Road Runners Club of America

The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of running across the United States. It is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations in the U.S., formed in 1958 as an alternative to the then-dominant Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) to provide a more open and organized running environment[1][3][5].

History

The RRCA was founded on February 22, 1958, in response to the lack of focus on distance running by the AAU[4]. The organization's first president, Browning Ross, envisioned a group that would encourage running, host regular meetings, raise funds, coordinate race schedules, recruit sponsors, and promote long-distance competitions[4]. Notably, the RRCA was instrumental in supporting women's running, hosting women-only races, and advocating for equal prize structures for men and women[3].

Mission and Structure

The RRCA's mission is to champion the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition. Its vision is to see organized and active running clubs and events in every community[1][5]. The organization is structured with a voting system where member clubs hold power proportional to their size. The RRCA elects a nine-member Board of Directors, with four regional directors who in turn select state representatives to coordinate efforts across the U.S.[3].

Programs and Services

The RRCA offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting runners and running clubs nationwide. These include:

• Liability Insurance: Coverage for running clubs and events to mitigate risk and ensure safety[5].
• Coaching Certification: The RRCA provides two levels of certification for coaches specializing in long-distance training[5].
• National Championships: The organization hosts a series of national, regional, and state championship events[3].
• Road Scholars Program: Provides grants to promising post-collegiate athletes to support their development[3].
• Kids Run the Nation Program: A 10-week youth running curriculum with small grants for starting or maintaining youth programs[3].
• Runner Friendly Community Program: Recognizes communities that support running through infrastructure and events[4].

Impact and Growth

Over the years, the RRCA has grown significantly, with over 1,500 member clubs representing more than 200,000 runners. It has played a pivotal role in expanding running opportunities, especially for women and youth[1][3]. The organization continues to advocate for the sport, promoting physical activity and community engagement through running[5].

Awards and Recognition

The RRCA also acknowledges outstanding contributions to the running community through various awards, including the National Running Awards and the American Long Distance Running Hall of Fame[3]. These recognitions honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport.