Road Runners Club of America

The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that has been the oldest and largest national association of running organizations and runners in the United States since its founding on February 22, 1958. With over 1,500 member clubs and events, the RRCA represents more than 200,000 individual runners across the country[1][2].

Mission and Vision

The RRCA's mission is to champion the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities, focusing on both health and competition. It envisions a future with organized and active running clubs and events in every community[2][5].

Programs and Services

The RRCA offers a variety of programs aimed at supporting runners and running communities:

• Liability Insurance: Provides coverage for running clubs and events.
• Runner's Safety, Education, and Advocacy: Focuses on enhancing safety practices and promoting running as a sport.
• Coaching Certification: Accredits coaches who specialize in training long-distance runners.
• National, Regional, and State Championship Event Series: Offers competitive opportunities for runners.
• Road Scholars Program: Grants financial support to promising post-collegiate athletes.
• Kids Run the Nation Program: A curriculum for a 10-week youth running program with small grants available for starting or maintaining youth programs.
• Runner Friendly Community Program: Recognizes communities that support running through infrastructure and events.

History and Achievements

The RRCA was founded in response to a perceived lack of support for distance running by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) at the time. Since then, it has played a significant role in promoting women's running, hosting the first women's marathon championship in 1970, and lobbying for equal opportunities for women in running events[1][2]. The RRCA has also been instrumental in the development of accurate course measurement and certification processes, which are now managed by USATF[2].

Awards and Recognition

The RRCA annually presents various awards to recognize outstanding contributors to the sport. These include the RRCA Hall of Fame, established in 1971, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to long-distance running. Other awards acknowledge volunteers, club presidents, youth program directors, and the Road Race of the Year[1].

Values

The RRCA emphasizes integrity by promoting fair competition, excellence through high-quality programs, diversity, equity, and inclusion by providing opportunities for everyone, and collaboration by fostering partnerships with members, volunteers, and sponsors[5].