IN THIS ISSUE:

♦ “P’s” of Permitting

♦ RRCA Represents at Olympic Trials -Marathon

♦ 2012 Slate of Officers and Directors

♦ RRCA Staff Spotlight

♦ 2012 Election Notice

♦ And more

RRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Brent Ayer President

David Cotter Vice President

Dennis Novak Treasurer

Dan Edwards Secretary, At-Large Director

Mark Grandonico Eastern Region Director

Mitchell Garner Central Region Director

Lena Hollmann Southern Region Director Bailey Penzotti Western Region Director

Kelly Richards At-Large Director

UNDERSTANDING THE “P’S” OF THE PERMITTING PROCESS By:    Jean  Knaack    “I applied for a permit for a race. My organization wants to raise money for our charity, but they rejected the permit. What do I do now?”

“I guess I have to get some kind of insurance before my town will give me a permit for our race in a few months.”

“We have a great course and we’ve opened registration, but the police made us change our course before they would finalize the permit. Registration is already open, what do we do?”

These are common statements and questions we hear at the Road Runners Club of America’s national office when new race directors contact us seeking advice. Often times these new event directors have been referred to the RRCA from a local government official or a leader of a local running club.

Anyone that has directed a race can tell you that putting on an event is not as easy as picking an ideal course, on an ideal date, with an ideal charity partner, and then simply getting a permit as a formality.

According to the book, Organizing Running Events, by Phil Stewart, race director of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race in Washington, DC, you need to allow six months or more for the permitting process from start to finish. The length of time for your permitting process will depend on the distance of the race, complexities of the event, expected participant numbers for the race, and other factors that effect putting on a local road race.

For 28 years, Road Race Management, Inc. has hosted an annual race directors conference focused on sharing best practices in road race management. One of the general sessions at the 2011 Road Race Management Race Directors Conference was The Changing Local Political Landscape for Events, led by William LaForge, JD.

LaForge is an attorney in private practice and the principal of LaForge Government Relations, a government relations and lobbying firm. For more than 30 years, LaForge has been involved with the public policy arena at local, state, and federal levels. An avid runner and a triathlete, LaForge has completed 61 marathons, including 24 Boston Marathons, and he has logged more than 66,000 miles running.

At the Race Directors Conference, Laforge outlined the important “P’s” of the permitting process:

Planning Prevents Poor Performance in Permitting.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

INSIDE TRACK Quarterly Newsletter for the Members of the

Road Runners Club of America

WINTER 2011

We Run the Nation!

 

Dear RRCA Members,

Many are probably not aware of the great history of the RRCA. We were the organization that championed or created open competition, competitive opportunities for women, insurance, course measurement, and support for post-collegiate running. On a flight to our previous RRCA board meeting, it occurred to me that I had served on the national board for parts of four different decades. When I left the board in early 1990, the organization was healthy and growing. When I returned 15 years later; it was in a shamble, divided and deeply in debt.

As I leave, we are in a period of stability. We have over 1,400 member clubs and events. Our finances are stronger than ever. We have rolled out new programs Runner Friendly Communities and the soon to be launched Race Director Certification. We have improved and strengthened the Coaching Education Program and the children’s running program, Kids Run the Nation. What stays with me is how hard it is to create and grow something and how easy it is to destroy it. My plea to our members, as my tenure ends on the board, is to grow, improve, and preserve the RRCA now and into the future. We may not be the governing body of this sport; but frequently, we are its conscience. So, as I roll out the door, I wanted to take a moment to recognize the members of the RRCA Board of Directors with whom I served, in times both contentious and calm. You have helped make me older, wiser and a better leader with a richer experience in the running community. Thank you: Al Becken, Ken Bendy, Jim Burns, Jeff Darman, Jane Dolley, Tom Downing, Dan Edwards, Julia Emmons, David Epstein, John Farrow, Henley Gabeau, Mitch Garner, Chuck George, Mark Grandonico, Lena Hollman, Bob Holmes, Jerry Kokesh, Joan Laird, Bee McLeod, Todd Neville, Dennis Novak, Beth Onines, Lisa Paige, Sylvia Quinn, Kelly Richards, Peter Richards, David Samuel, Allan Steinfeld, Harold Tinsley, and David Williams. It’s been a wonderful journey. Keep Running,

BRENT AYER RRCA President

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Support

SUPPORT THE RRCA A financial contribution to the RRCA from you, your club, or your events supports our programs such as the Kids Run 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 22201

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

INSIDE TRACK Page 2

Support Support

  INSIDE TRACK Page 3

UNDERSTANDING THE “P’S” OF THE PERMITTING PROCESS

He underscored the importance of understanding the standards of review of a government board. In a nutshell, you need to know the permitting process in your community well in advance of planning your event and applying for a permit.

