‘’ March 21 – 25, 2007 Hosted by the Alpine Striders & Illinois Runs

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports

RRCA Convention Sponsors The RRCA, the Alpine Runners of Lake Zurich, and Illinois Runs are pleased to announce Sponsors for the 50th Annual RRCA National Convention.

GATORADE http://www.gatorade.com - will host morning group runs from 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM on Friday and Saturday mornings

ASHWORTH AWARDS http://www.ashworthawards.com - presents the RRCA Regional Meetings: Eastern, Central, Southern & Western on Friday March 23, 2007 from 11:00 AM to Noon (Central)

SPORTSCIENCE http://www.sportscienceusa.com - presents the RRCA Club College®

RUNNER’S WORLD http://www.runnersworld.com - will host the State Rep Luncheon in honor of the RRCA State Reps featuring JOHN “THE PENGUIN” BINGHAM on Friday, March 23, 2007 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 p.m. The RRCA Runner’s World Outstanding State Rep of the Year Jacket will be presented to Ron Macksoud, Alabama State Representative

FLEET FEET SPORTS http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com - will host the Barbeque and Fashion Show on Friday, March 23, 2007, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 p.m.

MARATHON & BEYOND http://www.marathonandbeyond.com - will host the luncheon on Saturday, March 24, 2007, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. featuring Jan Seeley and Rich Benyo

ROAD RACE MANAGEMENT http://www.rrm.com - presents the RRCA Live Auction

GEN-A MARKETING http://www.gen-a.com - presents the RRCA Annual Awards Banquet Cocktail Reception

STAR – EGL INSURANCE, DILLER-SMITH OFFICE AND K AND K INSURANCE http://www.rrca.org/services/insurance - presents the RRCA Annual Banquet and National Grassroots Running Awards Ceremony

DAG SYSTEMS http://www.dag-system.com – presents the Convention Educational Sessions

Thank you to our Convention sponsors for their additional attendee gifts, expo displays and more. We also thank the following sponsors for their contributions to the 50th Annual RRCA National Convention

http://www.puma.com http://www.gooseisland.com http://www.RunningTimes.com http://www.Merastar.com/signin/rrca http://www.HerSports.com http://www.Fuelbelt.com http://www.Active.com

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Road Runners Club of America 50th Annual Convention, Chicago, Illinois 2006 Annual Reports Book

Road Runners Club of America 8965 Guilford Road, Suite 150 Columbia, MD 21046 Phone: 410-290-3890 Fax: 410-290-3893 [email protected]

www.rrca.org

We run the Nation!

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Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 4 -

Table of Contents

RRCA 2006 National Convention Sponsors……………………….…..….…. 2

RRCA – Celebrating Our 50th Convention…………………………….….…… 6

RRCA Mission, Vision & Values……………………………………………..…… 8

Annual Business Meeting Agenda…………………………………….…..…….. 9

Board of Directors Annual Reports……………………………………………… 10

RRCA Working Committee Reports……………………………………………… 21

2006 RRCA National Awards Committee Reports………………………….. 25

RRCA State Representatives Annual Reports…………………………..…… 37

Thank You Convention Hosts – Alpine Striders & Illinois Runs……….. 59

Acknowledgements……………………………………………………….………….. 60

Advertising Sponsors…………………………………………………….…………… 61

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Celebrating Our 50th Convention

From its early beginnings, the RRCA has always been a ! An RRCA standards committee was also created for the

strong advocate of organized running and has represented purpose of making sure that running courses were

all runners, regardless of age or gender. Through strong measured accurately. This committee also set up a

leadership and direction, the RRCA has been responsible program for awarding certificates to runners who

for growing the sport of long distance running from the few achieved certain times at a series of distances.

races held in the early 1950’s to the thousands of events

we have today. ! The RRCA instituted an early version of the Road

Scholar grants in the early 1960’s to help send

The RRCA’s commitment to the sport of running has been qualified runners to major races in other parts of the

demonstrated throughout the years. country.

! In 1957, former Olympian Browning Ross proposed that ! In 1962, the “RRC of U.S. Bulletin” was officially

a national road running organization be formed that renamed FootNotes and expanded as a quarterly would represent long distance runners and help organize publication. Many of the articles contained in this distance races. In 1958, the Road Runners Club of publication provided valuable information on how to America was born. Browning Ross was its first president. start a running club and how to measure road race courses. ! One of the first actions taken by the organization was to institute the first RRCA national championship races; a ! In 1963, the RRCA instituted committees that assisted one hour track run and a 12-mile track run, a 15-mile its member chapters with fundraising, starting new road race, a 5-mile junior championship road race and a running clubs, and developing coaching and making it two-man 10-mile relay. available to its runners. A medical advisory committee was established, along with an officials committee for ! The early model for “FootNotes” – “RRC of U.S. Bulletin” training race officials and a standards committee for - was developed in 1960. This was one of the first course measurements and awarding certificates for runner-related publications available in the country. certified racing performances.

! During RRCA President Ted Corbitt’s term, a booklet on measuring road running courses was developed and Continued on Page 7 finally published 4 years later.

A collection of RRCA luminaries dedicating a plaque at the Paramount Hotel in New York City, site of the first organizing meeting that led to the founding of the RRCA.

From Left:

! Joe Kleinerman, RRCA Vice President, 1960-64 ! Ted Corbitt, RRCA President, 1960-61, internationally recognized ultra- marthoner ! Hal Higdon, widely-recognized author of running books, master's record- holder ! Jeff Darman, RRCA President, 1976-79 ! Henley Gabeau, RRCA President, 1986- 89, first Executive Director of the RRCA ! Jane Dolley, RRCA President, 1989-1991 ! Allan Steinfeld: RRCA Secretary, 1987- 88, President & CEO of New York RRC ! Carl Sniffen, RRCA President, 1991-96

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Celebrating 50 Years of Memories

From Page 6

! In 1964, the fun run came into existence through the RRCA chapters in the District of Columbia and Baltimore. Typically called “Run for Life” runs, these events promoted physical fitness and were open to men and women of all ages. By declaring them fitness programs instead of open competitions, an AAU rule that women had to be at least 14 years of age and could not run any AAU event longer than 1- 1/2 miles was circumvented. Over a two year period, the RRCA was instrumental in getting AAU rules changed so that children under 17 and women could participate in AAU events longer than two miles. In 1962, the number of road races had increased to 600.

! These fun runs spurred a running boom and special women’s 1960’s and masters races came into existence. From this sprang the establishment of masters and sub-masters national records on RRCA certified courses at 15 different distances, in age categories from 35 years to 60 years and older.

! In the 1970’s, the RRCA secured tax exemption and 501(c) (3) status and made it available to member clubs that qualified and requested it. This allowed non-profit clubs to accept tax-free donations for their events.

! Also in the 1970’s, the RRCA created a network of state representatives to represent the organization at the state level. These liaisons would assist their local clubs in growing their memberships, in establishing championship events and promoting women and children’s programs.

! In 1979 the RRCA had 100 clubs signed up for the newly acquired RRCA liability insurance. This insurance was available to all member clubs and represented an economical 1978 insurance program to protect clubs and their officers against liability stemming from club related activities. Interestingly enough, the first major lawsuit in 1977 involved the Peachtree Road Race. A runner filed a $500,000 class action suit against sponsors for damages to himself and 50 others resulting from heat injuries during the race. The lawsuit was dismissed.

These represent just a few of the highlights of “the formative years” of long distance running and the major role the RRCA has played. All of these events in the 1950’s through the 1970’s served to develop our sport as we know it today. Throughout its existence, the RRCA has maintained its “mission, vision and values”. From its inception on February 22, 1958, the RRCA has promoted long distance running as a competitive sport and as healthful exercise for everyone regardless of gender or age. Today, we are over 175,000 members strong and growing. Today

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RRCA Mission, Vision & Values

Mission The Road Runners Club of America is the national association of running clubs, running events, and runners dedicated to promoting long distance running as a competitive sport and as healthful exercise. RRCA's mission is to represent and promote the common interest of its member clubs, events, and individual runners through education, leadership, programs and other services.

Vision The Road Runners Club of America is the premier national organization dedicated to promoting the development and growth of running clubs, running events, and supporting the interests of recreational runners throughout the country including those that walk because they are unable to run. The RRCA strives to provide quality programming that can be replicated throughout the country by member clubs from small towns to large cities that promote and support running, runners, and supporters of the sport at all stages in life. The RRCA is dedicated to providing the running community with educational information and programs that will keep them safe, healthy, and informed. Furthermore, the RRCA strives to promote excellence in nonprofit management for the National Office as well as member clubs by providing services, benefits, and regular communication that supports this vision.

Values The RRCA values: ! Running, runners, and the promotion of running as a healthy lifestyle choice ! The strength and support of its network of grassroots members and volunteers, and as such, we strive to maintain positive relations will all of our members ! Diversity in its member clubs and encourages all clubs to maintain an enjoyable atmosphere for all members ! The promotion of safety for all runners and the enforcement and development of laws and infrastructure that protects runners' safety ! Running as a competitive sport and we support the Zero Tolerance Policy for the use of performance enhancing drugs in the sport. ! The participation of people who support the sport of running but are unable to run due to various circumstances ! The financial contributions and support of members, sponsors, volunteers, and donors to the organization ! Good communication with its members and the running community as a whole ! Prudent financial management that enables the organization to achieve its mission while ensuring adequate cash reserves ! Strong relationships with national and local media that cover the sport of running and running as a healthy lifestyle choice

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Road Runners Club of America Board of Directors & Staff

Annual Reports

President Bee McLeod (VA) Vice President Tom Downing (AL) Treasurer Dennis Novak (WI) Secretary David Epstein Executive Director Jean Knaack (MD) Membership Jessica Sleight (MD) Central Director Beth Onines (IL) Eastern Director Brent Ayer (MD) Southern Director Ken Bendy (FL) Western Director Lisa Paige (CO) At-Large Director David Epstein (AK) At-Large Director John Farrow (NM) At-Large Director Bob Holmes (GA)

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2007 RRCA Annual Business Meeting Agenda (Subject to change)

50th Annual Road Runners Club of America National Convention Saturday, March 24, 2007 – Chicago, Illinois

Call to Order - 2:30 p.m. - Bee McLeod, President Welcome from Convention Organizers – Beth Onines, Alpine Striders Roll Call – John Farrow Opening Remarks and President’s Welcome - Bee McLeod Approval of 2006 Convention Minutes – David Epstein, Secretary Treasurer’s Report - Dennis Novak, Treasurer Presentation of 2007 Budget - Jean Knaack Executive Directors Report - Jean Knaack Nominating Committee Report and Election of Officers - Michael Hughes, Chair Old Business New Business

Report from the RRCA Board of Directors: President - Bee McLeod Vice President - Tom Downing Secretary/Treasurer -Dennis Novak Eastern Director - Brent Ayer Central Director - Beth Onines Southern Director - Ken Bendy Western Director - Lisa Paige At-Large Director - Bob Holmes At-Large Director - John Farrow At-Large Director - David Epstein, Secretary

Report of Committees: Coaching - Patti Finke National Championships - Don Kardong Road Scholar Program - Carl Sniffen State Representative - Marlene Atwood

Nominating Committee Report – Michael Hughes, Committee Chair Election of Directors – Dan Edwards, Parliamentarian

Announcements Adjournment

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 9 - Road Runners Club of America Executive Reports

President redesign of our web site. Special thanks are due to Warren Finke for all his hard work on this effort. Bee McLeod, Norfolk, VA [email protected] Membership: Welcome to Chicago and to what I Our membership in all categories continues to rise. am confident will be a terrific Specifically, club membership has grown from 600 in the convention. We’ve come a long way year 2000 to 774 clubs presently. In addition to solid since our first RRCA meeting at New growth in membership, improvements in our membership York City’s Paramount Hotel, renewal process makes this annual task more “user February 22, 1958. And this past friendly.” year was no exception in our progress. Expect even more State Reps: positive strides during 2007 and Thanks to a most generous donation to our State Rep beyond as we work together to program, we have been able to make this program more cement our place as the nation’s #1 robust than ever. With convention registration and running organization. rooming expenses for the next few years no longer a burden on our State Reps, we hope to see convention I would like to highlight some of our important attendance by this important team increase. The new accomplishments since our 2006 membership meeting. State Rep shirts and state championship banners we provided are both items that help our State Reps promote Convention: the RRCA. Last year, we enjoyed a very upbeat and fun meeting hosted by the Houston Striders and their team of Partnerships: “conventioneers.” So many positive comments were heard Several new partners were brought on board last year throughout the event and in the weeks and months that including: HerSports + Fitness magazine, Sport Science, followed. I have every expectation that this year’s Active.com, SkirtSports, Ashworth Awards, Road Race gathering here in Chicago will be even more celebratory Management and Running Times. Their confidence in the thanks in great part to the support of our hosts, Alpine RRCA is greatly appreciated and with their support, more Runners of Lake Zurich and Illinois Runs. As evidence of services and programs will be introduced. our new-found vitality, it’s important to note that we have a record number of clubs expressing an interest in hosting Roads Scholar: our future conventions. Our Roads Scholar program continues to flourish. This past year, we generated over $38,000 in contributions, Financial Health: allowing us to fund six post collegiate runners identified as The RRCA board and staff continue to work diligently to potential future national and world class athletes. manage our finances in a fiduciary, responsible and transparent manner. When many of the current board The RRCA had many, many other accomplishments this members took office in 2003, we were facing a crisis. past year that you’ll hear of during this convention. More Assets were at negative ($39,952). After three years, we importantly, you’ll hear the details of what’s ahead in 2007 are running a surplus budget with net assets of over and beyond. I want to close by thanking each of you for $475,000. On an additional positive note, this past year, your individual support of the RRCA, the board of directors we adopted an investment policy which: (1) establishes and our office team. Without it, none of this would be guidelines for managing our operating reserves and (2) possible. Together, we have and will continue to have a builds our reserves through interest gains. Establishing great organization dedicated to promoting grassroots and maintaining an operating reserve and having a policy running across our nation. for guiding our investments are added insurance for our continued financial health.

Communications: Our quarterly Footnotes publication is back. Now being published electronically, it delivers valuable information to our full membership and the general public without the financial drain previously experienced. Inside Track, also published quarterly in print and electronically, provides leaders with great ideas and tools for effectively managing their club or event. Also in support of our goal for improved communications is Constant Contact, a web tool that electronically delivers various communications from the RRCA including our monthly Keeping Pace newsletter. And, a major undertaking this past year was the complete

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 11 - Vice President ! BOARD TRANSPARENCY: I am for more transparency to membership on board meetings. There should be no Tom Downing, Anniston, AL secrecy to board proceedings unless in executive [email protected] session. I support accurate Board minutes and timely posting to the RRCA web site for members review. Welcome everyone to the RRCA 50th Meeting and Convention. I would like to ! COMMITTEES: I will work to bring back our Legal, thank the Alpine Runners, Illinois Runs, Membership, and Sponsorship Committees made up of Beth Onines, and the volunteers for all of good qualified runners who will continue the sprit of their enthusiasm and hard work in hosting this year’s volunteerism that has served us so well in the past. convention here in Chicago. ! FOOTNOTES: If published today in a hard copy format As RRCA members you are very important to grass roots and mailed to the membership, Footnotes our official distance running and the work and enthusiasm you have publication, would be the second largest running for your local running clubs is what makes us unique in publication in the nation. It has enormous potential for sports. Thank you for your attendance and support of our our organization and needs immediate study on convention and all that you do for running. affordable ways to bring your national publication back to your mail box. The RRCA is growing every year and we have made much progress the last few years with more progress yet to be We runners come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and beliefs made. We are, in my view, at a fundamental crossroads in but we all have the common bond of love for grassroots our organization. We have one consensus who wants to running and are all very proud and protective of our sport. govern with a strong Executive Director and President Let’s all make this a fun convention and please do not much like a corporation where major policy decisions are hesitate to let me hear your views on the RRCA and made by a few with a Board to be to be focused on long running in general. term vision and policy.

We have another consensus who wants to govern from a membership driven organizational basis (our history) where Treasurer the board has final oversight on major policy decisions with Dennis Novak, New Berlin, WI the Executive Director and National Office serving as [email protected] support to the clubs and Board. I support this form of governance and believe leadership is best when spread In 2005, we closed the fiscal year with around within an organization. significant net assets. At the March 7,

2006 meeting of the Board of Directors, The election this year will be very important in deciding the Board, at the recommendation of which fundamental direction we take as an organization. I the executive director, passed a resolution creating a board encourage each of you to talk with all the candidates restricted operating reserve fund in the amount of running for Board membership to learn their views and to $100,000. The purpose of this fund is to serve as an share your views and visions for the RRCA. operating reserve fund that could only be accessed through

a Board resolution during period(s) of organizational I would like to thank past legal committee chair and past financial crisis. This allows the board greater oversight on board member David H. Williams for his role in helping to the use of unrestricted assets in the event that expenses facilitate a generous donation from Al Becken who has exceed income in a given year. In addition, the Board such a passion for the RRCA that he made a very restricted $7500 to the State Reps Fund and $5000 to a significant donation to our organization. That money is to president’s reserve fund. be used to help energize our state rep program.

In January 2006, the Board unanimously approved the I would also like to thank all of our other previous RRCA 2006 operating budget which clearly outlined several donors for their contributions as well in helping to important organizational goals such as investment in the strengthen our organization and sport. quarterly print publication, Inside Track, the launch of on-

line FOOTNOTES, and the re-design of the RRCA website. Next year will be my last year as serving as your Vice Every month, the Board reviews financial statements with President and I would like to thank you all for giving me the executive director. This allows the Board an the opportunity to serve. Some of the goals I hope to work opportunity to check progress on organizational goals and toward in 07 are as follows: expenses against the budget.

! BOARD OVERSIGHT: This is critical to any non profit At the April 19, 2006 meeting of the Board of Directors, an volunteer organization and it goes hand and hand with investment policy developed, through the leadership of checks and balances. I will be proposing that the RRCA President Bee McLeod and Executive Director Jean Knaack, Board have final approval on any committee was presented to the Board. At that time, an investment appointments, removals or dissolution of committees. strategy developed by Nearman Financial Services was

presented by Steve Nearman, RRCA investment advisory.

