Read about the first group of Runner Friendly Communities announced in April.

About the RRCA

Founded in 1958, the RRCA is the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States with over 1500 running club and event members representing 200,000 individual runners active in their running communities. The RRCA is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization with the IRS, and a nine-person volunteer board of directors elected by membership that governs the organization.

The mission and vision of the RRCA is to promote the development and growth of running clubs, running events, and to support the common interests of recreational runners throughout the country at all stages in life. The RRCA provides a national infrastructure for the development of recreational adult and youth running clubs and events that have boomed into a robust sporting activity. The RRCA actively promotes running as a healthy lifestyle and positive social activity. RRCA strives to provide quality programming that can be replicated throughout the country, such as the highly successful Start a Running Club program that has been the cornerstone of the organization for more fifty years. See www.rrca.org.

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