LaForge also stressed the importance of understanding the “P’s” of working with your local government, which includes: process, people, priorities, and political environment.

Do your homework to know the process. Learn about the people involved in the process. Learn about local priorities for events including economic impact opportunities. Understand the political environment. Does your community have a physical activity plan that you can capitalize on to promote your event?

Next you will need to focus on dotting your “I’s” as you prepare your permit application.

Issues, Interest, Institutions, Information, and Influence Issues – Learn about and understand what issues may come up during the permitting process. Perhaps your proposed date already coincides with another event on the calendar. Perhaps there is planned road construction on a preferred course route. Trying to forecast issues can help you plan for solutions throughout the process.

Interest – Why should the community have an interest in supporting your event? This is where you will want to spend some time and effort researching the potential economic impact of your race for the community. You can also include information about the races’ potential health impact benefits in support of national efforts to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices. Working with your local Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau or Sports Commission can help you identify community interests and how to capitalize on the services of these groups to make your event a success.

Institutions – Know what agencies and/or community groups will be involved in the permitting process. In some areas such as Washington, DC, event directors can work with several different law enforcement agencies including the U.S. Park Police, Capital Police, and D.C. Police depending on a proposed route. Event directors will also work with multiple agencies within the DC government for sanitation, transit, and more. Also know what community groups, businesses, faith-based organizations, and other groups will be impacted both positively and negatively by your event. According to Stewart in Organizing Road Events, “if your race is held on a Sunday and goes by any churches, you may have to make modifications to the start time of your event.”

Information – According to LaForge, “Information is like currency in the permitting process. The more you have the better off you will be.” Use information to educate officials and advocate for the common benefit of your race. Provide facts, figures, and special interest stories. If your event is to raise money and awareness for charity, be sure to outline how the charity benefits the local community and will benefit from your race. If the race director has been a tax paying resident for many years, don’t overlook that important fact in your information.

Now that your “I’s” are dotted for your pre-permitting preparation, you need to review and rehearse your proposal and presentation. Even if you only get a few minutes with a local official to present your event, come prepared with a clear and concise plan for your road race.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

 

UNDERSTANDING THE “P’S” OF THE PERMITTING PROCESS CONCLUDED

LaForge, who authored the book, Testifying Before Congress, noted, “Many people who fail in their testimony before Congress simply came unprepared.” He used this anecdote to highlight the importance of being prepared when presenting to officials at all levels. Being prepared includes working with officials to modify elements of your race to find a win-win scenario with your local permitting official as part of the process. Your plan should include options for alternate dates, changes to your desired course, changes to your desired start and/or finish location, and other considerations. Once your permit is issued, your job with your local permitting agency is not done. Your next task is to stick to your plan as outlined and deliver what you proposed in your permit. If you plan on hosting the event year after year, it will be important to maintain a positive, productive, and perpetual relationship with local officials throughout the year. By doing this, you can make the permitting process for your event easier the next time around.  

   

RRCA REPRESENTS AT OLYMPIC TRIALS - MARATHON

INSIDE TRACK Page 5

By: Kelly “K2” Richards, RRCA At-Large Board Director

For the first time ever the men’s and women’s Olympic Trials - Marathon were held at the same time on the same course. That time and place was January 14, 2012, in Houston, TX. It was epic, and it had RRCA written all over it.

Seventeen of the trials athletes, including Deena Kastor, have been RRCA Roads Scholars recipients. The Roads Scholars program grants $5,000 annually to four to six athletes who are US citizens, have graduated from college, and plan to pursue elite distance running as a career, and expect to earn less than $30,000 from all sources during the calendar year.

Members from several RRCA clubs ran in the event including Ann Arbor Track Club (MI), Atlanta Track Club (GA), Big River Running Company (MO), Central Oregon Running Klub (OR), Charlotte Running Club (NC), Club Northwest (WA), Columbus Running Company (OH), Greater Philadelphia Track Club (PA) and Mammoth Track Club (CA). Some of these club members were Josh Cox, Amy Hastings, Deena Kastor and Meb Keflezighi, to name a few.

Several RRCA Road Runners of the Year will represent the USA in London at the 2012 games, including: Four Shalane Flanagan (’10), Kara Goucher (’08), Meb Keflezighi (’09), and Ryan Hall (’08).

Trials participants Colleen De Reuck, Deena Kastor, and Meb Keflezighi have had such illustrious careers they’ve already been inducted into the RRCA Hall of Fame. Frank Shorter and Joan Benoit Samuelson, also RRCA Hall of Fame inductees, were the official starters of the men’s and women’s races.

The RRCA board of directors, numerous RRCA State Representatives, and thousands of runners who are members of RRCA clubs, including dozens of members from my home club, the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers, participated in events throughout the weekend.

As the oldest and largest national association of running clubs, running events, and runners dedicated to promoting running as a competitive sport and as healthy exercise, it’s not surprising everywhere you looked throughout the trials weekend there was an RRCA connection. The London bound runners were immediately wrapped in US flags, and because these historic trials were held in the great state of Texas, outfitted in cowboy hats.

The whole weekend of events was a proud and rewarding experience for the RRCA to see the success of our grassroots efforts exposed at the national elite level. Around here that gets a big Yee Haw!

 

Since 1971, the RRCA has honored dedicated individuals for their outstanding service to the RRCA and the sport of distance running. We are delighted to announce the 2012 RRCA Distance Running Hall of Fame Inductees and the 2011 National Running Award recipients. The outstanding contributors to our sport will be honored at the upcoming RRCA National Running Awards Banquet and Ceremony on March 17, 2012 in Memphis, TN. We encourage all RRCA members to join us for this event to celebrate these contributors to the running community. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RRCA NATIONAL RUNNING AWARDS WINNERS

RRCA DISTANCE RUNNING HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

ABDI ABDIRAHMANABDI ABDIRAHMAN LINDA SOMERSLINDA SOMERS--SMITHSMITH

JOJOE VIGILE VIGIL

OUTSTANDING CLUB PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR

BETH ONINESBETH ONINES Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich – Lake Zurich, IL

BROWNING ROSS SPIRIT OF THE RRCA

AL BECKENAL BECKEN RRCA Board Member (1986-89), State Rep of the Year (1984)

OUTSTANDING STATE REPRESENTATIVE

BETSY BBETSY BOUDREAUXOUDREAUX Louisiana State Rep

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

MARY ZEMANSKIMARY ZEMANSKI Calumet Region Striders of Northwest Indiana – Calumet, IN

OUTSTANDING YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR

MARC GLOTZBECKERMARC GLOTZBECKER Fremont Flash Youth Running Program – Freemont Elite Runner’s Club – Fremont, OH

ROAD RUNNERS OF THE YEAR RYAN HALLRYAN HALL, , Open Male

JANET CHEROBONJANET CHEROBON--BAWCOMBAWCOM, , Open Female TERRY MTERRY MccCLUSKEYCLUSKEY, Male Master

LINDA SOMERSLINDA SOMERS--SMITHSMITH , Female Master

INSIDE TRACK Page 6

2011 NATIONAL RUNNING AWARD WINNERS

 

EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARDS

Small Club Newsletter: THE RIVER TO RIVER RTHE RIVER TO RIVER RUNNING REPORTERUNNING REPORTER Editor David Bond

River to River Runners – Carbondale, IL

Large Club Newsletter: RIVER CITY RUNNERS ARIVER CITY RUNNERS AND WALKERS NEWSLETTEND WALKERS NEWSLETTERR Editor Donna Graham

River City Runners and Walkers – Parkersburg, WV

E-Newsletter: WICKED RUNNING REGISTERWICKED RUNNING REGISTER Editor Michele Campbell

Wicked Running Club – Salem, MA

Club Writer of the Year: : ED HARDEEED HARDEE Amelia Island Runners – Fernandina Beach, FL

Journalism Excellence: RACHEL TOORRACHEL TOOR Senior Writer, Running Times magazine

OUTSTANDING WEBSITE

G A R D E N S T A T E T R A C K CG A R D E N S T A T E T R A C K C L U BL U B WWW.GARDENSTATETC.ORG

OUTSTANDING BEGINNING RUNNING PROGRAM

EVAN THOMASEVAN THOMAS Annapolis Striders Beginning Running Program - Annapolis, MD

RRCA ROAD RACE OF THE YEAR

PRESIDIO 10PRESIDIO 10 Race Director, Jeff Landry – The Guardsmen – San Francisco, CA