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 12 - Both the investment policy and investment strategy were approved by the RRCA Board. Revenue 2007 Budget 2006 Budget Membership Dues 294,407.00 282,000 At the time of submitting this report, the 2006 audit is Insurance Program 558,805.00 523,500 nearly complete. We would like to thank Irv Newman with Sponsorship 30,000.00 50,000 the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile for serving as the General Contributions 25,000.00 12,000 Audit Committee Chair. The year end financial statements Roads Scholar Contributions 35,000.00 25,000 Other Sources 139,625.20 33,800 for the organization look very good and have been TOTAL REVENUE 1,082,837.20 926,300 reviewed by the Board. For the forth year in a row, we have a strong cash position and significant positive net Expenses assets. Annual Convention 45,159.00 19,000 Board & Committees 35,850.00 25,800 State Rep Fund 12,500.00 5,000 The strong financial performance in 2006 is due to several Region Rep Fund 4,000.00 4,000 factors. First, the RRCA received generous sponsorship Insurance Program 541,505.00 503,500 support totaling $50,000 from Sanofi aventis (formerly Program Services 59,500.00 26,230 Coaching 4,000.00 4,000 Dermik Laboratories) and Gatorade. The second factor is Roads Scholar Grants 31,500.00 25,000 an increase in membership compared to 2005. The third is RRCA Communications 16,750.00 33,700 the outstanding performance of the investment strategy Other Program Expenses 21,786.00 5,520 implemented mid-year which earned the RRCA $41,653 in SUBTOTAL PROGRAM 772,550.00 651,750 National Office Expenses investment gains and income. Office Management 42,750.00 35,200 Credit Card Processing Fees 7,000.00 3,000 The following outlines the financial performance of the Office Rent 35,650.00 29,036 RRCA over the last six years and shows the improving Payroll Expenses 179,912.00 155,020 Audit, Legal & Taxes 18,500.00 22,000 financial position of the organization. SUBTOTAL NATIONAL OFFICE 283,812.00 244,256 TOTAL EXPENSES 1,056,362.00 896,006 YEAR ASSETS LIABILITIES NET WORTH 2001 $261,306 $351,836 $ (90,530) Net Profit/(Loss) 26,475 30,294 2002 $238,013 $420,948 $ (182,935) 2003 $376,330 $416,282 $ (39,952) 2004 $482,106 $420,752 $ 61,354 A copy of the 2006 audited financial statements and public 2005 $789,605 $511,854 $ 277,751 copy of the IRS 990 tax return may be obtained by 2006 $956,789 $478,994 $477,795* contacting the National Office. A small fee for shipping the items may apply. YEAR REVENUE EXPENSES NET PROFIT 2001 $1,460,378 $1,558,230 $ (84,840) Secretary 2002 $1,062,979 $1,156,225 $ (97,852) David B. Epstein, Juneau, AK 2003 $746,559 $603,577 $ (93,246) [email protected] 2004 $711,888 $627,538 $ 84,350 In addition to serving the RRCA as Director-at-Large, I 2005 $1,004,460 $788,063 $ 216,397 have also been honored to serve as Secretary for the past 2006 $1,155,741 $955,697 $200,044* two terms. When the AARC and RRCA reunited a few years back, the RRCA bylaws were amended. One of the changes was a reduction in the number of At-Large Directors from four to two and the division of the Secretary- Treasurer position into two positions, with the Treasurer being an elected position and the Secretary being a * Of the $477,795 in net worth as of 2006, $175,700 is position appointed to one of the elected At-Large positions. temporarily restricted for future use and $112,000 is board restricted reserves. Of the $200,044 in net profit at the end My primary objectives as the RRCA Secretary are to of 2006, $104,297 is restricted for future use. maintain a high level of accuracy in our minutes (which reflect the business items the Board of Directors On January 20, 2007, the Board met in person to review addresses) and to ensure timely availability of our minutes, the 2007 RRCA Operating Budget along with once approved by the board, to our constituents. The organizational goals developed by the Executive Director. purpose of this report is to explain the approach I have After prudent discussion, the Board unanimously approved employed as Secretary. the following budget for 2007. The budget is based, in large part, on the actual financial performance of 2006. Article XII of our bylaws prescribe Robert’s Rules of Order The increase in budgeted spending for 2007 compared to as the guide for conducting Board business. As far as 2006 shows the organization’s investment in programs. In recording minutes is concerned, the spirit of Robert’s Rules addition, we plan to add an additional support staff to the is that “more is less”, i.e., the object is to record what is National Office. "done" by the Board, and not what is said by the members. Votes are to be recorded as “approved” or “not approved”.

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 13 - Furthermore, in its Sept. 20, 2006, meeting, the Board the members by the members, which we posted quarterly unanimously passed a motion supporting the documenting throughout the year. Both publications have continued to of minutes in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order. grow. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed content and images to make An example of concerns over the minutes that sometimes these publications successful. In October the pinnacle of arise is the belief that there was an omission of information our improved communication strategy was the launch of regarding how Board members voted on the legal the re-designed RRCA website. I extend a very special committee issue in our January Board meeting. The thank you to Warren Finke for his service and dedication January minutes reflect no attempt on my part to conceal over the years to the RRCA website. information from the membership, but, rather, an affirmative attempt to conform to Robert’s Rules of Order. If a roll call In March, we celebrated the success of the 49th Annual vote had been ordered, the specifics of the voting would be RRCA Convention in Houston, TX hosted by the Houston included in the minutes. A roll call was not ordered; Striders. Working with Steve Shepard and his team was a therefore, the specifics of the vote are not recorded. great experience. At the Houston Convention, we proudly announced the location of the 50th Annual RRCA National The Board has talked about making the minutes more Convention in Chicago, IL. Beth Onines, Convention Chair, explicit and detailed regarding discussions that take place quickly sprung to action to plan another memorable RRCA during our meetings. Again, I defer to the guidance we are Convention. There has been significant interest in hosting bound to follow by our bylaws: I do not document the 50th Anniversary of the RRCA Convention in 2008, and conversations or discussions but rather, document the we hope to grow the competitive bidding process for the actual business or motions that are the focus of our Convention in the years to come. deliberations. To include details of conversations or discussions would require a revision to the bylaws. Our In 2006, we re-designed the Personal Fitness Program and bylaws are a dynamic document and can be amended by gave the program a technology edge where participants the membership. Those who see the value in such a can log their miles online for FREE. Participants can also change should pursue it. sign-up through Active.com to receive their reward for program participation. We designed new patches for the The Board normally meets in person three or four times a program and incorporated the opportunity to receive as year; and via teleconference during the intervening months. shirt or fleece vest in honor of the participants’ Our process has been to approve the minutes of the accomplishments. previous session at the following Board meeting. In the rare instance when we skip a month, the Board takes In September we launched the grassroots movement to get action on the minutes via email, as our bylaws allow us to working America moving as part of their regular work day. do. The final version is converted to a .pdf format by the By changing “to” to “at”, the 1st Annual RRCA Run@Work National Office and posted on the RRCA web site by our Day was born. Individuals and running clubs around the executive director. During my tenure there has never been country hosted Run@Work Day events on September 22, more than a two-month period of time between a board 2006. I encourage everyone to host a Run@Work Day meeting and the public posting of the minutes from that event at their work place on September 21, 2007. meeting. Throughout the year I have had the great pleasure to work I thank everyone involved for their efforts to provide this closely with Carl Sniffen and his committee for Roads quality service to the membership. Scholars, Irv Newman and the Audit Committee, Don Kardong on the Championship Events, Patti Finke on the Coaching Program, and Marlene Atwood as she chairs the State Reps Working Group. The State Reps Working Executive Director Group has provided outstanding leadership and ideas for Jean Knaack, Columbia, MD the State Reps Program, and they have continued to improve the structure, management, and objectives for the [email protected] State Reps Program. Please take time to review the

reports of the committees and State Reps. You will see At the conclusion of my first full everyone involved is an outstanding representative of the calendar year at the RRCA as your RRCA mission. executive director, I look back with

satisfaction. In 2005, I developed Gatorade continues to be a major sponsor to the RRCA performance metrics that were shared and the RRCA Championship Program. We are extremely with the Board to clearly define focus grateful for their investment in the RRCA and look forward areas and objectives within the to our continued relationship with them. Throughout the metrics. I regularly report to the board year, we engaged new partners and sponsors and on progress in the following metrics: continued relations with our existing supporters to the Communications, Programs & RRCA including: Active.com, Ashworth Awards, FuelBelt, Services, Membership & Membership Her Sports + Fitness, Marathon & Beyond, Runner’s World, Outreach, Fundraising & Sponsorship Development, Running Times, Road Race Management, SkirtSport, and Administration and Financial Management. Sport Science. We thank our sponsors and partners for

their generous support in 2006 and we look forward to We started the year with the updated publication Inside working with them in 2007. We will continue to engage Track, our print publication mailed to member clubs, new sponsors and partners in 2007 to benefit our events, corporate supporters, and more. This was followed members. by the launch of FOOTNOTES as an online magazine for Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 14 -

The RRCA concluded 2006 in excellent financial health as Membership you will read from Treasurer Dennis Novak’s report. The Jessica Sleight, Columbia, MD Board has shown dedication to prudent financial [email protected] management and smart growth. Through our financial success, we have been able to invest in programs and I have the great honor of working with the RRCA Members; preserve our cash assets to ensure long-term financial club members, event members, individual members, stability. The Board receives monthly financial statements corporate members, and affiliate members. RRCA comparing actual expenses to the budget. This was a Membership is at an all-time high! We finished 2006 with priority expressed to me when hired that has been 774 club and event members: 640 clubs and 134 event successfully met month after month. members. This is over 100 new members in the past year. It is amazing to see year to year how our members are As you will read from Jessica Sleights’ report, membership evolving and growing. It is such an exciting time for has grown substantially over the last year and she running. I enjoy the ability to talk with and work with each continues to work with new running clubs and events on an of you, whether you have questions regarding insurance, almost daily basis. I cannot say enough about the positive tax exemption, club development, race development or impact that Jessica’s work has had on the RRCA. other information pertinent to helping you run your

club/event as smoothly as possible. I’m always available to As we begin 2007, we have a Board approved budget and help. corresponding written objectives that ensures the continued practice of building net assets while investing in programs. A major initiative that we will launch in 2007 is the revision With the assistance of Jim DiScuillo from Race Packet, we and circulation of the RRCA children’s running materials were able to implement a new membership database in and the establishment of a grant fund to help RRCA 2006. This will enable us to better organize, update, and members establish and maintain youth running programs in track data about our members. To Jim, we extend a big their communities. Through a generous contribution from thank you for your contribution to the RRCA. Sharlee and David Cotter in memory of Nancy and Hank Taylor, we have been able to establish the Kids Run the This year the RRCA upgraded and redeveloped our Nation Fund, and we are actively seeking contributions that website. We listened to your feedback and have provided will be matched dollar for dollar by the Cotters up to $5000. you with all the necessary forms online, from renewal and The running curriculum and the children’s running booklets membership paper work to additional insured forms, in a coupled with the grant fund will be collectively called RRCA format that allows you to complete them on your computer Kids Run the Nation®. as opposed to downloading, printing, and handwriting. .

To help clubs and events raise funds and connect with their I look forward to 2007! members, the RRCA will embark on a joint fundraising project to produce and sell a high quality running calendar for the running community. A photo contest will launch the production schedule of the calendar and the final product will be a full color, twelve month calendar that the RRCA Central Director will sell to member clubs at cost. Member Clubs will in turn Beth Onines, Lake Zurich, IL sell the calendar to their individual members and retain the [email protected] net profit which could range from $5 to $5000 or more depending on sales volume. Proceeds from the RRCA Greetings again from the Windy City calendar sales will benefit Kids Run the Nation®. of Chicago! I have now served for 3 years as your Central Regional In 2008, the RRCA will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Director and it has been an honor and the founding of the organization. In conclusion, I look a privilege. This year, my goal was to forward to building on our successes from 2006 that will bring the RRCA National Convention lead to another 50 years of the RRCA Running the Nation. to Chicago to showcase the central region running community. If you are Sincerely, reading this now, then you know I have accomplished my goal and you have been able to witness how great the running community is here in the Chicago area.

This past year, I have again been very fortunate to travel outside of Chicago to run in some fabulous Central Region races. I started the year off running in one of my favorite races on the first Saturday of January held at 2:30 PM called the S-No-W Fun Run 5 mile race. This is a great party race and if you know me, you know that I love a great party. Another great party Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 15 - race I love to run each year is the BIX-7 in Davenport, events last year. At this writing, the regional Iowa. These two races have been on my schedule to run championships for 2007 are being decided and we each year for about 20 years now. They are short enough anticipate having a full complement of races. for anyone in the family to finish without too much of a struggle and short enough to really enjoy the party after the As we approach our 50th year of promoting grass-roots race. running, the Road Runners Club of America finds itself in its best financial and operational shape in many years. My running club, the Alpine Runners and I took a bus trip to That said, there are many challenges ahead. Clubs will be run in the Rite-Aid Half Marathon and Marathon in repeatedly called on to demonstrate their relevance in a Cleveland, Ohio. I was also able to go to South Bend, running scene increasingly dominated by large, commercial Indiana and run in their Sunburst Marathon then get up the races often operated outside our member organizations. next day to run the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This year, the Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Closer to home, now that we have a complete team of state Marathon was the RRCA Central Region Half Marathon representatives assembled, it will be our mission in 2007 to Championship. I also enjoyed running in Danville, IL in the communicate more fully with the clubs about the new Howl at the Moon. It’s an 8-hour fun to run race supported RRCA efforts, such as increased support for State and by the Kennekuk Running Club. This fall I traveled back to Regional championship races and the Women’s Distance Ohio and ran in the Air force Marathon. That was a tough Festival, and an enhanced Coaches Education effort. We start and finish with a few big hills to tackle. I finished off will need to lend our energies and experience to offering my running back in Chicago to run in the Chicago Lakefront increased, relevant services to our member clubs and 50/50 in their 50K race. races. We welcome your suggestions as we continue on this journey. I hope with my position as Regional Director to help bring more visibility to the RRCA and to the rest of the running community in the central region and all over the country. I Southern Director was able to do this both by traveling to the above races and Ken Bendy, Orange Park, FL by manning a booth at the LaSalle Bank Chicago [email protected] Marathon. This RRCA visibility will help the quality of running for all RRCA clubs. 2006 was again a banner year for the Southern Region! Our Southern Region Thank you for taking part in the 50th RRCA National State Reps continued to excel as the Convention! Welcome to Chicago! region hosted a large number of State Championships and we held Southern Region Championships in Alabama, Eastern Director Arkansas, Georgia and Tennessee. Our clubs captured Brent Ayer, Frederick, MD eight of the RRCA National Awards, membership reached [email protected] a record two hundred thirty clubs and twelve of our thirteen State Reps attended the RRCA Convention hosted by the The Eastern Region of the RRCA Houston Striders. Several of our clubs held successful consists of thirteen states and the RRCA Run@Work Day events and numerous clubs held District of Columbia, located primarily in events to raise funds to help our Gulf Coast clubs that lost the north-east and middle Atlantic their equipment during the devastating hurricanes of 2005. portions of the country. These fourteen jurisdictions represent the largest number within the RRCA. We held a successful Southern Region Meeting in conjunction with the Peachtree City Classic 15K Southern With the addition of Richard Frank of the Marble Valley Region Championship in October. I also had the privilege Runners as the new Vermont State Representative, the of representing the RRCA President at the Chili Pepper Eastern Region now has a full complement of State Festival RRCA 10K National Cross-Country Championship Representatives for the first time in recent history. in Fayetteville, AR.

Some very creative undertakings have been launched We are extremely proud of the eight award nominees from within the region. In Maryland, Phil Lang has continued the the RRCA Southern Region who went on to win 2006 tradition of promoting a Grand Prix series conducted by National Awards. Congratulations to all of you! Maryland RRCA clubs, and he has used the series to ! Outstanding State Rep - Ron Macksoud - (Alabama) generate funds for a state-based Women’s Distance ! Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA Award - Harold Festival. Tinsley (Alabama) ! Nina Kuscsik Women’s Development Award - Georgia The region has faired well at the national level in terms of Hagen (North Carolina) participation in RRCA programs. Half of the six races ! Male Road Runner of the Year - Jon Williams - Gold designated as National Championship Races in 2007 are Coast Runners - (S. Florida) located within the Eastern Region: Credit Union Cherry ! Male Masters Road Runner of the Year - Sean Wade - Blossom Ten Mile Run (April 1), Debbie Green 5K Kenyan Way - (S. Texas) Run/Walk (August 4), and the Parkersburg News Sentinel ! Female Road Runner of the Year - Mindi Rice - Lake Half Marathon (August 18). Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Texas) ! Best Small/Medium Club Newsletter - Houston Striders The Sportshoe Center Maine Marathon and the (S. Texas) - “Stridelines” Miriam Terc/Steve Shepard - Chambersburg Half-Marathon were regional championship Co- Editors Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 16 - ! RRCA Road Race of the year - Vulcan Run 10K - Trish We extend our heartfelt thanks to Kim Ottaviani (FL), Jerry Portuese, Race Director -Birmingham Track Club Smith (TX), Gary Ledman (FL), Steve Rudnicki (SC), Libby (Alabama) Jones (TX), Beverly Coville (GA) and David Williams (AR) who graciously volunteered their time and expertise as We also wish to recognize those clubs and individuals who judges for the various Southern Region award categories. submitted nominations for the 2006 awards that are judged at the regional level: I was particularly pleased that our clubs submitted the names of forty-one hard working volunteers who earned RRCA Road Runner of the Year the RRCA National Volunteer Certificate Award by dedicating a minimum of 2000 hours of volunteer service to Male Road Runner of the Year their clubs and our sport. The thousands and thousands of ! Jon Williams – Gold Coast Runners (FL) hours these volunteers so willingly gave are what makes ! Rick Hanson - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. our grassroots effort in the south so strong! Texas) We are looking forward to a successful and prosperous Masters Male Road Runner of the Year year in 2007! ! Ken Hall - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Texas)

Masters Female Runner of the Year Western Director ! Bridgit Smith - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Lisa Paige, Littleton, CO Texas) [email protected]

RRCA Jerry Little Memorial Journalism Awards The West was host once again to the RRCA National Marathon E-newsletter Championship in beautiful Napa Valley, ! Pensacola Runners Association - “Rundown” California. Central California State ! Birmingham Track Club - “Vulcan Runner” Rep, James O’Donnell, added one ! South Fulton Running Partners- Unnamed state championship to his area for a total of four. John Devitt, 2004 Large Club Newsletter Outstanding State Rep and Montana State Rep, also held ! North Carolina Roadrunners Club – “The Running four state championships. Norm Haines, Southern Account” California State Rep, held one state championship in his area. The Nevada/North California State Rep and 2003 Small/Medium Club Newsletter Outstanding State Rep, David Cotter, now claims the ! Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers - “Footprints” RRCA National Ultra Running Championship, in addition to ! Amelia Island Runners - “Runners Hi” one regional and one state championship. Cece Niemczyk, ! Montgomery Runner & Track Club - “Second Wind” the State Rep from New Mexico, hosted a state ! Chattahoochee Road Runners Club - “The Road championship in Santa Fe. Joan Davis, Hawaii State Rep Runner” and 2005 Outstanding State Rep, enjoyed two state ! Wilmington Road Runners Club – “The Costal Runner” championships this year. Colorado had one state and one regional championship. ! Bradenton Runners Club - “News Makers”

Lisa Paige, Colorado State Rep since 1996 and 2002 Club Writer of the Year Outstanding State Rep, turned over the reins in Colorado to ! Ron Macksoud - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL Chris Vanoni in December. Chris is a 15-year member of Jade Currid - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL ! the Rocky Mountain Road Runners. The 2005 Rod Steele ! Nancy Beale - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL Award Winner, Ric Robinette, is also a member of the ! West Marcus - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL Rocky Mountain Road Runners. ! Joey Anderson - Montgomery Track & Running Club, AL ! Bill Pennington - Amelia Island Runners (N. Florida) Amy Daley, State Rep of Wyoming, has a new baby…she ! Andy Matthews - Tampa Bay Runners (N. Florida) became the race director for the premiere 5K in Wyoming, ! Jerry Landis - Bradenton Runners Club (S. Florida) The Casper Chase. Amy enjoyed presenting the first ! Marty Metzgar - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers (N. Wyoming State RRCA Volunteer of the Year Award with Texas) her assistant, the Governor of Wyoming. She also paced ! Thomas Okazaki - Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers Dean Karzanes as he traveled through pronghorn territory. (N. Texas) Amy also claims to have sent more Wyoming runners to the ! Greg Boncimimo - Houston Striders (S. Texas) Montana Marathon than Ryan Grubb, president of the ! Jen Kim - Houston Striders (S. Texas) Yellowstone Rim Runners, sent to the Casper Marathon. ! Aimee Solway - Houston Striders (S. Texas) ! Nancy Kral - Houston Striders (S. Texas) Marjorie Palmrose-Mace, the relatively new Oregon State Rep, submitted several entries for our annual awards The numerous other members of our Southern Region program. Margie keeps extra-busy by volunteering for her clubs who were nominated for RRCA awards categories club, the Oregon Road Runners, as treasurer. Congrats to that are not judged at the regional level will be recognized her on a BQ this year! Another relatively new State Rep, at our 2007 RRCA Convention Southern Region meeting. Steve Felde of Tucson, Arizona, keeps busy with his club, the Southern Arizona Road Runners, as it transitions Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 17 - leadership this year. Pam Reed, overall winner of and evaluation instrument needs to be developed as soon Badwater and other ultras, is a member of Steve’s club. as possible. Steve Bainbridge, the State Rep in Alaska, encourages us to join him in the Klondike Relay (110 miles, Skagway to TRANSPARENCY: Board members can be most effective Whitehorse) and the Equinox Marathon in Fairbanks. He in exercising their fiduciary responsibilities when they practically guarantees a good time! receive all relevant documents early enough prior to a meeting at which issues are to be considered and voted on Another achievement of the West is that we successfully by the Board. Board members should be satisfied that they piloted the e-newsletter competition. As a result of our have a complete and accurate understanding of issues. effort, there is a new national award. The West submitted The board needs to provide clear guidance, including four entries for 2006 to this award category. timelines, to the Executive Director to ensure that pertinent data/documents are provided to Board members for review The West is stable with club growth. Southern California prior to the Board voting on such matters. And to ensure had the largest increase of clubs by adding four members maximum accountability of Board members, I believe that clubs and one event member. with the exception of procedural matters and issues concerning which there is no disagreement that roll call votes should be taken and included in the minutes as well as statements of informed dissent by Board members who At Large Director #1 wish to explain their position on a decision made by the Bob Holmes Board. [email protected] My goals for 2007-2008 are for the Board to: HALF WAY HOME AND A LONG WAY TO GO. This was the title of a APPOINT A BY LAWS REVISION COMMITTEE: There is a commission report on the South headed need to review the By Laws and revise the document so by former Mississippi Governor William that the authority, powers, responsibilities and limitations of Winter. It is an apt description of the the Board, President and Executive Director are more condition of the RRCA in 2006-2007. There has been much clearly defined and explicitly stated. The Committee should progress made due to the hard work of the Board and the also make recommendations designed to further improve Executive Director, such as publishing FOOTNOTES and the governance of the RRCA. INSIDE TRACK, membership growth to almost 800 clubs, record revenues, establishment of several new APPOINT A COMMITTEE TO DEVELOP A partnerships/sponsors, and some large personal donations PERFORMANCE PLAN AND EVALUATION DOCUMENT: to various programs. The Executive Director and her staff This assessment Instrument needs be developed as soon have done a good job. as possible so that the Executive Director can state clearly her performance objectives for the next year, the Board can While progress has been made, there is still room for indicate its expectations, clear performance metrics can be further improvement in several areas in order to make the developed and agreed upon, and competencies in a variety RRCA a model organization and enhance its position as of areas, such as teamwork, problem solving, human the premier organization for grass roots runners in the relations, accountability, communications, leadership, fiscal United States. Several issues/challenges were identified responsibility, efficiency and others that may be included, by the Board and Executive Director in the July 2006 board can be objectively assessed and used in determining pay training session, and in subsequent board meetings, that raise, performance bonus, etc. Such an instrument is an need to be addressed. In my opinion, the following are essential tool that should be used to reward the Executive some of the most important ones. Director for exceptional performance ratings and to assist her to improve in other performance areas. GOVERNANCE; The By Laws give the Board "full control and management of the affairs of the RRCA", "authority to SCHEDULE A BOARD TRAINING SESSION: I believe the appoint an Executive Director to fulfill the duties delegated session held in July 2006 with the assistance of a facilitator or assigned by the Board", and list the powers of the was very helpful in assisting the Board to identify SWOTs President. However, there is a need to further delineate (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats), and and clarify their respective powers, roles and to begin thinking about how they might be addressed. A responsibilities concerning several policy and procedural second board training session will greatly assist the Board areas as well as decision-making processes. I would to begin planning and prioritizing an agenda to chart a long recommend that all club officers read the posted monthly range future course for the RRCA. minutes of the Board meetings as well as "the Notes" written by the Board Secretary to familiarize themselves I hope that all of the RRCA delegates enjoy the conference with Board operations so they can have a better and have a wonderful experience during their stay in understanding of and insight into Board governance Chicago matters.

BOARD SUPERVISION OF STAFF: There is a need to have periodic executive sessions, perhaps quarterly during in-person meetings, of the Board to discuss any identified issues or concerns by Board members so that feedback can be provided to the Executive Director prior to the annual performance evaluation. A staff performance plan Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 18 - Gastineau Channel from Juneau, Alaska. If you’re ever in At Large Director #2 the neighborhood, give a shout (but give me a few days to John Farrow, Albuquerque, NM get up there!). [email protected] Change was evident in the RRCA, too, as Executive This Annual Convention, my 11th, marks the Director Jean Knaack put in her first full year at the helm. I end of my second term as an at-large am impressed with what she has accomplished so far, director of the RRCA, and consequently, the bringing in new sponsorship dollars, breathing life into end of my term on the Board. This has been several dormant programs (including a new look for a memorable association and I am grateful “Footnotes”), and spreading the good name of RRCA far for the opportunity to have been of service. and wide in the running community. Membership is up and our future looks bright. My congratulations to Jean, In 2002, the RRCA faced a crisis of confidence. Many of its Jessica, and Dorothy for their many fine accomplishments! member clubs had left to join a new and competing organization called the Association of American Running At last year’s National Convention, Mr. Al Becken made a Clubs; finances were in a shambles; Footnotes was very generous gift to help fund the State Representative running a substantial deficit; many had lost confidence in program. For years, we have tried to find ways to provide the executive director and no club wanted to host the the resources necessary to enable our State reps to be Annual Convention. It was amid this atmosphere that I successful, and, just as importantly, attend the convention. came to the Board with four other very dedicated, hard- Were it not for Mr. Becken’s benevolence, we would still be working individuals. Together, and with the rest of the having quite a struggle with this. We all owe him a big Board over the past four years, we have not only pulled “THANK YOU” for the support he has given to the RRCA. away from the brink, but have taken huge strides to return to the forefront of the grass-roots running community. These past four years as an At-Large Director on the Board have been both a challenge and a reward. I have truly Today the RRCA has the largest membership in its history, enjoyed my association with fellow Directors and Officers, a membership that continues to grow; it is financially and wish the RRCA the very best in days ahead. It has sound; Footnotes has returned as a beautiful online been an honor to serve in 2006. publication; the national office is headed by a dynamic and energetic executive director in the person of Jean Knaack and clubs are bidding to host the Annual Convention in record numbers. In short, I was humbled and honored to have been given an opportunity to help turn things around, and with the help of so many of you who have always believed in the RRCA, I am proud to have been a part of the effort that has put us where we are today.

I remain a long-time member of the Albuquerque Road Runners Club and continue to write a monthly column for its newsletter, ARR News. I also continue to be involved in the Albuquerque running community by serving on the Board of Directors of the Duke City Marathon, where I am the race director for the half-marathon.

Even though this is my last Annual Convention as a member of the Board of Directors, it will certainly not be the end of my association with the RRCA as I know that next year I will be back for my 12th Annual Convention, wherever it may be held.

At Large Director #3 David Epstein, Juneau, Alaska [email protected]

Greetings from the Evergreen State! After 26 years in Alaska, my employer decided to shake things up and, last June, consolidated our west coast administrative support functions in Renton, Washington. Three more years of this and I will return to the Last Frontier, where wife Sara and I got a head start on retirement by purchasing a great home on the north end of Douglas Island, on the opposite side of Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 19 -

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 20 -

Road Runners Club of America

Working Committees

Annual Reports

Coaching - Patti Finke

National Championships - Don Kardong

Nominating Committee – Michael Hughes

Road Scholar Progra m - Carl Sniffen

State Rep Working Group - Marlene Atwood

Website - Warren Finke

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 21 - excellent events that do a great job of advertising and RRCA Coaching Director promoting their RRCA Championship designation. Patti Finke, Portland, OR [email protected] If your club organizes a significant race at one of the distances listed above, that might like the added value and Five RRCA Coaching Certification courses were held in a visibility that go with hosting a National Championship, variety of cities throughout the country in 2006: please take a look at the information and consider putting ! Houston, TX together a bid. Bid information and forms are on the RRCA ! Joliet, IL website, and I’d be happy to answer any questions you ! Gaithersburg, MD have ([email protected]). If you have an ! Clarksville, TN established event that draws an elite-level field from ! Portland, OR outside your immediate region, you have a race that might serve as an RRCA National Championship. Please Certifying coaches from those classes is still in progress. consider it, even if the official deadline has passed. While 70 new coaches were added in 2007. We have found the the new RRCA policy is to award bids at the convention for courses are more successful educationally and financially the next calendar year, we will continue to make awards when we partner with a local university or sports facility as after that if a given distance hasn't already been awarded opposed to hosting them at a hotel. We are continuing work and if there's sufficient time to make the championship on the certification manual and the annual course designation meaningful. curriculum updates. Finally, I want to thank my committee, as always, for being Five courses are planned for 2007 and we are launching very responsive to my requests for feedback. They make several continuing education classes for RRCA Certified decisions in a quick and efficient manner, which is Coaches in conjunction with the 50th Annual RRCA extremely helpful. Thanks to one and all: Mike Lundgren, Convention. The RRCA Coaching Committee announced Phil Stewart, John TenBroeck and Cynci Calvin. I also want the beginning steps of the development of an advanced to thank Jean Knaack and Jessica Sleight at the National level coaching certification which should be launched late Office for their attention to the program, which is in 2007. appreciated by me and all the events that have been selected to host an RRCA National Championship. Thanks for your support!

RRCA National Championships Don Kardong, Spokane, WA [email protected] RRCA Nominating Committee Michael Hughes, Atlanta, GA The National Championships Committee has now had a [email protected] couple of years of working under the revised, earlier bidding process, in which bids are reviewed each spring for Members of the 2007 Nominating Committee includes: events taking place the following year. Under that system, Michael Hughes - Chair, Gar Williams, Mel Williams, Susan the committee makes recommendations to the RRCA Harmeling, and Phil Stewart. Board of Directors in time for winning bids to be announced at the RRCA Convention. I think this has been an effective The following positions are up for election at the 2007 system, giving the RRCA more time to publicize its slate of annual meeting in Chicago: (2) At-Large Directors, National Championships, and winning bidders the Southern Director and Western Director. opportunity to generate excitement about their selection. The following are the recommendations of the RRCA

Nominating Committee to fill the open positions: We are also assigning National Championships in a limited number of distances each year—5K, 8K (or 5 mile), 10K, 10-Mile, half marathon and marathon on the roads; one Southern Region Director: Ken Bendy - Orange Park, FL cross-country championship (distance can vary); and one Ken retired from the U.S. Navy after a thirty- four career in ultra running championship (distance can vary). I think that aviation and works part time as a logistics manager for a consolidating has allowed the RRCA to focus better and government contractor. He has been running since 1981 make the championships more meaningful to both the host and is a member of the Florida Striders and Jacksonville organizations and the RRCA. Track Clubs where he has held various offices. Ken was appointed as North Florida RRCA State Rep in 1996, was In 2006 the RRCA had National Championships at seven the RRCA outstanding State Rep in 1999 and has attended events—the Napa Valley Marathon, HEB Bayou City 11 RRCA conventions. He served as chair of the State Rep Classic 10K, Tahoe Rim Trail 50K Endurance Run, Debbie committee from 2000 through 2005 when he was appointed Green Memorial 5K, Parkersburg News & Sentinel Half to the RRCA board filling the Southern Region Director Marathon, Annapolis Ten Mile Run, and the Chile Pepper vacancy. During that period he was instrumental in Cross Country Festival 10K. In 2007, we currently have developing the State Rep handbook and instituted the seven on the docket—the Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley improved State Rep training at the annual convention. He Marathon, LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle, Credit Union has been honored as the Jacksonville Track Club Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run, Tahoe Rim Trail 100-Mile Outstanding Volunteer and earned the RRCA National Endurance Run, Debbie Green Memorial 5K, Parkersburg Volunteer Award. Half Marathon, and the Vulcan Run. I think these are all

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 22 - Western Region Director: David Epstein - Juneau, AK Our recipients for the past year are: Samia Akbar, A native of York, Pennsylvania, David Epstein began Stephanie Bylander, Maria Cicero, Matt Gonzales, Jacob running in 1992, and has completed nine marathons. He Frey, and Nephi Tyler. For more information about our has served as Secretary, Webmaster, and President of the program, and its past recipients, check out the RRCA web Anchorage Running Club. In 1996, he helped to establish site at www.rrca.org the 5-Miler for Men’s Cancer Research, a benefit run for prostate and testicular cancer research, education, and The Roads Scholar committee takes great pride in the awareness in Alaska. David has served as the 5- Miler’s financial support the program receives from outstanding Race Director and President of the Board of Directors since running clubs, running events and individual members. its inception. David served as the Alaska State Without this support, this program could not exist. In Representative before starting his RRCA Board service. He addition, we are grateful to the executive director Jean has also serves as the appointed Secretary for the RRCA. Knaack and the RRCA board for its continuing support of He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Duke this program and the committee. University and a master’s degree in engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. David works for the The Roads Scholar program is truly one of the few Federal Aviation Administration, where he serves as programs in the country which seeks to bridge the gap for Business Services Group Manager for the Western Service post collegiate distance runners as they emerge from Area of the Air Traffic Organization. college and develop the tools necessary to compete successfully on the roads. Thanks to all of our clubs, At-Large Director I: Lisa Paige - Littleton, CO running events and individuals for their support. Lisa earned an undergraduate degree from University of Arizona in Psychology and an MBA from Northern Arizona Thanks also to our blue ribbon committee which includes University with a concentration in Informational Technology Dan Browne, Bill Rodgers, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Phil with special studies in Computer Science Engineering. She Stewart, Don Kardong, Freddi Carlip, and Deena Drossin worked has worked as a software analyst, project manager Kastor. Jeff Darman does a wonderful job spearheading and systems administrator for over twenty five years. She the fundraising efforts of the Roads Scholar program and recently completed a nutrition studies program at the providing insight and wisdom to guide the committee. University of Northern Colorado. She is working to develop a private wellness consulting practice. Lisa was the Finally, I offer a special tip of the hat to Pete Julian. Pete is Colorado State Rep from 1995-2006. She was the Western a former two time recipient of Roads Scholar funding. More Region Outstanding State Rep in 1998 and was selected recently, Pete served as the director of the USA Track and again in 2002. She received the 2002 National State Rep of Field national cross country championships in February. the Year award. Lisa is also an accomplished race director, Great competition and excellent meet organization an RRCA Certified Coach, and is renowned for her contributed to a highly successful event. It’s good to see an communication and organizational skills. She has two outstanding competitor transition into meet management. beautiful teenage daughters and a wonderful husband that has supported her work with the RRCA over the years. Keep up your support for this program and our talented, emerging elite athletes. At-Large Director II: Bob Holmes - Atlanta, GA Bob received his Ph.D. in Political Science from Columbia University. He retired in June 2005 as Distinguished Professor of Political Science and Director of the Southern RRCA Website Center for Studies in Public Policy and the W.E.B. DuBois Warren Finke, Portland, Oregon Institute at Clark Atlanta University. Bob is in his 16th term [email protected] in the Georgia House of Representatives. He is an avid runner and is a long time member of the Atlanta Track Club Current web site statistics are around 150,000 visitors and and has held numerous leadership positions in the South 440,000 page views per month. This is up over 37% from Fulton Running Partners, the oldest African American last year. running club in the nation. He has served as the race director for more than 30 road races. Bob is a recipient of In case you missed it, this fall the web site was completely the Browning Ross Spirit of RRCA Award (2003) for his redone with new navigation, graphics, organization and more than 25 years of contributions to road running. He features. Mahalo to Jean and Jessica for lots of design has served on the Board of numerous national, state and input, and getting new material to me as I needed it. We local nonprofit and civic organizations. were able to coordinate building the new site without adversely affecting the old, launching it at the same time we shut down the old site.

RRCA Road Scholar Program The most popular sections of the web site in order are the News, Calendar, Clubs, Running, Resources, Programs, Carl Sniffen, Oregon Services and Coaches. Our clubs continue to utilize our [email protected] news syndication and calendar services on their web sites which greatly increases our readership and communication. Greetings from Southern Oregon. Since its inception 11 years ago, this committee has awarded between four and In January, the annual club web site competition was held. six grants each year to emerging elite athletes. In 2004, the For complete details, please visit: annual stipend awarded to recipients increased to $5,000 http://www.rrca.org/services/awards/topsit07.htm. per recipient.

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 23 -

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 24 -

Road Runners Club of America

National Annual Awards

Committee Reports

Browning Ross Award – Freddi Carlip

Kurt Steiner Children’s Developmental Award – Don Kardong

Rod Steele Award – Dawn McEnery

Scott Hamilton Award – Bee McLeod

Nina Kuscsik Women’s Developmental Running Award – Evan Thomas

Hall of Fame Awards –Jim Oaks

Runners of the Year – Phil Lang

Inaugural Road Race of the Year – Ron Macsoud

Jerry Little Memorial Journalism Awards – Marlene Atwood

2006 National Volunteer Award Recipients

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 25 - After being away from the national scene of the RRCA for a Harold Tinsley number of years, Harold spent many hours ensuring that 2006 Browning Ross Spirit of the the RRCA continued serving the running community. During the past few years Harold has spent many hours RRCA Award working for the betterment of the RRCA. Harold and Freddi Carlip, Chair several dedicated RRCA members were concerned about the organizational shifts recommend by some in RRCA The Huntsville Track Club would like to nominate Harold leadership. Harold spent countless hours working to Tinsley for the "Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA Award." educate and inform clubs of the RRCA’s strong history and Harold Tinsley is an individual whose name is not only to encourage each member club to be an informed voice in synonymous with the Huntsville Track Club but also the shaping the future direction of the Road Runner’s Club of RRCA. America. Even when Harold and other founding members of the RRCA formed the AARC, it was done from the outset After running track and cross-country for Clemson in the not to compete with the RRCA, but as a catalyst for change late 1950s, Harold served in the Army and then began to and a reunification of grass roots running in America. And I work in the space industry in Huntsville, Alabama. It was can think of no better representative of that philosophy than here in the early 1970s that his interest in running was Harold Tinsley. Now Harold again serves the RRCA as a rekindled when the Huntsville Track Club was formed in member of the communication committee. For more than 1972. As a charter member of the HTC, he began to three decades Harold has been instrumental not only in our publish the club’s newsletter, and with the help of his wife, community, but on the national level. Harold Tinsley Louise, has continued to produce four to six issues each embodies the spirit of the RRCA. year. Two years after the formation of the HTC, our club joined the RRCA, and the following year Harold received Sincerely, national recognition when he became the first recipient of David C. Purinton the RRCA’s Rod Steele Memorial Award as the Huntsville Track Club President Outstanding Club Volunteer in the Nation. During this time Harold not only became one of the top adult runners in the Southeast, but his organizational skills and his dedication 2006 - Harold Tinsley helped make the HTC one of the outstanding running clubs 2005 - Phil Stewart in the South. In 1977, after running marathons in Atlanta, 2004 - Ken Peterson, Toledo Road Runners Club, Toledo, OH Boston and New York, Harold decided it was time for the 2003 - Dominic Ortiz state of Alabama to conduct a 26.2-mile race. The Rocket 2002 - Bob Holmes, S. Fulton Running Partners, Atlanta, GA City Marathon became that race and for the next 20 years 2001 - Nina Kuscsik Harold directed this event, and in 1996 he was presented 2000 - Ted Corbitt Road Race Management’s Race Director of the Year award for his efforts. Even after stepping down as the Rocket City Marathon director, Harold has continued his involvement in this event as a committee chair.

In 1978 Harold began his service with the RRCA when he was elected Southern Region V.P at the 22nd Annual RRCA Convention in Baltimore. He was re-elected two years later at the convention in New Orleans and was appointed to a position on the RRCA Board in 1982. In 1984 Harold was elected as President of the RRCA and served until 1986. After his presidency he continued his service to the RRCA from 1986-1988 as Vice President of Administration, and later on several committees.

While serving in these positions at the national level, Tinsley continued as Rocket City Marathon director and as HTC News editor. Either of those jobs would have been enough for most people. But probably his greatest personal honor came in 1988 when he was selected as a member of the RRCA Runners Hall of Fame. Longtime HTC member Jim Oaks, who was the chairman of the selection committee at the time, related the following story, “Browning Ross was on the selection committee at the time and each year he would ask me why I didn’t nominate Harold Tinsley. Since Harold and I were in the same club, I felt I shouldn’t use my position as chairman to push for his selection but after two years of Browning’s urging I wrote a nomination letter. Most people in the RRCA knew about his Browning Ross at AAU Championship 1954 organizational skills, but I knew him as an outstanding master competitor. In short, he was a solid choice by the committee that year.”

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 26 - Mary Klaff Janet Nissenson RRCA Kurt Steiner Children’s RRCA Rod Steele Award Developmental Award Dawn McEnery, Chair [email protected] Don Kardong, Chair [email protected] Volunteers are the key to the The Kurt Steiner Children’s success of every running club Development Award recognizes the and event. They don’t do it for contributions of an individual in money, fame or personal gain developing children’s running events but rather to give a helping hand. or programs in his or her club or Nominated this year were Dick community. and Diane Bemrose, Oregon Road Runners Club; Todd We reviewed a number of excellent Condelario, Casper Windy City Striders; Ben Dillon, North nominations this year, and selected Carolina Roadrunners Club; Moshe Fluk, Reston Runners; Mary Klaff of the Reston Runners as Earl Jacoby, Huntsville Track Club; Deborah D. Magilke, the award winner. Mary has been Yellowstone Rim Runners; Lynn Millholland, serving as Director of the Reston Runner’s Youth-in-Motion Fredericksburg Area Running Club; John Moore, Anniston Children’s Running Program, a 10-week fitness program for Runners Club; Howard Nies, Mid America Running children age 2-14. Association; Janet Nissenson, San Francisco Dolphin South End Runners; Emmett Rahl, A Running Experience Mary has devoted countless hours to organizing the Club; Chris Rios, Over the Hill Track Club and Dyanne program, and her dedication has resulted in increased Velasquez, Gold Coast Runners, community interest, strong volunteer participation (over 50 adult coaches in 2006), and great enthusiasm for running The committee consisted of Martha Harris (runner, as seen in the faces of the program’s young participants, volunteer and employee of a city-wide volunteer staffing who number over 300 each year. organization), Steve Shepard (RRCA Texas south state rep and former winner of the Rod Steele award), West Marcus She makes sure facility arrangements are made, stays in (runner, retired teacher, race director and club officer) and touch with participants and coaches by email, brings myself (Scott Hamilton recipient for 2002 and volunteer for supplies to the training sessions, leads the kids through numerous organizations). All of the volunteers gave so warm-ups, and makes sure that all kids are active, much to their clubs and scores were close for all. Certificate challenged at the appropriate level, and having fun. Her of Merit winner was Earl Jacoby of the Huntsville (AL) hard work, organization, and leadership have helped bring Track Club. Earl was described by his club president as a the program to new levels of accomplishment, and the man with a servant’s heart. He was very dedicated and RRCA is pleased to recognize her efforts by awarding her even continued to volunteer at club races the month before the Kurt Steiner Children’s Development Award. he passed away from cancer. Earl was known more by his actions than his words. If there’s someone in your club who has played an important role in developing, organizing or implementing Rod Steele Award Winner for 2006 is Janet Nissenson who children’s running programs or events, please consider was not just a figurehead in her club but active in many forwarding a nomination to the National Office next fall. aspects of her club’s programs for several years. San Francisco Dolphin South End Runners president Kevin Lee Previous winners: wrote that “Janet has been a godsend to the DSE since the ! 2006 – Mary Klaff, Reston Runners, VA day she emerged as a club volunteer.” The list of duties she has taken over required Kevin to use small type in ! 2005 – George Martin, Peachtree City Running Club, order to get it on the required one-page nomination letter. PTC, GA Some of the major duties she has undertaken are club VP, ! 2004 - Marilyn Witko Rosinski, Toledo Road Runners ordering race supplies, listing 42 club races on different Club, Toledo, OH race sites, tabulating age division places for weekly races, ! 2003 - Kim Tracanna, Florida Striders Track Club, Gala dinner and volunteer picnic coordinator. Orange Park, FL ! 2002 - Nancy Kapheim, Cornbelt Running Club, IA For their Double Dipsea Race she recruits and coordinates ! 2001 - Len Goldman, Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders, volunteers, sends out emails, course assignments and Oakland, CA orders shirts. Janet is also the Waterfront 10M/5K race ! 2000 - Lenis Tucker, Syracuse Chargers Track Club, NY director performing all aspects of the race and works at ! 1999 - Jeff Tribole, Irvine Youth Track Club, CA various assignments on race day where needed. The ! 1998 - No Nominations president has relied on her help in drawing up new race ! 1997 - Ron Creasy, Chattahoochee Road Runners Club, schedules, writing articles for the newsletter, revising race GA maps, tracking attendance for club awards, and handing ! 1996 - Anna Berdahl, Montgomery County Road officer of the day assignments. The committee recognized Runners Club, MD that some tasks might seem small but all required a considerable amount of time and energy. Janet found time ! 1995 - John MacGillivray, Raritan Valley Road Runners, to volunteer even though she had family obligations with NJ her husband and children. ! 1994 - Judy Tollner, Illinois Valley Striders, East Peoria, IL Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 27 - She initiated an executive committee proposal to help Joggers & Striders since 1985, with the last 7 years in the govern the club and have 15 members share the volunteer role of club president. workload. Her dedication has helped increase race attendance, add new race courses and increase club Under his leadership, the Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders volunteerism. The club president also nominated her in club maintained good financial strength and grew its prior years for the Rod Steele Award because her membership by 35% or 257 members. Len is a skilled dedication to club management and the sport of running is innovator and administrator, using his talents to appreciated by all club members. She is a valuable and successfully secure important charitable donations and hard working club volunteer who is not afraid to take a risk gain associations with programs like Girls on the Run. presenting new ideas to improve club efficiency and Additionally, his ability to develop and grow relationships goodwill. with local running stores and area parks & recreation organizations provides great value to his club. Janet gives some of her self to help others and won’t ask anyone to do something that she wouldn’t do herself. She Len initiated the Run for Fun program for youth and is a has a volunteer heart and enjoys the feeling that she’s strong advocate of children’s running programs within club been a part of helping others far and near. The RRCA is and the community. His commitment to youth garnered lucky to have such a wonderful volunteer to carry on Rod national recognition by the RRCA when he was named the Steele’s spirit and dedication to the sport of running. 2001 RRCA Kurt Steiner's Children's Development Award winner. 2006 - Janet Nissenson, San Francisco SE Dolphin Runners, CA Len Goldman is a most deserving recipient of the RRCA’s 2005 - Ric Robinette, Rocky Mountain Road Runners, CO Scott Hamilton Award for outstanding club president. 2004 - Steve Shepard, Houston Striders, Houston, TX 2003 - Iilonga Thandive, South Fulton Running Partners, GA 2002 - Harold Canfield, Knoxville Track Club, Knoxville, TN PREVIOUS WINNERS: 2001 - Beth Edwards, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 2000 - Evelyn White, Syracuse Chargers Track Club, NY This award honors an outstanding RRCA club president and is 1999 - Jim Oaks, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL selected by the current RRCA president. 1998 - Robert Platt, DC Road Runners Club, Washington, DC 1997 - Beth Benefield, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 2006 – Len Goldman, Lake Merrit Joggers & Striders, CA 1996 - Ted Petrillo, Utica Road Runners, Utica,NY 2005 - Neil Longhurst, Bradenton Runners Club, FL 1995 - Jim Duguay, Chattahoochee Road Runners Club, GA 2004 - Sue Brown, Calumet Region Striders, Griffith, IN 1994 - Lawrence Hills, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 2003 - Patricia A. "Trish" Portuese, Birmingham Track Club, AL 1993 - Dan Edwards, Tidewater Striders Running Club, VA 2002 - Dawn McEnery, Port City Pacers, AL 1992- Dennis Steinauer, Montgomery Cty Road Runners, MD 2001 - David Oja, Syracuse Chargers Track Club, NY 1991 - John Hort, Peninsula Track Club 2000 - Victor Nemudrov, Albuquerque Road Runners, NM 1990 - George Heagy, Starved Rock Runners, IL 1999 - Ellie Norwitch, Miami Runners Club, FL 1989 - Rick Melanson, Birmingham Track Club, AL 1998 - Irv Newman, Montgomery County Road Runners, MD 1988 - John Sissala, Montgomery Co. Road Runners Club, MD 1997 - Dori Robertson, Bloomsday Road Runners Club, WA 1987 - Charles Scribner, Maine Track Club, ME 1996 - Paul Blaum, Peachtree City Running Club, GA 1986 - Louise Tinsley, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 1995 - Sue Wurl, Northern Lights Running Club, MN 1985 - Clark Emmons, Gateway Athletics 1994 - Jim Stasaitis, Utica Roadrunners, Utica, NY 1984 - John Hickey, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 1993 - Nancy Kapheim, Cornbelt Running Club, IA 1983 - Karl Ungurean, Cornbelt Running Club, IA 1992 - Mary Anne Wehrum, Memphis Runners Track Club, TN 1982 - Don Lindley, Fort Wayne Track Club, IN 1991 - Ed Kozloff, Motor City Striders, MI 1981 - Sylvia Quinn, Bloomsday Road Runners Club 1990 - Nate White, Syracuse Chargers Track Club, NY 1980 - Alexander Saltmarsh, Turtletown AC 1989 - Paul Butzen, Fond Du Lac Running Club, WI 1979 - Jim Hartshorne, Finger Lakes Runners Club, NY 1988 - Dennis Steinauer, Montgomery Cty Road Runners, MD 1978 - Joe Kleinerman, New York Road Runners, NY 1987 - Bob Carlson, Utica Roadrunners, NY 1977 - Mel Walton, Baltimore Road Runners Club, MD 1986 - Jane Dolley, Maine Track Club, ME 1976 - Doris Ferguson, Mid-Pacific Road Runners Club 1985 - Tom Aderhold, Atlanta Track Club, GA 1975 - Harold Tinsley, Huntsville Track Club, Huntsville, AL 1984 - Norman Harris, Huntsville Track Club, AL 1983 - Steve Shostrom, Illinois Valley Striders, IL 1982 - Bill Glauz, Mid America Masters T&F Association, MO 1981 - Dick Sutton, Pikes Peak Road Runners Club, CO 1980 - Dan Caffery, Taconic Road Runners Club, NY Len Goldman 1979 - John Pendergrass, Hattiesburg Track Club, MS 1978 - Stu Levy, Greater Pittsburgh Road Runners Club, PA RRCA Scott Hamilton Award 1977 - Fred Lebow, New York Road Runners, NY Bee McLeod, Chair 1976 - Nick Costes, Troy Track Club, NY [email protected] 1975 - Ray Russell, Greater Fort Lauderdale Runners Club, FL 1974 - Don Balsamo, Greater Rochester Track Club, NY

Selection Committee: Bee McLeod (chair); Irv Newman (1998 Scott Hamilton award winner) and Sue Brown (2004 Scott Hamilton award winner) Len Goldman, 2006 winner of the Scott Hamilton Award, is no stranger to our sport and, in particular, his club. Len has served on the board of directors for the Lake Merritt

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 28 - Georgia Hagen RRCA Nina Kuscsik Women’s Developmental Running Award Evan Thomas, Chair

The Committee for the 2006 RRCA Women's Development Running Award consisted of: Evan Thomas, Annapolis Striders: former club president, former MD State RRCA Rep, 14-year leader of the club’s beginning running program; Mick Slonaker, Howard County Striders: former club President, former RRCA Eastern Rep; Penny Goldstein, Annapolis Striders: Current co-director of the club’s beginning running program and co-founder of its 10K running program.

Our choice is Georgia Hagen of the North Carolina Roadrunners Club. Georgia began the Women's Beginner Running Program 13 years ago in Raleigh. Drawing beginners who range in age from teens to seniors who represent all levels of fitness, she guides them through a 10-week program capped by the club's Women's Distance Festival 5K as a graduation "gift."

John Devitt’s Running 101 Program (Montana) She plans and recruits volunteers for up to 6 weekly runs that participants can choose from. Each week she brings in professionals to speak on a wide variety of topics. Near the end of each class, she arranges for a graduation banquet for the group where participants share what the program has meant to them: self confidence, improved fitness levels, developing long lasting friendships and great feelings of accomplishment.

Initially this program had a handful of participants, but it has grown to over 100 and is a wonderful resource for the club and a great reason why the North Carolina Roadrunners Club is in the forefront in supporting grass roots running in the community. Program graduates go on to run in all distances of road races and they continue to be involved in the running community long after the program is over.

Georgia Hagen is most worthy of the 2006 RRCA Women's Development Running Award.

Previous winners:

2006 Georgia Hagen, NC 2005 Carolin Dick, MI Marlene Atwood’s Women’s 101 Running Program (Georgia) 2004 No nominations 2003 John MacGillivray, NJ 2002 Marlene Atwood, GA 2001 Jane Serues, PA 2000 No nominations 1999 Kathrine Switzer 1998 Diane Palmason 1997 Ellea Wessel 1996 Julia Emmons, GA 1995 Henley Gibble (Gabeau), DC 1994 Nina Kuscsik, NY

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 29 - 1984. Instead, the 19-year-old took the lead of the women’s Jenny Spangler, 2006 Inductee division and finished in 2:33:52, taking the overall women’s RRCA Hall of Fame title and setting an American Junior record that still holds Jim Oaks, Chair today. [email protected] The following spring she was allowed to red shirt The RRCA Hall of Fame consists of American the track season to prepare for the Trials race in citizens who have shown long-term excellence May. Unfortunately, the high mileage finally in long distance running and/or have made caught up with Spangler and she developed a outstanding contributions to the sport. This year stress fracture that spring. Cross training two women Olympians, Jenny Spangler and allowed her to maintain fitness and she was as Judi St. Hilaire, are added to the long list of high as fifth place in the Trials race before the outstanding runners who meet those criteria. injury forced a slow down. The stress fracture had become a complete break during the race, St. Hilaire represented the U.S. in the 10,000 in but she finished - 33rd in 2:40. She had to be the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona after a long taken to the hospital after the race. career as a road runner for Athletics West that began after college in 1982. Although she ran By her senior season at Iowa, Spangler had the New York marathon in 1984 and finished recovered from her injuries enough to run fifth in 2:37:49, her greatest running strength personal bests of 9:22 for the 3,000 and 16:09 was at races from 5K to 15K. for the 5,000.

Spangler is most noted as a marathon runner After college she went back to 90 mile weeks, and has the distinction of setting an American but was still experiencing injuries. She again junior record of 2:33:52 for the distance at age qualified for the 1988 Olympic Trials with a 2:45 19 and an American master record of 2:32:39 at at Grandma’s in June of 1987, but in the age 40. But it was a marathon in 1996 at age 32 Marathon Trials race the next year was a that captured attention and many hearts in the disappointing 49th in 2:44. running community. For the next seven years, Spangler was a

Jenny Spangler was born on July 20, 1963, in forgotten runner. It appeared that she was a Monroe, Wis. She achieved prep honors as a runner at teenage marathon sensation that would have to Guilford High School in Rockford, Ill., be satisfied with her early accomplishments. However, an finishing in 1981. She finished second at intense fire burned within the heart of this the Illinois state cross country meet and outwardly mild mannered young woman. broke 11-minutes for the 2-mile as a high school senior and earned a scholarship to In 1994, within the qualifying window for the University of Iowa, graduating in 1986 the 1996 Olympic Marathon Trials race, with a degree in computer science. Later, Spangler finished the Chicago marathon while living in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2:42, well below the 2:50 standard, but Spangler earned an MBA from Samford only 61st best when she arrived in University. Columbia, S.C., in February, 1996, for the race. While at Iowa, Spangler was fortunate to have a coach who allowed her to pursue a But Spangler was well prepared and injury personal goal while a member of her free this time. She had met Willie Rios, a college team. Early in her college career coach in the Chicago area who had she told her track and cross country connections with the Santa Monica Track coach, Jerry Hassard, that she wanted to Club in California. During the cold run a marathon. As a teenager in Chicago months Spangler was able to Rockford, Spangler had been impressed take leave from her insurance job and watching runners in a local marathon and move to California to train. She came to thought it was a race that she would like to the race with confidence and enjoyed the element of surprise when she continued to try. Pictures by Victor Sailer stay in the lead pack as the race The first year Hassard told her that the kind of progressed. mileage that the marathon required was too much for a girl her age. But the next year, after the cross country season, She wore her hair in a ponytail that day and after 12 miles and with the increased interest among all women runners of the race, all the rest of the field could see was the back about the inclusion of the marathon in the Olympics for the of her head and the bobbing ponytail. Spangler won the first time in 1984, Hassard worked out a plan to allow her to race over a fairly hilly course in 2:29:54 to finally earn an train for a marathon in conjunction with her track 5,000 and Olympic berth. 10,000 workouts. Spangler said afterwards that she was hoping to make the In June, 1983, she and Hassard went to Grandma’s top three to qualify, but never dreamed of winning. “I knew Marathon in Duluth, Minn., with a goal of breaking 2:50 in coming in that being relatively unknown would help me,” order to qualify for the women’s Olympic Marathon Trials in Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 30 - she said. “If I did take off, I knew they’d let me go, believing I’d come back to them sooner or later.” Judi St. Hilaire, 2006 Inductee By August, 1996, when the Olympics were held in Atlanta, RRCA Hall of Fame Spangler had injury problems again and was unable to Jim Oaks, Chair finish the Olympic marathon. Although this was a [email protected] disappointment, another good thing happened in 1996. She and Miki Tosic, her boyfriend from the Chicago area, were Judi St. Hilaire was married. born on September 5, 1959 in St. Johnsbury, Spangler was a guest at the 2000 Olympic Trials in Vt. She attended Columbia, but she did not run the race. It seemed that her Lyndon Institute in running career was at an end. With the birth of her first Lyndon, Vt., child the following December, it appeared that the graduating in 1977 marathoner would be a mom. then ran on scholarship at the But that changed at the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon in University of Vermont, 2003. Spangler again set her sites on yet another Olympic receiving a dental Trials qualifying time and for this race she was 40. With hygiene degree in much less mileage in the bank than in previous races, but 1981. St. Hilaire still much wiser from past experience, Spangler finished in holds her college’s 2:32:39. In the process she set an American master record records for the 1500 at for women and met the “A” Olympic Trials standard by 4:25.3; the 3000 at running better than 2:40. 9:21.67; the 5000 at 16:03.6 and the The following April she made her fourth Olympic Trials 10,000 at 33:17.8. appearance and only her ninth marathon ever. In the race in St. Louis Spangler ran 2:36 for 10th place. “I’m happy After college, St. Hilaire joined the Athletics West team that with the 2:36, although I felt like I was in 2:30 shape,” was sponsored by Nike and soon became one of the top Spangler said after the run. U.S. women road racers. She was ranked third best U.S. woman by The Runner magazine for 1982 and remained Don’t be surprised if you hear nothing about Jenny among the top 6 U.S. women for the next two years. In Spangler for a few years and then she suddenly comes out 1985 she moved up to second behind Joan Samuelson. and runs a new age record for women over 50. She has During that year she finished second to Grete Waitz at the truly been a “Comeback Kid.” Peachtree 10K in 32:33, won the Utica Boilermaker 15K (50:35) and the Maggie Valley 8K (26:19) and was second “The thing I like most about running is that it has allowed at the IAAF Championship 15K in Gateshead, England, me to meet some great people and form special running 49:25. friendships,” Spangler said. “I have been impressed by the outstanding organization I have found at races and For the next three years St. Hilaire suffered a variety of appreciate the positive changes that have been made for pelvic and lower back ailments that kept her off the roads women runners since I started at age 14.” and forced her to miss a chance to attempt to qualify for the Olympics in Seoul, Korea in the 10,000 in 1988, the first Spangler currently resides in Lake Villa, Ill., with her time the women had run that distance in the Olympics. husband Miki and their 5-year-old daughter Kelli. They are members of one of the clubs in the Chicago Area Runners However, in 1989 she came back stronger than ever and Association (CARA), the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Running was ranked Runner’s World top U.S. woman for the year Club, where Miki serves as club president and Jenny is the and second in the world only to Norway’s Ingrid club coach. Kristiansen. That year St. Hilaire opened the season with a win at the Manchester Road Race and followed with three other wins at a variety of distances: Freihofer's 5K in 15:26; Peachtree 10K in 32:05 and the Tulsa Run 15K in 49:00, becoming at that time the third-fastest American woman at the distance.

In 1990, Runner’s World ranked St. Hilaire second to Maria Trujillo, who earned points in seven more races than St. Hilaire ran. In their two head-to-head competitions during the year, St. Hilaire was the winner each time. St. Hilaire’s wins that year included the Manchester Road Race, Gasparilla 15K in 49:26; Crescent City 10K in 31:54; Nike Women’s 8K in 25:10; Fall River 5K in 14:57 (a world “aided” record) and L’eggs 10K in 32:36.

Although St. Hilaire remained very competitive on the roads the next two years, she focused on track, making the U.S.

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 31 - team in the 3,000 for the World Championships in Tokyo in surgical coordinator for a local medical practice. She loves 1991 where she finished 7th in 8:44. to bake and hopes to open her own specialty shop featuring cookies and chocolate confections. “That was a real surprise for me since the 3,000 was not my event,” St. Hilaire said. “But I wanted to work on my St. Hilaire was unable to attend the RRCA Convention this speed to get my 10K times down.” year due to a previously planned family commitment for the weekend. However she was honored to be selected to the Another highlight came in June, 1992, when she, along RRCA Hall of Fame. with Lynn Jennings and Gwyn Coogan, won the three U.S. Olympic berths for the 10,000 in Barcelona. Two months “I am very grateful to be recognized for my later in the Olympic 10,000 final, she achieved her track accomplishments in a sport that I truly love and that has personal best of 31:38, finishing eight among the world’s provided me with endless opportunities,” St. Hilaire said. best. “My lengthy career could probably be summed up in six words: It’s not over ‘til it’s over! I would like to sincerely In 1993 St. Hilaire was ranked the #1 World Road Racer by thank the Road Runners Club of America for this award Track & Field News magazine after competing for only the and I hope my absence will not negate how much I first four months of that year before having to have foot appreciate it.” surgery. Highlights for that year include wins at the Grand Bahamas 5k in a PR of 15:15, the Crescent City Classic, and the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in a PR of 52:27. RRCA Hall of Fame Committee: The RRCA Hall of Fame Committee consists of 12 For the next three years she continued to run the roads and individuals representing a wide range of views, running was looking forward to hopefully making the Olympic Team interests and abilities. Each year the committee elects for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. However, a foot injury that inductees to the Hall of Fame. The committee members required surgery again plagued her and she was forced to vary in age and come from well-disbursed geographic take a break, but never claimed to be retired from a sport regions. The Committee includes Amby Burfoot (PA), Alvin she loved. Guttag (MD), Jacqueline Hansen (CA), Joe Henderson (OR), Doris Brown Heritage (WA), Don Kardong (WA), Jim “There was no enjoyment in it at all, I had so many Oaks (AL), Tom Osler (NJ), John Parker (FL), Lisa injuries,” St. Hilaire told Gordon Bakoulis in an interview in Weidenbach Rainsberger (CO), Steve Shostrom (IL) and 2001. “In '96 when I was trying to make the Olympic team I Ken Young (CA). Eight of the 12 committee members are developed the neuroma problem. That was the straw that themselves members of the RRCA Hall of Fame. broke the camel's back.” The final ballot this year also included Mary Etta (Boitano) In 1998 and 1999 St. Hilaire provided personal training for Blanchard, Beth Bonner, Julia Emmons, William Fortune, women and one of her most satisfying accomplishments in Bob Kennedy, Gary Moss, Joie Ray, Ric Robinette, and that endeavor occurred while working with a 50-year-old Todd Williams. This list included top finishers from last woman who “hated to sweat” and had never run a step in year, nominations from RRCA members, and new her life. Her client learned to enjoy hour long runs and that nominations from committee members. sweating wasn’t such a bad thing! St. Hilaire also worked as an assistant coach at Case High School in Somerset, Nominations from RRCA clubs and individual RRCA Mass., coaching a promising young runner, Sheela members are welcome, but please remember that the Hall Agrawal. As a senior Agrawal finished second in both the of Fame focuses on competitive racing and outstanding mile and 2-mile at the High School Nationals and later ran contributions to the sport of long distance running on the on an athletic scholarship at Duke University. national level. Each nomination should be on one typed page. As a general policy, we will consider no more than “I’m proud of my work with Sheela,” St. Hilaire said. “Much two nominees per individual. like myself, she was very injury prone. It was a challenge to manage her training that allowed her to improve from a Please consider whether the individual you wish to 5:10 PR mile to a 4:45 PR, while at the same time nominate most appropriately belongs in the Hall of Fame or preventing injuries. It was also while running workouts with in some other category of RRCA awards, such as her that I began to think about racing again when I turned journalism, club worker, or club leadership. 40.” 2006 – Jenny Spangler, Judi St. Hilaire By the time St. Hilaire turned 40 in late 1999, she was 2005 – Deena Drossin Kastor, Meb Keflezighi ready for master competition and in 2000 and 2001 she 2004 - Keith Brantly, Steve Spence enjoyed top master finishes at the Peachtree Road Race, 2003 - Helen Klein, Lisa Rainsberger the Beach to Beacon 10K, the Falmouth Road Race, the 2002 - Bob Kempainen, Kathy O’Brien Ro-Jack's 5-Mile, and the Providence 5-K, and was the 2001 - Patti Dillon, Herb Lindsay National Masters 5K champion at the Freihofer’s Run for 2000 - Miki Gorman, Greg Meyer Women 5K both years. 1999 - Mark Curp, John Tuttle 1998 - Gerry Lindgren, Tony Sandoval “I guess my running career lasted as long as it did because 1997 - Benji Durden, Doug Kurtis I had those forced breaks due to injuries,” St. Hilaire said. 1996 - Kim Jones, Jon Sinclair 1995 - Ed Eyestone, Jerry Kokesh, Pete Pfitzinger She and her husband Paul Coogan, who she married in 1994 - Ann Trason, George Young 1989, live in Somerset, Mass., where she works as a 1993 - Julie Brown, Amby Burfoot, Marion Irvine Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 32 - 1992 - Jack Bacheler, Norm Green, Mary Decker Slaney The winner of the Women's Open RRCA Road Runner of 1991 - Jeff Darman, Jeff Galloway, Ted Haydon the Year is Mindi Rice who is a member of the Lake 1990 - Barry Brown, Lynn Jennings, Fred Lebow Grapevine Runners and Walkers and she lives in 1989 - Pat Porter, Alberto Salazar, Max Truex Lewisville, TX. She was nominated by Kelly Richards. 1988 - Dick Beardsley, Herb Lorenz, Sy Mah, Harold Mindi just began running in 2005. As a PE teacher she Tinsley was assigned to coach the long distance runners at the 1987 - Garry Bjorklund, Cheryl Flanagan, Thomas Hicks, school. She was surprised who much she liked it and was Kenny Moore very good at it. She broke 19 minutes for a 5k, 40 minutes 1986 - Bill Bowerman, Hugh Jascourt, Don Kardong, for a 10k, 60 minutes for a 15k and in her first half Francie Larrieu Smith marathon she ran a 1:28:50 and placed 2nd in the Dallas 1985 - Nick Costes, Ron Daws, Doris Brown Heritage White Rock Half Marathon. 1984 - Henley Roughton Gabeau, Gordon McKenzie, Alex Ratelle, John "Jock" Semple, Louis White The winner of the Men's Master's RRCA Road Runner of 1983 - Clive Davies, Jacqueline Hansen, Joan Benoit the Year is Sean Wade who is a member of the Kenyan Samuelson, Kathrine Switzer, Bob Schul, Craig Virgin Way and he lives in Houston, TX. He was nominated by 1982 - Ed Benham, Paul de Bruyn, Gabe Mirkin Steve Shepard. Sean ran for New Zealand in the 1996 1981 - William Agee, William "Billy" Mills, Roberta Gibb- Atlanta Olympics Marathon. He went to many of the major Welch races around the country and typically posted age graded 1980 - Hal Higdon, Steve Prefontaine, Ken Young ratings over 90. He was the 2nd master at Falmouth, 1979 - Ruth Anderson, Nina Kuscsik, Thomas Osler, Cooper Bridge, Gate River and Crim but won Boilermaker, William Steiner Bay to Breakers, Bloomsday, Crescent City, Carlsbad, 1978 - Joe Henderson, Ray Sears, Gar Williams Azalea Trail, Virginia Beach and Peachtree. 1977 - John Hayes, Bill Rodgers, Aldo Scandurra 1976 - Eino Pentti, Greg Rice, Frank Shorter The winner of the Women's Master's RRCA Road Runner 1975 - R. E. Johnson, George Sheehan, Curtis Stone of the Year is Sarah Keller who is a member of the 1974 - Horace Ashenfelter, Don Lash, Joseph McCluskey Rimrunners and she lives in Billings, MT. She was 1973 - Pat Dengis, Leslie Pawson, Mel Porter, Charles nominated by Ryan Grubb. Sarah ran a 3:11 marathon in Robbins, Fred Wilt Carlsbad and was the 8th master at Falmouth. She 1972 - Tarzan Brown, Victor Dyrgall, James Hinky Henigan, competed well in some multi sport events like the Baja Half Peter McArdle, Paul Jerry Nason Ironman, Timberman Half Ironman, Moonlight Basin 1971 - Ted Corbitt, Fred Faller, Louis Gregory, John A. XTERRA Peaks to Prairie Duathlon and the Make it Hurt on Kelley, Joseph Kleinerman the Dirt Triathlon. 1970 - Bob Campbell, Clarence DeMar, Leonard "Buddy" Edelen, John J. Kelley, Browning Ross

Vulcan 10K Run, Birmingham, AL RRCA Runners of the Year Inaugural Road Race of the Year Phil Lang, Chair Race Director: Trish Portuese [email protected] The Vulcan Run is produced by the Birmingham Track Open Male- Jon Williams Club, a nonprofit organization of the RRCA. The BTC Gold Coast Runners - Davie, FL manages over 15 races in the Birmingham area each year. The Vulcan Run was run Saturday, November 4, 2006. Open Female - Mindi Rice Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers - Grapevine, TX Race highlights include: ! $2,500 Cash Awards to top finishers Master’s Male - Sean Wade ! 10K Road Race USATF Certified Course - AL96008JD The Kenyan Way - Houston, TX ! RRCA Southern Region 10K Championship ! A Running Journal Grand Prix Event Master’s Female - Sarah Keller ! A BTC Grand Prix Event Yellowstone Rimrunners - Billings, MT ! Door prize give-aways ! Electronic timing system for official scoring of race Tony Flesch from the Lake Grapevine Runners and participants Walkers in Texas and Phil Lang from the Howard County Striders in Maryland were the committee for the RRCA The 10K course starts at Boutwell Auditorium and winds Road Runners of the Year. through the very flat part of downtown and heads out towards the rolling hills of Historical Birmingham. Runners The winner of the Men's Open RRCA Road Runner of the head up to Highland Avenue as they overlook the golf Year is Jon Williams who is a member of the Gold Coast course. The course winds past the stately homes of Runners and he lives in Miami, FL. He was nominated by Highland Avenue, then takes a final turn onto 20th Street, Renee' Grant. Jon runs every day, literally, and races racing downhill, beneath the majestic buildings of multiple times a week. He won more than a dozen races in downtown to the finish line at Linn Park and the post race 2006 and ran a PR of 2:45:37 for the marathon in ceremony inside Boutwell Auditorium. Columbus. Other solid efforts in his home state included finishing 3rd in the Seven Mile Bridge Run in the Keys and 11th in the Bank of America Marathon in Tampa. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 33 -

RRCA Jerry Little Memorial SMALL CLUB (Small/Medium combined in 2006) Journalism Awards ! 2006 - “Stridelines”, Houston Striders, Houston, TX Marlene Atwood, Chair ! 2005 - "Legacy", Peachtree City Running Club, [email protected] Peachtree City, GA ! 2004 - The Road Runner, Chattahoochee Road Runners The RRCA Journalism Awards Committee is pleased to Club, GA announce the 2006 winners of the Jerry Little Memorial ! 2003 - Soonar Soundings, Pamakid Running Club, CA Journalism Awards and the RRCA Journalistic Excellence ! 2002 - Footprints, Southern Colorado Runners Club, Award. Pueblo, CO ! 2001 - In Passing, Second Wind Running Club, IL Committee members include: Marlene Atwood, Chair and ! 2000 - Stridelines, Houston Striders, Kristin Bucher, TX previous National Medium Sized Newsletter Award winner; ! 1999 - In Passing, Second Wind Running Club, Dave Janet Dixon, Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers; Gail Scott, IL Kislevitz, 2006 Journalism Excellence winner, and Amby ! 1998 - After The Run, High Desert Wind Runners, Jean Burfoot, Senior Writer, Runners World Magazine. A special Gallegos, NM thanks to the committee for their time and expertise in judging these awards. ! 1997 - Footprints, Southern Colorado Runners Club, Gary Franchi, CO ! 1996 - Arkansas Runner, Saline County Striders, Gary The winners are: Ballard and Pete Ireland (Editors), AR ! 1995 - Footprints, Southern Colorado Runners Club, Small/Medium Club Newsletter Award Gary Franchi (Editor), Pueblo, CO ! “Stridelines” - Miriam Terc, editor - Houston Striders - ! 1994 - Runnin' On, Asheville Track Club, Jim Curwen Houston, TX (Editor), Asheville, NC ! 1993 - White Mountain Milers Newsletter, White Large Club Newsletter Award Mountain Milers, Roger Marcoux, NH ! “On the Fly” - Liz Call, editor - New York Flyers - New ! 1992 - Newsmakers, Bradenton Runners Club, Owen York, NY Heatwole, FL ! 1991 - Coastal Runner, Wilmington Roadrunners Club, Inaugural Electronic Newsletter Award David Stubbs, NC ! “News Run” - Sandy Walton, editor - Maine Track Club - ! 1990 - Willimantic Athletic Club, Willamantic, CT Portland, ME ! 1989 - In Passing, Second Wind Running Club, Lezli Austen, IL Club Writer Award ! 1988 - The Pacesetter, Greater Fort Lauderdale ! Michael Shafai - Pikes Peak Road Runners - Colorado Runners Club, FL Springs, CO ! 1987 - Stride Right, Florida Striders Track Club, Glen Becker, FL Journalistic Excellence ! 1986 - Soonar Soundings, Pamakid Running Club, John ! Jonathon Beverly - Running Times Magazine Medinger, CA

We would also like to congratulate the following regional MEDIUM CLUB winners who competed in the national competition: ! 2005 - “News Run”, Maine Track Club, Portland, ME

! 2004 - RTC News, Rochester Track Club, MN Club Newsletter: ! 2003 - Stridelines, Houston Striders, TX ! Star City Striders, Roanoke, VA – Footsteps ! 2002 - The Footprint, Lake Grapevine Runners and ! Pamakid Runners, San Francisco -Soonar Soundings Walkers, TX ! North Carolina Road Runners, Raleigh, NC - Running ! 2001 - Albuquerque Road Runners, NM Account ! 2000 - Inside Track, Fort Wayne Track Club, Linda ! Loma Linda Lopers, Loma Linda, CA - Lopergram Ianucilli, IN ! Pensacola Runners Association, Pensacola, FL - ! 1999 - Florida Track Club Newsletter, Florida Track Rundown Club, Laura Howard, FL ! East Bay Frontrunners & Walkers, Berkeley, CA - Up ! 1998 - The Road Runner, Chattahoochee Road Runners Front Club, Marlene Atwood, GA

! 1997 - Starting Lines, Greater Lowell Road Runners, Club Writers: Laura Lapierre, MA ! Karen Vessy, Fredericksburg, VA - Fredericksburg Area ! 1996 - Second Wind, Montgomery Track and Running Running Club Club, Ron Macksoud and Alesa Ryals (Editors), AL ! Ron Macksoud, Birmingham, AL, Birmingham Track ! 1995 - Running Briefs, Bloomsday Road Runners Club, Club Joan Pribnow (Editor), Spokane, WA

