New Awards Include $1,000 Scholarship for High School Athlete of the Year

The Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC), one of the largest running organizations in the country, has announced three new awards, including a $1,000 scholarship for High School Runner of the Year. The new awards, to be announced at a dinner to be held February 10, 2008, include:

* MCRRC Most Improved Runner (Male and Female)
* MCRRC Coach of the Year
* MCRRC Outstanding High School Runner (Male and Female)

The deadline for nominations is December 1, 2007.

"The Awards Committee has worked hard over the past year to make sure that the new Awards are consistent with the overall goals of MCRRC," said Marty Horan, director of the Awards Committee. "These awards will encourage runners and their coaches to strive for continued improved performances."

Horan noted that nominations of fellow-runners and coaches, as well as self-nominations, are encouraged. High school runners who are interested in the High School Runner of the Year Award, including the $1,000 scholarship, must nominate themselves.

"The Club and Awards Committee felt it was important that winners of the High School Runner of the Year Award be a good student as well as an athlete," Marty said. "As a result, requirements for this award include GPA, letters of recommendation, and an essay, as well as running achievements."

Horan said that many nominations for Coach of the Year have already arrived. "Runners have few opportunities to thank their coaches for the hard work that helps makes their success possible," he said, "and nominating your coach for the Coach of the Year Award is a great way for them to do just that. By nominating their coach--or by a coach nominating a fellow coach- -they are recognizing the sacrifice that it takes to develop these athletes."

To learn more about MCRRC awards, or to nominate or self- nominate someone for an award before the December 1, 2007 deadline, visit: www.mcrrc.org/awards.

The Montgomery County Road Runners Club is one of most largest and most active local running clubs in the nation, with more than 3,600 members from throughout the Washington, DC, area. Known for its low-key but high-quality club races, training runs, special events, and other activities, MCRRC offers programs for all runners, from newcomers to experienced.

For more information about the Montgomery County Road Runners, contact info@mcrrc.org or visit the MCRRC Club web site.