The RRCA thanks the following individuals for serving on the various award selection panels. Each selection panel includes RRCA members from around the country. Thank you to: Mitch Garner, Amby Burfoot, Bill Rodgers, Don Kardong, Doug Kurtis, Frank Shorter, Jacqueline Hansen, Jim Oaks, Joan Samuelson, Joe Henderson, Ken Young, Kim Jones, Lisa Rainsberger, Steve Spence, Bee McLeod, Gary Corbitt, Brent Ayer, Lisa Paige, Kelly Richards, Mark Grandonico, David Purinton, Chip Allman, David Epstein, Larry Eder, Brenda Barrera, Dan Edwards, John Farrow, Mark Miller, Nancy Hobbs, George Rehment, Tom Downing, Lena Hollmann, Blaine Moore, Simon Adair, Lisa Dahl, Tony Flesch, Beth Onines, Jessica Benney, Tom Kramer, Dan Kesterson, Mike Dove, Sue Brown-Nickerson, Jessica Sleight, Mark Ward, Kathryn Gleghorn, Bailey Penzotti, Chris Burch, Chuck Bartlett, and Tim Short. Thank you to RRCA Program Coordinator William Dyson for coordinating the selection process.

INSIDE TRACK Page 7

  INSIDE TRACK Page 8

The following individuals represent the recommended slate of Officers and Directors from the nominations submitted for election to the RRCA Board of Directors. These individuals have been interviewed and recommended by the Nominating Committee of Irv Newman (Chair), Mel Williams (RRCA member), Sue Brown-Nickerson (IN State Rep), Elizabeth Unislawski (RRCA member), and Don Kardong (Past President).

“The Nominating Committee is pleased to announce this slate of outstanding candidates who, we firmly believe, will serve the RRCA admirably as members of the Board of Directors and as leaders in the running community. The Nominating Committee completes its work with an expression of appreciation for be given the opportunity to participate in guiding the future of the RRCA.” – Irv Newman, Chair

PRESIDENT: David Cotter is a California native and is a fifty year resident of South Lake Tahoe, California. He has been running since 1990 and his passion is running the trails of the High Sierra within the Lake Tahoe Basin and the trails of Hawaii. David is the Immediate Past President of both the Tahoe Mountain Milers (Lake Tahoe) and Sagebrush Stompers (Carson City, Nevada) Running Club. David was appointed as the RRCA Nevada State Rep in 1998 and as the RRCA Northern California State Rep in 2002. In 2004 he served as the Convention Director for the RRCA National Convention and was awarded as the 2003 RRCA State Rep of the Year. He is the race director for a variety of running events at Lake Tahoe including the Tahoe Rim Trail 50K/50M/100M Endurance Runs, which

served as the RRCA National Ultra Championship from 2007 - 2011. David has served two terms as RRCA Vice President beginning in 2008. David has served on numerous RRCA committees including chairing the Strategic Planning Task Force, the Fundraising Task Force, and the Executive Director Performance Review Committee.

VICE PRESIDENT: Mitch is very active with the Ann Arbor Track Club, where he has served as president since 2009 (vice president from 2004 to 2008) and as a board member and executive committee member since 2004. He writes a regular column for his club’s newsletter, The Streak. He is also a committee member of two mid-sized races in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Dexter-Ann Arbor Run and the Burns Park Run. He has also served two terms as the RRCA Central Region Director starting in 2008. In 2010, he was appointed by the Board to chair the RRCA Distance Running Hall of Fame Selection Committee. In 2011, he drafted the RRCA Member Accountability Process to address members that flagrantly disregard RRCA membership policies, which was adopted by the RRCA Board. Mitch was recently was appointed to serve as the Masters Athlete Information Center Coordinator for USATF’s Masters Long Distance Running Committee. Mitch is a member of the Ann Arbor Track Club’s men’s masters 60+ team, which in 2011 won the USATF men’s masters 60+ grand prix national championship. Mitch is an

attorney with the law firm Allotta, Farley & Widman Co. He graduated cum laude from Yale University with a major in economics. He received his Juris Doctor from Loyola University of Chicago School of Law.

REPORT FROM THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

  INSIDE TRACK Page 9

TREASURER: Dennis has been a certified public accountant for over thirty-five years and retired from practice in 2004. Dennis was appointed as the RRCA Treasurer in 2005 and was elected in 2006 to his first term as treasurer. As a member of the Badgerland Striders since 1978, he has served in several leadership roles including the treasurer and president positions. He has chaired their finance committee and now continues to serve as a committee member. He was a race director for eleven years for an 800 participant race in his community. Dennis has been a long time supporter of the RRCA National Convention by attending thirteen out of the past fifteen conventions. He was on the organizing committee of the 2007 RRCA Convention hosted by the Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich. In addition, Dennis was the RRCA State Rep for Wisconsin. He has also been a member of the RRCA