Journalism Excellence: ! 1994 - Footprints, Houston Area Road Runners Association, Jerry Smith (Editor), Houston, TX ! Jim Hage – DC Road Runners Club, Washington Post ! 1993 - Starting Lines, Greater Lowell Road Runners, Dave Camire, MA History - Jerry Little Journalism Award Winners Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 34 - LARGE CLUB ! 2003 - Michael Selman, Chattahoochee Road Runners ! 2006 - “On the Fly” - Liz Call, editor - New York Club, GA Flyers - New York, NY ! 2002 - Jeff Recker, Mesa-Monument Striders, Grand ! 2005 - "Footnotes", Knoxville Track Club, Knoxville, TN Junction, CO ! 2004 - Footprints, Toledo Road Runners Club, OH ! 2001 - Mike Doyle, Maine Track Club, ME ! 2003 - Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running Club, CA ! 2000 - Michael Musca, Maine Track Club, ME ! 2002 - San Diego Running, San Diego Track Club, CA ! 1999 - Dave O'Brien, Badgerland Striders, WI ! 2001 - Footnotes, Knoxville Track Club, TN ! 1998 - John Farrow, Albuquerque Road Runners, NM ! 2000 - The Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running ! 1997 - Bob Kopac, Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club, NY Club, David Creek, CA ! 1996 - Bernie Greene, writing in The Rundown, ! 1999 - Oregon Distance Runner, Oregon Road Runners Montgomery County Road Runners Club, MD Club, Lani Johnson, OR ! 1995 - Timothy Martin, writing in Six Rivers Newsletter, ! 1998 - Footprints, Houston Area Road Runners Six Rivers Running Club, Arcata, CA Association, Jerry Smith, TX ! 1994 - Michael deLisle, writing in FootNotes, Knoxville ! 1997 - The Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running Track Club, Knoxville, TN Club, Cynci Calvin, CA ! 1993 - Don Herres, Finger Lakes Runners Club, NY ! 1996 - The Rundown, Montgomery County Road ! 1992 - Sam Pizzigatti, Montgomery County Road Runners Club, Kari Keaton (Managing Editor), MD Runners Club, MD ! 1995 - The Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running ! 1991 - Reid Champagne, Atlanta Track Club, GA Club, Cynci Calvin (Editor), Sacramento, CA ! 1994 - FootNotes, Knoxville Track Club, Michael deLisle (Editor), Knoxville, TN JOURNALISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD ! 1993 - The Oregon Distance Runner, Oregon Road Runners Club, Mary Smith, OR This award, created in 1974, is given to a professional ! 1992 - The Buffalo Enquirer, Buffalo Chips Running writer who has made the most notable contribution to the Club, Laura Kulsik/Carol Parise, CA literature of distance running. ! 1991 - The Wingfoot, Atlanta Track Club, Penny Kaiser, GA 2006 - Jonathon Beverly ! 1990 - The Rundown, Montgomery County Road 2005 - Gail Kislevitz Runners Club, Bob Dilorio, MD 2004 - Weldon and Robert Johnson, letsrun.com ! 1989 - The Track Time News, St. Louis Track Club, 2003 - Joe Henderson Dawn Mayer, MO 2002 - John Brant ! 1988 - FootNotes, Knoxville Track Club, Patti Smith, TN 2001 - George Hirsch, Runner's World ! 1987 - The Rundown, Montgomery County Road 2000 - John Bingham Runners Club, Mark Ciamarra, MD 1999 - Ryan Lamppa 1998 - Richard Benyo ! 1986 - Master Pieces, Mid-America Masters, Russ 1997 - Joe Concannon Niemi, KS 1996 - Joe Henderson ! 1985 - Arizona Road Racer, Arizona Road Racers, 1995 - Tom Derderian, Boston Marathon Amos Childers, AZ 1994 - Jim Ferstle, St. Paul, MN ! 1984 - Baltimore RRC Newsletter, Baltimore Road 1993 - Toni Reavis Runners Club, Allan Field, MD 1992 - Owen Anderson ! 1983 - Minnesota Distance Runner, Minnesota Distance 1991 - Jeff Galloway Running Association, Jim Ferstle, MN 1990 - Paul Christman ! 1982 - The Pace Setter, Hudson Mohawk Road Runners 1989 - Dr. Kenneth Cooper Club, Donald Wilken, NY 1988 - John Parker ! 1981 - HTC News, Huntsville Track Club, Harold & 1987 - Phil Stewart Louise Tinsley, AL 1986 - Marlene Cimons ! 1981 - New York Road Running News, New York Road 1985 - Ed Ayers and Don Kardong Runners, Merle Myerson, NY 1984 - Bert and Cordner Nelson ! 1981 - Tracking, Kansas City Track Club, Judy 1983 - Mark Bloom Scammon, KS 1982 - Eric Olsen 1981 - Amby Burfoot 1980 - Hal Higdon CLUB WRITER 1979 - Kenny Moore 1978 - Joe Henderson This award recognizes top club writers. The articles should 1977 - James Fixx be about running and should be memorable, creative and 1976 - Joan Ullyot evocative. 1975 - George Sheehan 1974 - John Chodes ! 2006 - Michael Shafai - Pikes Peak Road Runners - Colorado Springs, CO ! 2005 - Wilma DePiore, Youngstown Road Runners, Youngstown, OH ! 2004 - Laura Kulsik Yasso, Lehigh Valley Road Runners, PA

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 35 - RRCA National Volunteer ! Gail Johnson - Rome Runners Club ! Donna Blackburn - Rome Runners Club Certificate Awardees ! CW Wilson - South Fulton Running Partners ! JT Franks - South Fulton Running Partners ! Bobby Sasberry - South Fulton Running Partners The success of the RRCA and its clubs and events is Ken Wright - Northwest Florida Track Club based on volunteerism. Since its inception in 1958, the ! RRCA has relied on the spirit of volunteers to carry out ! Marie Spayde - Northwest Florida Track Club programs, find sponsors, hand out water, work finish lines ! John Spayde - Northwest Florida Track Club and many other necessary and important tasks. It is in recognition of these volunteers that the RRCA developed WESTERN REGION: the Volunteer Award Certificates. Without volunteers our ! Mary Cooper - San Luis Distance Club clubs and events would not be as successful at promoting ! Nancy Steinmaus - San Luis Distance Club grassroots running. The RRCA would like to congratulate ! Neil Wilcox - San Luis Distance Club the following individuals for 2000 hours of service to their ! Michael Baumann - Visalia Runners clubs over the years. ! Craig Wheaton - Visalia Runners ! Bobby Coburn - Visalia Runners CENTRAL REGION: ! Deana Coburn - Visalia Runners Anthony Parish -Youngstown Road Runners ! Pam Harder - Yellowstone Rim Runners Carolyn DeChristofaro - Youngstown Road Runners ! Deirdre Schafnitz - Yellowstone Rim Runners J.R. Timcisko - Youngstown Road Runners ! Wayne Not Afraid - Yellowstone Rim Runners ! Todd Condelario - Casper Windy City Striders EASTERN REGION: ! Pete Zellner - Casper Windy City Striders ! Keith Hoy - River City Runners Club ! Paul Sorenson - Casper Windy City Striders ! John Huelse - River City Runners Club ! Diane Bemrose - Oregon Road Runners Club ! Kathleen Daly - Rockland Road Runners ! Dick Bemrose - Oregon Road Runners Club ! Lawrence Wolf - Rockland Road Runners ! George Sacco - DSE Runners ! Alison and Brian Luscher - Rockland Road Runners ! John Blankenship - DSE Runners ! Mr. John Weitz - Freehold Area Running Club ! Victor Nemudrov - Albuquerque Road Runners ! Mr. Don Spadola - Freehold Area Running Club ! Kennalee Nemudrov - Albuquerque Road Runners

! Larry Mounger - Albuquerque Road Runners SOUTHERN REGION:

! George Martin - Peachtree City Run Club ! Teri Besch - Peachtree City Run Club ! Carolyn Gulick - Peachtree City Run Club ! Lee Baughman - Houston Striders ! Pam Paling - Houston Striders ! Lisa Ruthven - Houston Striders ! Herb Dykes - Wilmington Road Runners

! Charles Alden - Carolina Godiva Track Club

! Jim Clabuesch - Carolina Godiva Track Club ! Carolyn Huettel - Carolina Godiva Track Club ! Tim Vinson - Florida Track Club ! Cynthia Brochu - Florida Track Club ! James Salvo - Florida Track Club ! Esther Van Duzee - Bradenton Runners Club ! Rae Ann Darling Reed - Bradenton Runners Club ! Ben Dillon - North Carolina Roadrunners Columbus Track Club, GA – National Volunteer Certificate Recipients ! Eric Johnson - North Carolina Roadrunners ! Elizabeth Aiken - North Carolina Roadrunners ! Anne Cassara - Augusta Striders ! Elaine Cornwell - Carpet Capital Running Club ! Woody Cornwell - Carpet Capital Running Club RRCA Website Awards ! Brad DeLay - Carpet Capital Running Club Warren Finke, Chair ! Brian Luedtke - Columbus Track Club [email protected] ! Karen Hurley - Columbus Track Club ! Dr. Ed Lopez - Columbus Track Club Large Club ! Johnny Buice - Douglas County Rogue Runners Capital Striders - http://www.capitalstriders.org - Des ! Alicia Milner - Douglas County Rogue Runners Moines, IA ! Amy Koenders - Douglas County Rogue Runners ! Ken Carr - Emerald City Fitness Club Small/Medium Club ! John McCusker - Foothills Running Club Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders - http://www.LMJS.org - ! Lea King - Golden Isles Track Club Oakland, CA ! Chris Connolly - Golden Isles Track Club ! Mike Tennent - Golden Isles Track Club

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 36 -

Road Runners Club of America

State Representatives

State Rep Working Group (SRWG) Roster

State Representative of the Year

State Rep Annual Reports

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 37 -

Road Runners Club of America

State Rep Working Group (SRWG)

The SRWG is a group of state representatives representing the eastern, central, southern, and western regions of the country. Together with their regional directors, they meet quarterly to discuss issues, upcoming initiatives,

state rep training and mentoring, and various other topics. The SRWG serves in an advisory capacity and assists the national office in helping carry out initiatives. State reps should feel free to contact any member of this group with ideas or concerns.

Marlene Atwood, Georgia State Rep – Chair [email protected]

David Cotter, Nevada/N. California State Rep

[email protected]

Phil Lang, Maryland State Rep

[email protected]

Gary Morgan, Michigan State Rep [email protected]

John Devitt, Montana State Rep

[email protected]

Advisors:

Central Director Beth Onines Eastern Director Brent Ayer

Southern Director Ken Bendy Western Director Lisa Paige

Jean Knaack, Executive Director

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 38 - ! Personally represented the Regional Director at two Ron Macksoud Regional Championships and attended every 2006 RRCA Outstanding State championship throughout the state. ! Ten Championships are currently scheduled for 2007 Representative of the Year including a National and two Regional Championships. Bee McLeod, Chair [email protected] CLUB/RUNNING ACTIVITIES AND HONORS: Nomination by Ken Bendy: It is with great pleasure that I submit ! Editor of the Montgomery Track & Running Club’s bi- Alabama State Rep Ron Macksoud monthly newsletter, Second Wind. as the Southern Region’s selectee ! Club public relations coordinator-interfaces with club for the RRCA 2006 Outstanding members, local running stores and the media. State Representative Award. Ron is ! Recruited several new club members and was an extremely active state instrumental in a large number of club membership representative who thoroughly renewals. enjoys his RRCA volunteer role and ! Volunteered at numerous club races attended the vast considers it an honor. Ron hit the majority of club meetings. ground running when he was ! Chaired the prize committee for the club's annual appointed Alabama State Rep in Christmas Party. Ran over 20 races this year. Formed 2003 and has set the standards for the "Shakers”, a group that not only provides running other state reps to emulate as motivation and inspiration, but also created strong, evidenced by the following genuine, and enduring friendships. accomplishments and accolades: ! Co-editor of Club RRCA Southern Region’s Best Small Club editor in 1995 and 1996 newsletter. The newsletter RRCA ACTIVITIES: was also awarded the RRCA Best Small Club Newsletter in 1996. ! Attended and actively participated in eight RRCA ! Club newsletter received Regional Honorable Mention Conventions. six times with Ron as editor. ! Wrote an article entitled “2005 RRCA Convention A to Z” for the RRCA’s Publication “FOOTNOTES”. There is no finer State Rep than Ron Macksoud! He has ! Attended the RRCA 2006 Southern Region Meeting in my strongest possible endorsement and recommendation Peachtree City, GA. for the 2006 Outstanding State Rep of the Year honor. ! Selected to chair the RRCA National Road Race of the Year Awards Committee. Selection Committee: Bee McLeod (chair); David Cotter ! Selected as the Southern Region’s Outstanding State (2003 State Rep of the Year award winner and State Rep Representative in 2004, 2005 and 2006. for Northern California and Nevada ), Tom Fort (Delaware ! Selected as the Southern Region’s nominee for the 2006 State Rep and past RRCA Secretary Treasurer) Club Writer national awards competition. Previous State Reps of the Year COMMUNICATIONS/CONTACTS: 2006 Ron Macksoud Alabama Southern ! Produced and e-mailed six Alabama State Rep 2005 Joan Davis Hawaii Western Newsletters during the year. 2004 John Devitt Montana Western ! Followed up on all information sent from the national 2003 David Cotter N. Cal/NV Western office to insure all club received and understood it. 2002 Lisa Paige Colorado Western ! Regularly communicated with his clubs via email, phone 2001 George Rehmet California Western calls and met in-person with the presidents of seven 2000 Marlene Atwood Georgia Southern Alabama clubs. 1999 Ken Bendy Florida Southern ! Expanded his list of club contacts to not only include 1998 Scott Christopher Louisiana Southern presidents, but other officers and contacts given to him 1997 Don Still Arkansas Southern by the presidents. 1996 Joanne Smith Pennsylvania Eastern ! Responded to inquiries from clubs in a timely and 1995 Beverly Coville Georgia Southern informative manner. 1994 Laura Kulsik California Western ! Actively promoted the RRCA Web site, including 1993 Yvonne Lee Louisiana Southern FOOTNOTES, as well as the RRCA Convention, Run at 1992 David Harrison Virginia Eastern Work Day, and issued reminders about membership 1991 David Samuel Arkansas Southern renewals. 1990 Judy Tillapaugh Indiana Central 1989 Freddi Carlip Pennsylvania Eastern CHAMPIONSHIPS: 1988 Stan Rosenfield California Western 1987 Bill Marable South Carolina Southern ! Extremely proactive in promoting and selling the 1986 Carl Johnson North Carolina Southern program to Alabama clubs. Ron is the “Champion of 1985 John Sissala Maryland Eastern Championships”. 1984 Al Becken Texas Southern ! Alabama led the nation in the number of RRCA State and Regional Championships with a total number of 12.

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 39 - Ron Macksoud As the club public relations coordinator, I send out e-mail reminders to club members regarding various activities and State Rep - Alabama contact the local media to help in publicizing club races. I [email protected] have recruited a couple of new club members and was instrumental in a large number of club membership renewals. I worked as a volunteer at three club races this RRCA CHAMPIONSHIPS: Alabama led the nation in the year and attended nearly every club meeting. I am in number of RRCA Championships in 2006 with 12, including charge of the prize giveaways during the club's annual two Southern Regionals for the 5K and 10K. State Christmas Party. Championships were held for the following distances: 5- Mile, Marathon, 5K, 15K, 10-Mile, 6K, 2-Mile, 10K, 1-Mile, PERSONALLY SPEAKING: I was honored to be selected and Half Marathon. I ran in six of the championships, 2006 Southern Region and National State Representative of including both regionals, and attended another. Eleven the Year, as well as Southern Region Club Writer of the RRCA championships have been scheduled for 2007, so far, Year. I ran 23 races in 2006, including my longest career including the RRCA National 10K Championship and distances of 8.2 miles and 15K. I also ran in my first Southern Regionals for the 5-Mile and 15K. State marathon, albeit, as part of a five-person relay team. I ran Championship distances awarded for 2007 are: Marathon, a 10K leg. I am especially proud of my continuing Half Marathon, 10K, 15K, 5K, 1-Mile, 8K, and 10-Mile. By association with a running group I formed about two years researching Alabama RRCA club race calendars, I have ago called the "Shakers," consisting of myself and five been very proactive in encouraging Alabama RRCA clubs to others. It is a group that provides not only running host championships by contacting them and suggesting motivation and inspiration, but also, strong, genuine, and that a bid be made for a particular race. I also have done enduring friendships. my best to rotate championships among the clubs to try to provide variety to the championship schedule and not have the same clubs and events serving as hosts year after year. Steve Bainbridge Only two events from 2006 are again serving as state championships in 2007. State Rep - Alaska [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS/CONTACTS: I sent out five e-mail

Alabama State Rep newsletters during 2006 and forwarded Greeting from the State of Alaska! information from the national office when I deemed it This is a totally amazing state… with an area of over appropriate. I also sent out occasional e-mail reminders 570,000 square miles and a population of only 621,000 not in newsletter form and responded to questions sent to people! At one point in time {before the Governor made a me by e-mail. Within my communications, I have proclamation to have Alaska’s time zones “consolidated” promoted the RRCA Web site, including FOOTNOTES, as into one}, the State of Alaska encompassed four time well as the RRCA Convention, Run at Work Day, and zones. And it is not an easy drive to get across all the time reminders about membership renewals. I met in-person zones. Roads in Alaska are few and far between. Planes with the presidents of eight Alabama clubs and talked to a are the favored method of transportation to get to and few by telephone during the year. I attended the Anniston from most of Alaska’s “cities”. A person cannot drive to Runners Club awards banquet. I have expanded my list of Juneau, the State capital, and home of the Southeast Road club contacts to not only include presidents, but other Runners. And it is impossible to drive to Prince of Wales officers and contacts given to me by the presidents. I feel Island or Ketchikan, the home of the Prince of Wales I have done an excellent job of making myself "visible" Runners Club and the Ketchikan Running Club. Ferries and among my clubs and they definitely know that I am an airplanes are the only way in and out of these Southeast active state representative who greatly enjoys my RRCA communities. volunteer role and considers it an honor.

OTHER RRCA ACTIVITIES: I attended the 2006 RRCA In total, there are 8 RRCA clubs in Alaska, representing Convention in Houston and ran in the RRCA National 10K over 1100 members. Two of Alaska’s clubs are “event Championship held in conjunction with the event. I also clubs”, the 5-Miler for Men’s Cancer Research and the attended the RRCA Southern Regional Meeting in Peachtree Alaska Run for Women. These are events that take place City, Georgia and ran the RRCA 15K Southern Region in Anchorage, the State’s largest city. The Anchorage Championship the same day. The National RRCA Office Running Club is also an RRCA member, as well as the selected me to chair the committee to select ROAD RACE “Valley Women’s Running Team, which calls Wasilla, Alaska OF THE YEAR, a new national award category. This RRCA its home. At the northern end of the state, near latitude Convention in Chicago marks my fifth consecutive 64, lies Fairbanks, Alaska, home of “Running Club North”, convention and is the ninth in the past 12 years. which features a year-round calendar of running and snowshoe events, including the famous Equinox Marathon, CLUB DUTIES: I am the editor of the Montgomery Track & a wonderful trail marathon which may not be a Boston Running Club print newsletter, Second Wind. I put Qualifier, but can’t be beat for the awesome views and together six issues a year, almost single-handedly, friendly folks. including taking many of the photos, contributing a column called In the Flash, compiling race results and race So come on up to Alaska for a visit … whether to run under calendars, soliciting original articles from club members, the “midnight sun” in the months of June and July, or to coordination with the printer, and getting the newsletters run under the northern lights in the months of December mailed out after labeling them and putting on the stamps. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 40 - and January, where you might be one of the lucky ones to I talked with all club presidents, either by phone, or in experience a “convergence”, where the Celsius and person in 2006. Fahrenheit scales come together {at 40 below}. Definitely something that you will never forget! We also acquired the domain name arkansasrrca.com for our website. People can still go to www.arkrrca.com as well. Our website and message board are second to none! Steve Feld We will have our Grand Prix Awards Ceremony on Feb. 17, State Rep - Arizona after the River Trail 15K. We also have our induction [email protected] ceremonies for the Arkansas Road Runners Hall of Fame at that time. The Southern Arizona Roadrunners, based in Tucson, hosted their annual Grand Prix season for 2006. This I attended the 2006 National RRCA Convention, and look season, 10 local SAR and "SAR good neighbor" races forward to attending the 2007 as well!! comprised the Grand Prix schedule. The distances included two 5K cross-country races, a 5K road race, two 8K road races, two 10K road races, an 8 mile road race, a 10 mile James O’Donnell road race, and either a half-marathon or marathon. State Rep – Central California Challenges that SAR faced this year included: [email protected]

! Updating the club's mission statement and vision Chicago is the seventh consecutive RRCA convention I have statement to better encompass the local running/racing attended. community. ! Also update the club By-Laws to better fit present day The most significant development in my area over the past communication methods to and from the general two years has been RRCA’s involvement with the Kaiser membership. Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon & 5K produced ! Make better use of the club's website in providing by the Pamakid Runners Club. training info, social interactions, local running events (including non-club events), fund raising, and volunteer I coordinated all aspects of RRCA’s involvement with this recognition. race. For additional details, see the Western Region Report ! Improve club events in answer to the challenges raised in the March 1, 2007 issue of FOOTNOTES. I worked with by recently emerging professional race companies. the Pamakids to facilitate the race becoming the RRCA ! Continue to improve and update the equipment and/or California Half Marathon Championship in 2006 and the software used to time/record/score events. Western Region Half Marathon Championship in 2007. ! Improve/update the current race director's event guidelines for both SAR events and "SAR good neighbor" With over 9,300 registered runners for the 2007 edition of events. the event, the race has proven to be an excellent partnership between the RRCA and the Pamakids. This year, RRCA and the Pamakids shared a 10’ x 20’ post-race expo tent where large numbers of race participants Kim Howard stopped by to pick up literature and receive referrals to RRCA clubs and events. Thanks to Northern State Rep - Arkansas California/Nevada State Rep. David Cotter and Western [email protected] Region Director Lisa Paige for attending and assisting with this year’s race. Thanks, too, to Len Goldman of the Lake 2006 was the 25th running of the Arkansas RRCA Grand Merritt Joggers & Striders, former Central California State Prix Series! We had an increase of over 40 runners this Rep. George Rehmet, and other running club volunteers for year. 240 runners participated in the 2006 Arkansas RRCA helping out with the expo booth. Following the race, Grand Prix Series!! We had 17 races in the Series, with 9 eleven of us gathered for an informal state meeting State Championship Races, including the National and overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Golden Gate Park’s Beach Regional 10K Cross Country Championship at the Chile Chalet. Pepper 10K in Fayetteville! Ken Bendy attended and handed out the National and Regional Awards! We will 2006 RRCA Championships in the Greater San Francisco have 20 races in 2007 with 10 being State Championship Bay Area Included: Races! National Championship We had our State Meeting in November after the Spa 10k ! Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon in Hot Springs. We gave out over $200 in gift certificates, shorts, hats, gloves, etc. We also gave out $500 in cash! All California State Championships attendees received a Tyvek Jacket as well! Don Potter also ! Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon gave a course certification to 10 persons afterwards. ! Martinez Luka Sekulich Brickyard 8 Mile ! Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon ! Hook & Ladder 10K Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 41 -

2006 Additional Accomplishments included: I had the pleasure of working with five potential new RRCA ! Secured Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon Clubs during the past year; two in Nevada, and three in (& 5K) as RRCA 2007 Western Region Half Marathon Northern California. One Northern California club joined Championship. the RRCA with an additional club in the works. Our newest ! Served on 2006 RRCA Road Race of the Year Selection Nevada event club, the Nevada Wide Open Marathon de Committee. Mayo was recently awarded as the 2007 RRCA Nevada ! Grew number of California events listed on RRCA Event State Marathon Championship. Calendar to close to 100 listings at any given time. ! Obtained a variety of items from San Francisco Bay Area I was able to visit five of my clubs during the past year and clubs and events for the State Rep. Silent Auction at the attended 14 RRCA events. We also hosted one RRCA 2006 convention. Nevada State Championship (Escape from Prison Hill Trail ! Volunteered at several RRCA events, including The Lake ½ Marathon), one RRCA Western Regional Championship Tahoe Marathon, where I performed the finish line (Lake Tahoe Kokanee ½ Marathon Trail Run), and the announcing once again. 2006 RRCA National Ultra Championship (Tahoe Rim Trail 50K Endurance Run). We were also very honored to host 2007 RRCA Championships in the Greater San Francisco RRCA President Bee McLeod at the Tahoe Rim Trail Bay Area: 50K/50M/100M Endurance Runs and Western Regional Director Lisa Paige at Lake Tahoe Kokanee ½ Marathon National Championship Trail Run. ! Kaiser Permanente Napa Valley Marathon I have also continued to actively participate in many RRCA Western Region Championship programs including, but not limited to: ! Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Half Marathon ! Participating on the Outstanding State Rep of the Year California State Championships selection panel and developed draft selection criteria for ! Martinez Luka Sekulich Brickyard 8 Mile that award ! Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Half Marathon ! Serving as State Rep Working Group member ! Hook & Ladder 10K (expected; awaiting application) ! Assisting in the planning and presentation of the State Rep Silent Auction at the National Convention Goals for 2007 ! Submitting nomination for Women’s Open Road Runner ! Find a new California (Central/SF Bay Area) State Rep. of the Year (the nominee was awarded) to replace me! I’ve enjoyed serving as State Rep, but ! Continuing to stay in contact with the clubs I service in it’s time to cut back on volunteer activities. both Northern California and Nevada via primarily an ! Work with clubs to determine whether to go forward electronic quarterly newsletter with a bid for an RRCA San Francisco Convention. ! Encouraged my clubs to submit National award ! Get clubs to add all their officers to the RRCA email list. nominations for deserving members. ! Continue to grow the number of California events listed ! Strongly promoting State, Regional and National on the RRCA Event Calendar. Championships and advertised our National Championship in the 2005 RRCA Reports booklet (a Congratulations to the RRCA National Award winners from great and economical way to advertise your RRCA the Greater San Francisco Bay Area: event!) ! Len Goldman, Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders - Scott ! Serving as the Race Director for the Western Regional Hamilton Outstanding Club President Half Marathon Championship and Co-RD for the RRCA ! Janet Nissenson, Dolphin South End (DSE) Runners – National Ultra Distance Championship Rod Steele Outstanding Volunteer ! Staying in frequent contact with local area media to ! Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders – Small/Medium Club promote RRCA related running events and special Web Site activities ! Volunteering at several non-RRCA running events. One Thanks to Georgia State Rep. Marlene Atwood and the staff of these events became an RRCA club in 2006 at the Atlanta Track Club, who provided assistance and ! Continuing to promote the clubs I serve to send at least guidance for a 5K run I produced in Atlanta’s Piedmont one club member to the RRCA Convention. Four club Park this past year. sent representatives to the Houston convention ! Submitting RRCA related articles to some of my clubs for their newsletters David Cotter ! Providing assistance to the Houston Striders during the early stages of their planning for the 2006 RRCA State Rep – N. California/Nevada Convention [email protected] I had a great time at the 2006 RRCA National Convention Hello from beautiful Lake Tahoe, in Houston (thank you Houston Striders!). I look forward to seeing everyone at this year’s convention in Chicago! 2006 was a busy and productive year for the RRCA in Nevada and Northern California. Oh, and I got married!!! Life is good! Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 42 - Norm Haines http://www.wildwestrelay.com/. The second new Colorado club is Runuphill Racing whose tagline is “When in Doubt, State Rep – S. California Run Uphill”. The website is http://runuphillracing.com/. [email protected] Championship activity is down somewhat, with only one state championship. But a regional trail marathon I am happy to say that I am in my 11th year serving the championship was added at the American Discovery Trail Southern California area. Currently we have 28 clubs and Marathon. This event is hosted by the Pikes Peak Road continue to grow. Runners in Colorado Springs, Colorado’s largest club.

It has been a very successful year as we gained 3 new This year we lost a great supporter of running in Colorado clubs, two of which I helped start. The Southern California and the Western Region. Marc Witkes collapsed during the region had one very successful State Championship, the Tucson Marathon and did not recover. Marc was High Desert 50K put on by the Over the Hill Track Club, instrumental in the recovery of one of the oldest clubs in Ridgecrest California. I continue to encourage the area Colorado, the Durango Motorless Transit. He was the clubs to put on championship races but have found that president and an involved volunteer in many events. difficult because of the high numbers of runners required by Gatorade for their product. I hope that the RRCA can The Colorado clubs continue to offer some of the best remedy this problem soon. To date, I have 3 Southern adventure running in the United States: Leadville 100, California Championship races scheduled for 2007. Hardrock, Rim Rock Run, and the Pikes Peak Marathon are just a small sample. These events entail enormous effort I continue to send out the S. California RRCA Newsletter on securing land use permits from a variety of owners, both a monthly basis. The newsletter is emailed to all S. public and private. Members of the Colorado clubs are California RRCA Clubs. We have a non-member club list passionate about these races and virtually “do whatever it that also receives the newsletter. takes” to ensure production. As often as possible, the clubs readily display the RRCA logo on websites, race Several years ago I started the Southern California Yahoo applications, and newsletters. Group site. It has been a great success, and now has 40 individual members. I post RRCA information on this site On an annual basis, I remind the clubs that the State Rep on a daily basis, or as needed. role is a great way for someone to show leadership and volunteerism to all the Colorado clubs. At the end of 2006, Since the RRCA has the annual Newsletter Contest, and the I was approached by a long-time member of the Rocky Western Region now has an Electronic Newsletter contest, Mountain Road Runners, Chris Vanoni, about becoming the it would be nice if the RRCA added a State Representative Colorado State Rep. After some discussion, Chris has Newsletter contest to the awards agenda. agreed to be the new Colorado State Rep. She will be attending her first convention as a State Rep in Chicago. The Convention in 2006 in Houston was a great one and hope the pattern continues. I am continuing to campaign for one of the Southern California clubs to host a National Convention and have hopes that in years to come we will Beth Schluger achieve that goal. State Rep - Connecticut

No report filed In 2007 I expect to have 4 or 5 championship races and plan on attending all. A goal for the New Year will be to make all the clubs aware of all the RRCA has to offer and the great benefit it is to be a member club. Tom Fort

State Rep – Delaware [email protected] Chris Vanoni [INCOMING] State Rep – Colorado In an attempt to get more Delaware clubs to send delegates to the Annual RRCA Convention, the Delaware [email protected] Sports Club offered a $500 grant to any Delaware club

sending a delegate to this year’s convention. As of today,

two clubs are committed to sending delegates and one Lisa Paige [OUTGOING] other is still considering the offer. Not bad for a state with State Rep – Colorado only four RRCA clubs. [email protected] The Delaware clubs hold over 125 races each year, almost

all on certified courses. Doug White, State Record Keeper, Colorado continues to add clubs at a steady rate. Two new maintains age group, open and all-comers road race clubs joined: Timberline Events and Runuphill Racing. records for all distances from one mile to the marathon.

Timberline Events produces the Wild West Relay. The tagline is “Get Your Ass Over the Pass!” The website is Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 43 - The Delaware Sports Club sponsors an annual Boston Bus volunteer award. Of course, next year’s goal is to see one for all Boston Marathon qualifiers and their guests. Other worker from every North Florida club nominated for a activities in Delaware include: an on-line race calendar at volunteer award. “races2run.com” sponsored by Marathon Sports and the Delaware Sport Club and another at “trisportsevents.com” 1. The shoes are large ones to fill. Fortunately, I’m not sponsored by Tri-Sports Road Runners; Summer race alone in this endeavor. When the opportunity comes to series, cross-country and youth track by the Delaware award a championship race, I have more-than-enough Seashore Striders; mid-state races by both Tri-Sports Road qualified events willing to step up to the plate. Susan Runners and the Downstate Striders and Riders; and Harmeling at Gasparilla Distance Classic not only was another summer beach race series sponsored by the awarded the State 15-Kilometer Championship, but she Delaware Sports Club. twisted Ken’s arm and got the Southern Region Marathon Championship, to boot. Two championships in one The Delaware State Rep was honored to serve on the weekend is a distance runner’s fantasy. I also have two “State Rep of the Year” selection team and to speak at the other clubs on deck for the State 10K and 5K Downstate Striders and Riders annual Christmas dinner. Championships, so it’s going to be a great 2007.

I’m thankful for the support of North Florida’s RRCA clubs, Michael Bowen of Ken, Marlene, and Jessica up at the main office. 2006 has been a learning experience as the North Florida State State Rep – N. Florida Representative, with great challenges in 2007. [email protected]

Greetings from North Florida! I’m pleased to present my Don Nelson first report as state representative. For lack of a better title, I’m going to call this: “Top Five Reasons to Follow in State Rep – S. Florida the Footsteps of Ken Bendy.” [email protected]

5. There is always regular feedback on your website, e-mail Greetings from the Conch Republic. Our Clubs are growing announcement, newsletter or other outgoing in membership, and we have 8 new clubs on the RRCA communication. The first days, weeks, months (years?) of Roster for 2007. We were blessed with a inactive Hurricane a state rep are fraught with peril, as I suddenly went from season this summer and that gave many Clubs and races being a guy who supported one club to a guy who “had to time to get back on track. Overall I think that participation know” all the answers for nearly three dozen clubs. is up 10 to 20% in most events and the numbers are still Fortunately, Ken has been good in encouraging me in the growing. Many races that had to be postponed or canceled next steps…checking to see whether the site “really” in 05-06 season came back with good numbers of runners worked, calling to let me know when it didn’t, making and walkers ready to race. With new clubs and event certain I didn’t say anything too inflammatory, and so membership we are up to 29 RRCA clubs in South Florida. forth. My goal for next year is to directly contact each We have added a race walking Club, South Florida Race club, either in person or via phone call, at least once. walkers, as a first to the RRCA. I think that most clubs and event now do include race walkers in one way or another 4. Most of the clubs in your state are active and relatively and even Fitness Walkers in some. My goal has been to happy. This is partly due to last years’ quiet summer, communicate in one way or another with all of these clubs. which allowed us to revive courses and races that had to I rely mostly on e-mail, and have set up a link, on my clubs be cancelled, postponed or moved to a different location. web page, share news between our South Florida clubs. I For example, Pensacola Runners Association, my home am pleased, that our Southern Region Director Ken Bendy, club, ran the Florida State Championship 10K underneath a has maintained such a good website to share information canopy of oaks on 12th Avenue after two disastrous, between the southern clubs, and often refer clubs to Ken’s hurricane-filled summers. It’s also due to good leadership site for information as well as the updated RRCA Site in the past. Since Ken lives part of the time in North Florida, it’s like having a second state representative. It was South Florida’s year for state Championships and in 2006, we had 2 RRCA Florida State Championship events 3. There’s no lack of reading material in the mailbox…or scheduled. the in-box. Most of North Florida’s clubs have great on-line ! First was the Fire fighters 9-115K by the Gold Coast and electronic newsletters. I get to see most of them at Runners. This year, the Florida Championship 5K was least once a month; sometimes the Postal Service lets me run September 10, 2006 with over 500 runners. It was see them 35-to-40 times a month, but that’s another story. well run and publicized, showing off the benefits of a Next year I hope to encourage least three clubs to enter well organized event. their web pages, as well as three club newsletters, in ! Next was the 5 Mile RRCA Florida State Championship, RRCA’s competition. the Bradenton Runners Club’s 6th Annual Manatee River Run 5 Mile on December 30, 2006, With over 400 2. Familiar faces and names always pop up in the mail…or participants and a new female course record, this race at area races, or running through water stations at once again shows the benefits of a well-organized Jacksonville. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least organization and event. Look for this race again to be a three North Florida club workers who are worthy of a championship event in 2007. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 44 - Both of these events are run on old and traditional running that these RRCA championship races serve as USATF routes that have great views, not to speak of the usually Georgia Grand Prix Races along with two other RRCA wonderful Florida climate. events; the Peachtree City 15K Classic and the Atlanta Marathon. I still have clubs that have not responded to my letters or phone calls here in South Florida. Following their web sites RRCA Convention, Houston – I was involved in several I see they are still active but hard to get in touch with. aspects of the convention, from chairing the RRCA National There are also a few clubs that have not rejoined the Journalism Awards Committee to publishing and soliciting RRCA. I hope they will see the benefits that the active advertising dollars for the RRCA Annual Reports Book, clubs are getting and will communicate or join up again organizing the RRCA State Rep Silent Auction and and continue the RRCA tradition in South Florida. I organizing the State Rep Session. The State Rep Silent continue to run as many events as I can and will take a Auction was a first time event yielding over $3,000 in few trips to the mainland to meet with members of as revenue. many of our clubs as I can over the next year. With the number of clubs and the size of our area, I hope to have at As always, the State of Georgia was well represented at the least 2 get-togethers for SF Clubs, first being at the 2006 convention where our 2005 National RRCA Georgia legendary Bradenton Runners Club Awards Banquet, Winners were honored: February 10th, with RRCA Club President of 2006 Alan ! George Martin (Peachtree City Running Club), winner of Meyer, presiding. the RRCA National Kurt Steiner Developmental Award ! RRCA National Small Newsletter winner - Peachtree City I look forward, to seeing all of you at the National Running Club’s “Legacy” Newsletter Convention, and enjoying the camaraderie of the most ! In 2005 we had (6) RRCA National Volunteer Award devoted runners and organizers in the country. Remember winners. For 2006 we had (23) RRCA National Volunteer next winter when the wind blows cold we are waiting for Award winners. This award is given to deserving club you to come join us in the Caribbean breezes of South members who have cumulatively given over 2,000 of Florida, and the Conch Republic. service to their clubs. ! We had several Georgia club members garnering honorable mentions at the regional level. Marlene Atwood RRCA Initiatives: State Rep – Georgia ! I currently serve as chair of the RRCA State Rep Working [email protected] Group committee. We meet quarterly and publish a newsletter quarterly. We are charged with assisting the 2006 proved to be a very exciting and busy year for the national office with state level initiatives. sport of running in Georgia. There were new clubs, new ! 2006 RRCA National Run@Work Day – Georgia had a events and new faces in club leadership. very successful event, engaging Atlanta City Council employees in a lunchtime Run@Work run. I was also Some of the highlights: successful in securing proclamations from both the City of Atlanta and the State of Georgia – proclaiming New Clubs - In 2006 we acquired several new member September 22, 2006 RRCA National Run@Work Day in clubs: the Diabetes Association of Atlanta, the Christian the state of Georgia. Runners of Roswell, and ING Georgia Marathon, Atlanta. ! In October 2006, I attended the RRCA Regional State We are pleased to welcome them to the family of RRCA Rep Summit held in conjunction with the RRCA Regional Georgia Clubs. 15K Championship in Peachtree City, Georgia. RRCA Southern Director Ken Bendy conducted the session New Events – For many years, the Atlanta Marathon and which was attended by several southern region state Half Marathon were the only distance events in metro reps. It was a very productive meeting. Atlanta. In 2006, we acquired two new event clubs – the ! I continue to maintain my ASEP/RRCA coaching ING Georgia Marathon and the Alpharetta Marathon, both certification and coach close to 200 runners a year. This scheduled for March 2007. Both offer half marathons. The last summer, I added the USATF Level I coaching Alpharetta Marathon has become our first RRCA Club certification to my credentials. I would like to pursue Championship, offering RRCA Georgia Clubs “team” cash USATF Level II certification in the future. I am also awards. The prizes are generous - $1,000 first place team, scheduled for RRCA Continuing Education for Certified $750 second place, and $500 third place. Two sets of Coaches at the convention. prizes are offered over both the marathon and half marathon categories for a total purse of $4,500. Miscellaneous: In 2006, I was fortunate to be elected USATF Georgia RRCA State Championships – In 2006, I recognized several Association LDR Secretary. It will give me an opportunity to championship races: 5K – Douglas County Rogue Runners promote long distance running to a whole new audience. Halloween Moonlight Run; 10K – Emerald City Fitness & In August, I attended a very informative USATF Running Club’s Leprechaun Road Race; 7K – South Fulton Associations Workshop in Pittsburgh and the USATF Running Partners Sickle Road Race; 10 Mile – Carpet National Convention in Indianapolis in December. I am an Capital Running Club’s Carpet Capital 10 Miler. New for active USATF Certified Official, officiating at the high school 2007 is a 50K – “GUTS” Silver Comet 50K. I’m also proud and collegiate levels. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 45 - 2007 – A New Year: Chris Burch 2007 promises to be just as exciting and just as busy as 2006 was. I started out the year with a very successful State Rep – Iowa first time “RRCA Georgia National Volunteer Appreciation [email protected] Meeting”. I was very pleased to have twelve Georgia clubs in attendance, honoring (23) RRCA National Volunteer Greetings from the heartland! I am a member of Capital Award winners. Striders, a running club in Des Moines, IA with more than 450 members. In April of 2006, I was given the Here’s wishing all my fellow state reps a very successful opportunity to fill a vacant seat as the RRCA state and productive year! I look forward to seeing everyone in representative for Iowa. We have 8 clubs in our state and the Windy City in March. just fewer than 3,000 members.