Audit Committee since 2005. Dennis graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with a major in accounting. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

EASTERN REGION DIRECTOR: Mark was in the Coast Guard for over twenty years and was highly decorated for his accomplishments in the field and behind a desk. He is currently a Compliance Officer and Auditor for the largest hospital system in Maine. Mark holds a bachelors degree from Regents College in New York. Mark is a member of the Maine Track Club where he has served as a board member-at-large, vice president and president. Mark is also the membership director of the MidCoast Triathlon club. During his tenure as the Maine Track Club president, Mark has been noted for his organizational, communication, fund-raising and recruiting skill. Under his guidance, the Maine Track Club has donated over $500,000 to local charities and schools in Maine. Prior to his Board of Director duties, Mark served as the RRCA Maine State Representative and he has awarded several RRCA State Championships to area races. He has also been a member of

the RRCA Audit Committee for two years. Mark has also been a race director for over ten years and is a member of the Beach to Beacon 10k organizing committee. He has two children, and he has completed hundreds of races of all lengths including 43 marathons in his 50 state quest. He is training for his fifth Ironman Triathlon at Louisville this summer. Mark resides in Topsham Maine.

CENTRAL REGION DIRECTOR: Beth Onines is co-founder of the Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich, one the largest clubs in the Chicago area, and she has served as their president since 2001. She has served as the Race Director for the Alpine Races and has consulted many first time race directors over the past twenty years. Beth was the program director for the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA) from 2000 to 2005. Beth also served on the CARA Board of Directors for a two-year term and has been a recipient of many CARA awards. An avid ultra-marathoner, Beth has been running for over 25 years and has run over 85 marathons, 11 of them in Chicago, and over 30 ultra-marathons with a personal best marathon of 3:22:12. She is an active volunteer with the Chicago Marathon. Beth served two terms on the RRCA Board as the Central Region Director from 2004 to 2008. She was the 2007 RRCA Convention chair for her club the Alpine

Runners who organized the event in Chicago, IL. Following her term on the RRCA Board, Beth was appointed as the State Rep for IL where she has served in that role from 2008 to 2012.

 

JOIN US IN MEMPHIS FOR A ROCKIN’ GOOD TIME

 

The Memphis Runners Track Club is excited to invite you to join us for the 54th Annual RRCA National Convention. Since 1958, the RRCA has gathered in different cities around the country for the annual RRCA National Convention. The Convention is a great opportunity for running club leaders, race directors, fitness professionals, running industry professionals, and runners to come together to share information, best practices, and contribute to the national mission of the RRCA. Hundreds of runners, club leaders, event directors, and corporate supporters attend the RRCA Convention. Clubs are encouraged to reward their key volunteers with a trip to the RRCA Convention. Register today for the most cost effective and affordable running industry meeting at www.RRCAConvention.org.

RRCA Certified Coaches are encouraged to attend the 54th Annual RRCA Convention to take advantage of four great hours of continuing education opportunities as part of the overall convention education session offerings. There is no additional fee to attend these sessions, they are included as part of the convention registration fee.

Enjoy the great speakers and national award winners confirmed to attend the RRCA Convention, including:

• Dave Wattle, one of the stars of the 1972 Olympic Games • Christopher McDougall, author best known for the best-selling book

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen

• Nancy Clark M.S., R.D., C.S.S.D.,internationally known registered dietitian, board certified specialist in sport dietetics

• Joe Vigil, Ph.D., legendary running coach and RRCA Hall of Fame inductee

Can you smell the sweet aroma in the air? Could it be? The world famous Memphis Barbeque you have been waiting for? Join us Friday night as we embark on a culinary and musical adventure. First stop will be a dinner at the world famous Rendezvous where you will enjoy real southern down home appetizers, a dinner buffet that includes ribs, shoulder and chicken breasts, beans slaw and bread. We are thrilled to have the Germantown Half Marathon and the Mayor's Cup 5K as the featured races of your Memphis RRCA weekend. The Germantown Half Marathon serves as the RRCA National Championship Half Marathon.

Register for the Convention and the Race at www.RRCAConvention.org

 

RRCA STRUCTURE AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT

RRCA Structure: The RRCA is a grassroots organization. But what does this mean? In reality, it means different things to different people, as there is no legal definition for the term grassroots as it relates to nonprofit organizations. However, academia has attempted to provide some framework for the term “grassroots.” Grassroots generally refers to local people working together or organizing to find solutions to problems in their communities. Grassroots organizations are often contrasted with organizations founded by community “outsiders.”

Based on the general term “grassroots,” the RRCA is a grassroots organization. The RRCA is a national association of clubs and events, and our National Office does not organize these entities locally. Organization of running clubs and events is the responsibility of local people. The RRCA, in turn, provides services, benefits and programs to support locally organized clubs and events. We do not dictate management or operations to our members, but we do provide guidelines and guidance on best practices. This is what makes the RRCA a “grassroots” organization.

The RRCA is governed by a 9-person board of directors that is elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting of the Membership. Furthermore, the RRCA is divided into four regions. Each region consists of a number of states with a regional director who is an elected member of the Board of Directors. Each state has a volunteer State Representative that is appointed by the Regional Director to assist with promoting the RRCA’s mission at the state and local levels.

The day-to-day operations of the organization are managed through the RRCA national office. The RRCA national office maintains a very small paid staff of four individuals, which include Jean Knaack (executive director), Dorothy Commock (office manager), Jessica Benney (membership coordinator), and William Dyson (program coordinator). The RRCA also has several part-time employees, including bookkeeper, Lena Young, our director of coaching education, Randy Accetta, and our coaching certification instructor, Janet Hamilton.

You can learn more about the RRCA structure, governance, leadership, and more at www.RRCA.org/about/.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Officer Manager – Dorothy Commock

Dorothy joined the RRCA in 2001 and celebrated her 10th year with the organization in 2011. She has had the unique experience of working on all locations three locations of the RRCA national office from the first office in Old Town Alexandria, VA to Columbia, MD to our current location in Arlington, VA. Like all staff, Dorothy wears many hats for the RRCA. She is the voice of the national office as she routes phone calls to the appropriate staff person and assists members with questions. She ensures the office is well organized and well stocked, including our bottomless jar of M&M‘s. She manages the event calendar on the website, assists with important accounting and fundraising functions, fulfills online orders for Kids Run the Nation materials, circulates all RRCA Championship supplies to event hosts, and much more.

 

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE

INSIDE TRACK Page 11

 

Membership Coordinator – Jessica Benney Jessica joined the RRCA in 2010 as the membership coordinator following her internships with Greater Washington Sports Alliance, USA Football and American Odyssey Relay. She is a 2010 graduate of the University of Maryland, College Park with a degree in public relations. Jessica’s primary role is to manage the day-to-day interface with RRCA members including club leaders, event directors, individual members to the RRCA, and RRCA certified coaches. She counsels new members on proper membership classification, dues rates, insurance coverage, and other benefits of the RRCA. Jessica’s most important task is to manage all aspects of the annual renewal process including reviewing all applications for accuracy, ensuring payment of dues and insurance fees, maintaining the online database, collecting rosters for clubs, and all other requirements for annual membership. After their renewal, she

assists event members with multiple events with obtaining additional insurance certificates by calculating dues and insurance fees, preparing invoices, and reporting additions to Star Financial. Jessica works closely with Star Insurance to ensure all RRCA member information is provided to our insurance provider in a timely manner following payment of dues and insurance premiums. Additionally, she reviews submissions for nonprofit status through the RRCA’s nonprofit group, and updates the nonprofit group list with the IRS when new members join, maintaining a digital copy of bylaws for all nonprofit group members of the RRCA. Jessica is involved in the coaching certification program as well. She works with course hosts to create the course registration web pages, notifies prospective coaches when new courses are available, and maintains the course rosters. She also works with RRCA certified coaches by finalizing their listing on the RRCA website once they meet all program requirements, mailing certificates to new coaches, and reminding existing coaches about updating their CPR and First Aid as needed. Jessica is responsible for serving the needs of over 1,500 club and event members and over 2,200 certified coaches.

Program Coordinator – William Dyson William joined the RRCA in July of 2011 as the program coordinator. He previously interned with Athlete’s For Hope in Bethesda, MD. He received his bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication from Texas State University (2008) and his master’s degree in sports management from Springfield College (2011) in Springfield, MA. He is responsible for coordinating and implementing all activities related to the RRCA programs including: the RRCA Championship Event Series, the State Representatives Program, the Kids Run the Nation Program, Runner Friendly Community designation, National Running Awards, Roads Scholars program, and Run@Work Day promotion. William works closely with the RRCA State Reps and the Regional Directors on developing the annual Championship Event Series at the state, regional, and national levels. He also aides newly appointed State Reps with their orientation and works with all State Reps to help them promote the organization

locally. He coordinates with all championship event directors to ensure they receive the sponsorship benefits provided for hosting a championship event. He assists with promotion of the events at the national level through press releases, maintaining the championship event calendar, brand awareness, ensuring the sponsorship criteria is met, and social media outreach. William is responsible for growing the RRCA’s social networks (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr) and promoting our program efforts along with relevant RRCA news via these social media outlets. He also creates and publishes press releases in the RRCA News and Running News sections of the website, so please be sure to include programs@rrca.org on your press list, and he will be happy to post your running-related releases. Be sure to follow the RRCA’s social media presence and join William’s efforts by liking our posts and sharing them with your friends.

INSIDE TRACK Page 12

RRCA STRUCTURE AND STAFF SPOTLIGHT

 

THANK YOU TO OUR 2011 DONORS TO THE RRCA

2011 Kids Run the Nation Fund Alaska Salmon Runs AMPM Running Athletic Equation, Inc. Atomic City Roadrunners Birmingham Marathon David Hall Fort Worth Runners Club Frederick Steeplechasers Freehold Area Running Club Fulmont Road Runners Club Gail Ruderman Heather's Hope Foundations Inc Joseph O’Conor Jr. In Memory of Karen Dubin Kelly Marzano Kelly Richards Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers * Lisa Caruccio Lori Beveridge Maine Marathon* Maine Track Club * David and Sharlee Cotter Maria Watkins Phippen Michele Biagioni North Carolina Roadrunners Club * Oil Creek 100 Trail Run Orlando Runners Club Patrick Hogan Peggy Mayo Pensacola Race Management Petit Jean Runners Run at Borderfest RunSignUp.com** Run4Youth Runner's Edge Foundation Saline County Striders Club Santa Barbara Ultra Trail Runners Association Seashore Striders St John Land Sharks Team Footworks * The Guam Running Club The Virgin Islands Pace Runners Tidewater Striders Whatcom Tesseract * $1,000 and above contribution from race proceeds to the Kids Run the Nation Fund ** $5,000 and above contribution    

2011 Road Scholar Fund Alaska Salmon Runs Atlanta Track Club ** Atomic City Roadrunners Avenue of the Giants Marathon Bee McLeod * Blue Cross Broad Street Run Brent Ayer Carl Sniffen Central Maine Striders Cherry Blossom, Inc. ** Cumberland Valley Athletic Club * Daniel D. Edwards Frederick Steeplechasers Glenn W. Stewart Lisa and Jim Paige Jim and Janice Stasaitis Jon Hughes Leonard M. Goldman Lilac Bloomsday Assocation Lori Beveridge Mitchell E. Garner Montgomery County Road Runners * NAPA Valley Marathon * Nashville Striders Oil Creek 100 Trail Run Orlando Runners Club Palouse Roadrunners Pensacola Race Management Petit Jean Runners River City Runners & Walkers Club Saline County Striders Club Seashore Striders St John Land Sharks Subaru 4 Mile Chase Syracuse Chargers Track Club The Boilermaker Road Race, Inc. The Virgin Islands Pace Runners Travis Eliot Landreth Memorial Fund* Utica Road Runners Virgin Island Pace Runners Whatcom Tesseract Willamette Valley Road Runners *$1,000 donors and above **$5,000 donors and above ***$10,000 donors and above  

2011 Annual Program Alaska Salmon Runs Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich Alta Vista Sports Association of Running Event Directors Atomic City Roadrunners Bernice Roberts Birmingham Marathon Chicago United Runners Dan Edwards* Dennis Lindenberg Fredericksburg Area Running Club*** Jack Gorelick Janie Delio Joe Hannon Judith Shankman Marilyn Swimmer Oil Creek 100 Trail Run Orlando Runners Club Palouse Roadrunners Prairie State Road Runners RRCA Turkey Trot Run4Youth Seashore Striders Suzanne Preston Terry Archer Virgin Island Pace Runners Whatcom Tesseract WR5K4DPD, Inc Title 1X Girls Running Club Bank of America Kaiser Permanente Altria Client Services, Inc BNY Mellon Fossil Partners The Glenmede Trust Co The Ironman Foundation, Inc Fidelity Charitable Fund Microsoft, Inc. Crowell & Moring *$1,000 donors and above **$5,000 donors and above ***$10,000 donors and above  

INSIDE TRACK Page 13

 

2011 State Reps Fund 15th Street Flyers Alaska Salmon Runs Arlington Turkey Trot Atomic City Roadrunners Birmingham Marathon Bradley Rhoden Calumet Region Striders Cilongo Foundation Dave Boone David Hall Frederick Steeplechasers Gary Henry Germantown Half Marathon & Mayor's Cup 5K Janice Woolery Kelly Richards Lena Hollmann Maine Track Club North Carolina Ultra Running North Coast Road Runners Club Oil Creek 100 Trail Run Old Colony Running Events Orlando Runners Club Palouse Roadrunners Pensacola Race Management Petit Jean Runners Roni Davis-Watson Rosskc LLC Run4Youth Saline County Striders Club Santa Barbara Ultra Trail and Road Runners Association Seashore Striders South Florida Racewalkers Southern Arizona Roadrunners The Virgin Islands Pace Runners Tidewater Striders Topeka Community Foundation Virgin Island Pace Runners Whatcom Tesseract * $1,000 and above contribution ** $5,000 and above contribution    

2011 Sponsors and Corporate Supporters Gatorade* Running Network LLC* Sports Authority* Ashworth Awards* Fuelbelt, Inc* RunSignUp.com* Leslie Jordan* Runners World/Running Times* Weight Watchers International* runDisney Coolmax Human Kinetics Marathon Guide Rainbow Racing Britten Banners Boulder Blimp Co. BigSigns.com Therapearl LLC RaceIt.com Star Insurance K&K Insurance imATHLETE.com MyLaps Marine Corps Marathon Sports Science Bloomsday Road Race RunScore Sandpiper Embroidery Atlanta Track Club Constant Contact My Run Movie Dansko Saucony BoA Chicago Marathon Metlife Road Race Management Savannah Rock n Roll Marathon Washington Running Report Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon

*Official Sponsors of the RRCA providing $10,000 and above to support the RRCA mission.

A GOOD RUN MEANS MORE THAN LOGGING MILES

SPORTS AUTHORITY IS THE OFFICIAL SPORTING GOODS RETAILER OF

INSIDE TRACK Page 14

THANK YOU TO OUR 2011 DONORS TO THE RRCA

 

Dear RRCA Members,

I hope to see all of our running club and event leaders at the 54th Annual RRCA Convention in Memphis, TN. Attending the RRCA Convention is a great opportunity for club leaders to learn more about their roles and responsibilities in leading their local organization. RRCA member clubs should strive to send at least one representative from the club to the convention each year. When an individual agrees to lead a club as the board president or club chair person, they have a duty to ensure they educate themselves about the local club along with trends and issues that all clubs face from a national perspective. Attending the RRCA convention allows for club leaders to get a deeper understanding of trends and issues that are of importance to both the local and national running scene.

The very important Insurance and Risk Management session at the RRCA Convention is the perfect opportunity to educate yourself about managing the risks associated with running clubs and events. You will get information directly from the individuals that deal with running related insurance claims and active litigation faced by actual RRCA members.

The RRCA Convention is also a great opportunity to network with other leaders in the running community. It is a highly social function where our focus is on meeting new friends, learning new information, and celebrating the sport we all love the most, running.

See you in Memphis!  

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

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

NOTICE OF THE 2012 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP All members of the RRCA in good standing as of March 1, 2012 are welcome and encouraged to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Membership. Participation in the 2012 RRCA National Convention is not required in order to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting of the Membership. The meeting will take place on March 16, 2012 at 3:15 PM (Central) at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Boulevard, Memphis, TN, 38120.

Voting Assignment and Proxy Certification Instructions The Bylaws of the RRCA allow for the assignment of a proxy vote for member clubs and events. If an RRCA member club or event is not sending their official voting representative (president, director, or owner) to the Annual Meeting of the Membership, then the voting rights of that club or event may be assigned to another authorized representative attending the meeting in person. That person must be qualified by being a member of either the same club or event or from another qualified club or event in good standing in the same state. In accordance with the RRCA bylaws, a proxy cannot be held for clubs or events from different states. To assign voting rights to a qualified proxy on behalf of a club or event member, the authorized representative must complete the Official 2012 Voting Rights Assignment to Recognized Proxy Holder Form. Each Appointed Proxy Holder must complete and submit the Membership and Residence Certification for Proxy Holders Form in accordance with the instructions on the forms. The forms and instructions can be found on the RRCA website at www.rrca.org/about/governance/.

INSIDE TRACK Page 15

       

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

WE RUN THE NATION!

INSIDE TRACK

RRCA IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE RUNNER FRIENDLY COMMUNITY DESIGNATION

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 June 1, 2012. Learn more about this program at www.rrca.org/programs/runner-friendly-community/. Learn more about the RRCA: Runner Friendly Communities on our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/rrcaexecdir.

facebook.com/Roadrunnersclubofamerica twitter.com/RRCANational