My time with RRCA has allowed me to spend time behind Joan Davis the scenes at some of the club meetings, group training runs, annual banquets, races and expos in our state. I am State Rep – Hawaii proud to report that there are signs of a healthy running [email protected] community statewide. We are enjoying a modest increase in the number of runners who are joining our clubs and MPRRC begins the first day of the year with a 10K (6.2 who are signing up for races from their neighborhood fun miler). Most of the clubs now have settled into a normal runs to ultra marathons. routine and not many new changes with the event clubs. None of the neighbor island clubs had a booth at Honolulu I try to stay in touch with the member clubs in our state on Marathon Expo in December and I did not do my usual a monthly basis to determine if they have any needs or personal visit with them. questions regarding their membership. I enjoy keeping them informed of guidelines passed down from the national In August, we begin our Marathon Series and it has now office and new services available to them through their attracted over 1500-1700 participants. membership. Highlights this past year have included:

In October, I volunteered to be the Sweeper and the HONU ! Volunteering at the finish line in Des Moines, IA on June (Turtle) at the Niketown 5k. This year, it had the largest 3rd at the 27th Annual Dam to Dam 20K Distance number of participants (8000+), benefits a number of Classic as 3,530 athletes ran the early morning summer schools and has become a model for four Mainland cities humidity. (Las Vegas, Atlanta, Miami, Denver) that recognize fitness for youth. ! Meeting members of the Cornbelt Running Club and race organizers of the Bix 7 in Davenport, Iowa on July 29th In 2006, the running and sports community lost four and running with the 10,680 others who conquered the notable athletes/referee (Adaline Crocker, Earl Galdeira, hills…yes, hills in Iowa. Erwin Jaskulski and Lionel Low). In Hawaii, a small majority of our athletes are now in their 80’s/90’s and still ! Promoting National Run@Work Day across the state on competing. Come join us in the Health State. September 22nd, the same day our state hosted Dean Karnazes on his endurance challenge of conquering 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days.

Vacant ! Collaborating with the Capital Striders to increase their presence in the community during the IMT Des Moines State Rep - Idaho Marathon on October 21st by hosting a booth at the No report Sports & Fitness Expo and water station along the course.

! Working with a group of passionate runners from Pella, [INCOMING] Jeff Aubert IA in November who are interested in establishing their State Rep - Illinois own running club and RRCA membership. [email protected] I look forward to another year of state representation for Iowa and the member clubs of the RRCA. My goal is to work with each member club to further their awareness of the benefits available to them through RRCA. Sue Brown [INCOMING] State Rep - Indiana [email protected]

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 46 - John Haugh Mark Grandonico State Rep - Kansas State Rep – Maine [email protected] [email protected]

No Report It’s been a busy year up here in Vacationland. Runners have been enjoying the numerous road races and events sponsored by the Maine Running Clubs. In July we saw the Lisa Dahl return of the Paul Bunyan Marathon back from a 22 year retirement and 15k which drew 358 finishers on a hot July State Rep – Kentucky day in Bangor Maine. The TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon [email protected] 10k in Cape Elizabeth Maine (Joanie’s Race), set a new record with 4,810 finishers, up over 500 from last year Highlights: which makes it Maine’s largest road race. ! Communicated with all member clubs by email and newsletter The Maine Track Club had a successful experience with the ! Attended the RRCA Annual Convention Endurance 50. Dean Karnazes made the Maine Marathon ! Promoted RRCA to Kentucky clubs and running is 31st in his successful quest to run 50 marathons in 50 community days in 50 states. The Maine Track Club supported and ! Supported Run to / at Work Day promoted the National Run at Work Day through its ! Served as the President of the BLUEgrass Runners of Newsletter and other promotional activities. Lexington ! Led by example, participating in numerous races, The Maine Marathon donated $38,000 to the Maine “Winter including 8 marathons during the year (2006 best of Kids” program in December. Winter Kids is a charitable 3:35) and the Derby Mini Marathon in costume program which promotes healthy winter activities for kids ! Awarded 2005 Female Runner of the Year by BLUEgrass in Maine. 5th, 6th and 7th graders may receive free ski Runners of Lexington passes for local ski areas as well as skating arenas. The SportShoe Center Maine Marathon/Half and Relay also had 2007 Goals: over 50 Army National Guard members running the ! Communicate with all member clubs by email and marathon in full fatigue uniforms to pay tribute to 7 newsletter members of their ranks who have made the ultimate ! Attend the RRCA Annual Convention sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan. ! Provide donations for silent auction ! Promote RRCA to Kentucky clubs and running The Maine Track Club and MEUSATF also joined forces to community create the first Grand Prix series of races last year. The ! Produce a 3K in Lexington, the Shamrock Shuffle, to series was a great success. The races were well attended benefit the Pat Smith Endowment for Habitat for and the 2007 Grand Prix series is just about finalized. Humanity ! Participate in a variety of running events, within KY and around the country Phil Lang

State Rep – Maryland [email protected] Yvonne Lee Thomas State Rep – Louisiana First I would to like to thank the Club Presidents and clubs [email protected] in Maryland for having me serve as the RRCA State Rep. Clubs working together helps the running community as a Louisiana is off & running! The Louisiana RRCA Clubs are whole and the clubs in Maryland have been doing that for coming on board for an exciting ride in 2007. The state many years. championships are filling up fast with commitments from the 5K to the 30K distances. Varsity Sports (a great running Two series were established years ago. These series store in Baton Rouge) and Mockler Beverage, C.C. require and encourage participation from each of the clubs. Lockwood (a nationally known photographer) are providing The series also encourages club members to participate in some overall awards. other clubs events around the state. We feel all involved are benefiting. Many courses were changed due to storm damage & crowded roadways. Chuck George of NOTC is helping ! The Women’s Distance Festival Series consists of eleven other clubs measure courses to comply with the state RRCA club sponsored events in Maryland and Northern championship rules. We all plan to gather for a state Virginia. To show that club members are making their meeting at the last State championship in Shreveport to way around the state I am happy to report that 67 give thanks and make plans for 2008. We spent 2006 different women participated in at least four of the remembering how life was and planning how it will be. eleven events in 2006. An awards party for those 67 Thank you, RRCA, for your kindness. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 47 - women was held to celebrate women’s participation in building camaraderie among each club’s participants. I’d the great sport of distance running. like to encourage more of this type of event, in which the ! The other series is the Grand Prix Series. It consists of focus is on club or team competition, as a way of ten RRCA club sponsored events that varied in distance emphasizing the value of belonging to a running club. from the mile to the marathon. Over 2,000 members from various RRCA clubs competed in at least on these events. Individual standings are tracked as well as club Gary Morgan team standings. We feel this has fostered a healthy sense of athletic competition among running clubs and State Rep – Michigan individuals, while at the same time generating a sense of [email protected] cohesion among athletes in the broad running community. It’s been an exciting year in Michigan for road running. For the first time in history the Ann Arbor Track Club hosted Both of these series include many of the clubs in the area the RRCA Central Region Half Marathon Championship with and the RRCA sponsored club events in the series are the running of the Dexter to Ann Arbor race. The Ann being enhanced by the attendance of various clubs Arbor Track Club is bidding on the 2008 RRCA Central members from around the state. Region Half Marathon Championship again along with putting in a bid for the 2008 RRCA National Marathon A few RRCA State Championship events in Maryland proved Championship. to be top notch competitions in 2006 and I would like to thank the Frederick Marathon, the New Balance Jenny The Grand Rapids convention and tourism bureau is putting Smith Baltimore Women’s Classic 5k, the Queen City in a bid for the 2008 RRCA National Convention with the Striders for hosting the Great Alleghany Run 15k, the help of the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo running clubs. Cumberland Valley Athletic Club for hosting the John F. Kennedy 50 Mile Run and the Falls Road Running Club for This year two races here in Michigan celebrated their 30th hosting the Bay Café Labor Day 5k. Here’s to 2007 being birthdays. The Allen Park Street Fair race hosted by the even better! Downriver Runners and the Crim Festival of Races hosted by the Riverbend Striders.

John Goldenrosen I’ve been busy pacing and running races around the country. It’s always fun going to races and see what State Rep – Massachusetts happens at other states races. I always try to learn things [email protected] about races and seek new ideas to bring back to the Michigan race scene. As of the end of 2006, there were 21 RRCA member organizations in Massachusetts (19 running clubs and two I attended the USATF Associations workshop and the “event” members). Since becoming the Massachusetts USATF Convention. These are great events to network at State Representative in 2006, I have communicated with and learn new things. I was a USATF distance coach for a officers of the member clubs and attended several club- National Team that went to the NACAC(North American sponsored races to meet them in person. My goal for this Central American and Caribbean) under 23 track and Field year is to attend at least one race or club meeting for each Championships. It was an awesome experience coaching club….hmmm, that might take me two years! young people. I’m also on the board with the Ann Arbor Track Club. Because of my listing on the RRCA website as the state contact person, I’ve also received and responded to Being an RRCA State Rep is a fantastic opportunity for me telephone and email inquiries from individuals interested in to promote running and a healthy lifestyle to anyone who joining local clubs, race directors and health professionals wants to improve their life. looking for assistance in promoting their events or services, and newspaper and magazine writers seeking information on running club activities and local running routes. Kim Maxwell [INCOMING]

As I write this, I’m in the process of trying to organize a State Rep - Minnesota Club Management Workshop to be held on a Saturday [email protected] afternoon, at which club representatives would meet and exchange ideas on common problems and issues that face the clubs. It will also be an opportunity to gauge the level [OUTGOING] of interest among the clubs in designating RRCA state Joe Wirth championships or developing inter-club competition. State Rep – Minnesota [email protected] Over the past two years, I’ve helped one running club organize an annual “club marathon relay race” with 26 Runner’s Soul Running Club: August 19, 2006 - The third runners to a team, each running a mile on a high school annual Guidant Heart of Summer 10k attracted top female track. It’s a competitive event for the clubs, but it also runners from around the country. The Minneapolis event serves as a social event, and has the added benefit of featured a women’s only race – the RRCA Women’s Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 48 - Distance Festival 10k – as well as a 10k run/walk and a 5k Memorial Day run. We now have a total of 16 clubs in the run/walk, both of which are co-ed races. Runners were state of Missouri. drawn both by the flat, fast two-loop course around Lake Nokomis and the generous prize purse of $17,300 In June, I held my annual state meeting, in conjunction earmarked for the women’s race. with the Hospital Hill run. There were 3 clubs in attendance. Mid America Running Association has a very As has become her custom, Katie McGregor of Team USA good Grand Prix circuit of races and there are many area Minnesota made an early and unrelenting escape from the runners that participate in the circuit. field. The St. Louis Park, Minnesota resident went to the lead from the gun, passing the mile mark in just under five The Waddell & Reed Kansas City Marathon was held in minutes. Olympian and three-time national 5,000 meter October. The organizers have worked very hard the past 2 track champion Marla Runyan of Eugene, Oregon followed years to improve the event and there was a 30% increase a few seconds back. A large group of women gave chase, in participation. It was mentioned in Marathonguide.com passing the mile in 5:12. McGregor cruised through the as one of the top 5 most improved marathons. second lap of the course, crossing the line in 32:27, ten seconds off the course record she set last year. Runyan St. Louis continues to have a successful marathon and now held on for second in 33:18. Runyan returned to we have one on each side of the state. The St Louis Minneapolis in October winning the Twin Cities Marathon in marathon is in the spring and the Kansas City marathon is a time of 2:32:15. in the fall. Now, there is something for every marathoner!

Matthew Chesang, 24, of Manhattan, Kansas defended his I will not be able to attend the 2007 RRCA convention, but title in the men’s 10k race. His 28:57 gave him the victory I am sure that it will be a very good and informative over Jason Lehmkuhle, 28, of Minneapolis. Lehmkuhle, convention. Since it is the 50th anniversary, I really hate another Team USA Minnesota athlete, stayed with the to miss it, but keep up the good work. Kenyan-born Chesang until the final quarter mile. His time of 29:02 is the fastest 10k ever run by a Minnesotan on Minnesota roads. John Devitt

The Guidant Heart of Summer 10k was the RRCA and State Rep – Montana USATF10k state championship. It is hosted by the [email protected] Runner’s Soul Running Club and is dedicated to the mission of educating women about the role of health and fitness in This is my fifteenth year as the Montana State the prevention of heart disease. Representative. We have again added two more clubs since last year raising the total to seven clubs: the Yellowstone Rim Runners, the Big Sky Wind Drinkers, Run Montana, Denise Longino Headwaters Relay event club, Children’s River Health Run event club, “Heart & Sole” event club, and the “Quality of State Rep – Mississippi Life” event club. I have been passing along to the key [email protected] people in all of these clubs, along with some other key people involved on running in Montana, any information This past year has seen a better line of communication on that comes to me about RRCA. I do this whether it has my part with my clubs in the state. Mississippi is having a been sent to the clubs by someone else in the RRCA or not. marked increase in race participation. We have State I have made a very major effort to try and get club Championships and look forward to participating in the 50 members to attend the convention. state championship. I was able to be present at the State 5K and Marathon championships with 2 of our clubs. For 2006 to help promote “Run @ Work Day”, I started a program called “Running 101”, where my goal was to bring I was able to attend the RRCA convention in Houston and in people that haven’t run a step and get them fit enough have tried to promote this convention with my clubs in the to be able to run club run that we do weekly. It was a 50% state. Personally, I have improved my running workouts success. The other half that came were not members but since "Katrina" and have been race director for my school's were looking for some coaching. 5k and 1 mile run as well as being the Vice-President of the Gulf Coast Running Club. The Big Sky Wind Drinkers hosted a Baghdad edition of the Bozeman Classic 10K State Championship. I requested sponsorship help from the Montana RRCA member clubs and got a good response. They had prepared for 400 Karen Raymer [OUTGOING] runners in Iraq and 800 entered the race making it a very State Rep – Missouri successful event. [email protected] In 2006, we had four RRCA State Championship races. A The year of 2006 was a good one for Missouri. We added 5K, 10K, 2mi. and a 5mi. Each of these events represent two new clubs to the RRCA family. The new clubs are Jeff some of our highest quality (and largest) races in the State City Road Runners Club (JCRR) and University City and will give a big boost to RRCA’s name recognition within the State. Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 49 - For 2007, we have four RRCA State Championship races on David Smith the agenda so far. For State Championship events, I allow a little more time than is required for regional and national State Rep – New Hampshire events that are on a more rigid time frame for bidding. An RRCA state meeting plan is also in the works. No report.

I plan to attend the RRCA national convention in Chicago. I believe this is the single most important thing that I can do as a State Rep. I have been promoting donating to the David Demonico convention’s silent auction as a way for the clubs to promote themselves and the State of Montana. Although I State Rep – New Jersey operate on a zero budget, I keep in contact via e-mail with [email protected] my clubs and try to get to as many events of theirs as I can. They have been very supportive of my efforts. No report.

I plan to continue to work with my clubs throughout the year and continue to educate and provide information to Cecelia Niemczyk the non-RRCA running groups, especially the Missoula Road & Track Club, and individuals in Montana (and outside State Rep – New Mexico Montana) and continue to work at giving RRCA a stronger [email protected] presence in Montana. Running in New Mexico is as popular as ever in no small part due to the efforts of our 9 RRCA running clubs. The weather and terrain in our beautiful state is ideal for Tom Whittaker running and most outdoor activities almost all of the time. State Rep – Nebraska We are very fortunate to live here. [email protected] We had one RRCA State Championship race in New Mexico This has been a very active and productive year for running this year and, once again, it was hosted by the Santa Fe in Nebraska. Our three RRCA clubs, the Lincoln Track Club, Striders. Their Santa Fe Run Around, although somewhat the Omaha Running Club and Admiral Jenny’s Fun Runners, smaller in attendance than in previous years, was still a had very active and productive years in 2006 presenting success. As usual, it was a beautiful, scenic course in the events and supporting their respective running high altitude city of Santa Fe, New Mexico. communities. All are looking forward to continuing their support in 2007 with such events as the State Farm 10- The La Luz Trail Run, held in August, was also a huge miler in Lincoln on March 31, the 30th Annual Lincoln success. This has become an extremely popular event and National Guard Marathon and Half Marathon on May 6, the is filled to capacity (400 runners) very early on. There is Boys and Girls Town 5-mile race in Omaha on Memorial always a waiting list to get into La Luz. This year a lottery Day, the NE5 RRCA State 5-mile Championship in Omaha system was used to select the lucky 400 runners. La Luz is on June 9, and the Omaha Marathon, Half Marathon and hosted by New Mexico's largest RRCA club, the 10K on September 23. The Lincoln and Omaha clubs Albuquerque Road Runners Club. ARRC is a very active support a number of charity events and provide much club hosting 4 runs throughout the year as well as monthly useful running information through their websites and handicap runs, volunteer work in the community, and newsletters. timing of other non ARRC runs. Roxie Miller is the current president of the club but will step down as president after If you are planning a visit to the Midwest during the year, this term. We are all hoping that we will have a president check out the race calendar at www.lincolnrun.org or who is as dedicated to the club as Roxie is. www.omaharun.org. There is always a good race any time of the year and we would be pleased to show you what we The Women in Training Program for 2006 was another very have to offer. successful undertaking by the ARRC. This is one of my favorite programs of the year because it helps to get women interested in running and walking, and in overall fitness. It is great to see the delight on the faces of the David Cotter women after they have completed the Women's Distance State Rep – Nevada/N. California Festival 5K at the end of the program. I had the pleasure, [email protected] once again, of speaking to the women on the value of cross-training before one of the Saturday morning training See report under California. sessions. I attended most of the weekly runs and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the progress of the participants.

The new president of the Albuquerque Road Runners Club is Marcel Hesch. He has been involved in the New Mexico running scene for many years and will make an excellent

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 50 - president. Our former president, Roxie Miller, will remain Even not running, you’re afforded a vicarious thrill of this involved in the club. great race while providing a great service to fellow runners. At this vantage point I was able to catch the elite runners I recently sent information to a person in Espanola, New whizzing by and even caught a glimmer of Lance Mexico who is interested in forming a running club in that Armstrong through his crowded entourage! I thought his small community in northern New Mexico. I have not yet presence in the marathon was terrific for our sport, as even heard back from him but am hoping that he does start this amazing 7-time Tour de France winner admitted to another RRCA club. I will keep you informed. being humbled by the 26.2 mile experience. Great PR and a true testament to endurance running! I continue to keep in contact with the RRCA clubs by e-mail a few times a year. Of course I have much greater and Though garnering no yellow jerseys, I also mixed in a little more frequent contact with ARRC since I am a member of cycling to my running regime this year. Most of the winter that club and live in Albuquerque. and spring were spent in preparation for a 3 week cycling trip through Eastern Europe. I ran the New Jersey Marathon in April which I highly recommend. Heather Marcellis In August I organized the 2nd Annual Multisport Carnival State Rep – New York for the NY Flyers with the help of two area triathlon clubs. [email protected] About thirty New York retailers, medical professionals, running, cycling and multi-sport clubs exhibited, along with 2006 was a busy time for New York runners. I was pleased guest speakers, live demos, clowns and great raffle prizes. to award RRCA State Championship race designations to a I was so pleased to welcome former Olympian and RRCA number of qualified and long tenured road races in the Michigan State Rep, Gary Morgan, who made the long trip Empire State. to New York just for this event. Gary was asked as a motivational speaker and manned his own booth for the Fathers everywhere ran to sign up for the Mule Haul 8K evening. He even donated some neat Olympic memorabilia RRCA State Championship race held on Father’s Day, June – thanks Gary! The event was attended by about 200 18th. A state championship race for many years running, it people and plans for Carnival 2007 are already underway. is sponsored by the Fulmont Roadrunners Club. (Jim Moore, Race Director). Another big highlight for the NY Flyers was being awarded the RRCA’s Jerry Little Excellence in Journalism Award The Great Cow Harbor 10K RRCA State Championship race (Large Club). This monthly newsletter was produced by took place on September 3rd. One of the most prestigious editor extraordinaire, Liz Call, and many other diligent and nationally ranked, this Long Island race boasted more contributors who worked so hard to make it great. Liz will than 5000 runners. Runners World named it one of the top be in attendance at the convention in Chicago to receive 100 races in the country! (Jerry Wood, Race Director). her well deserved award.

November 11th was the Veteran’s Day 4K Cross Country One of my goals as state rep this year is to grant more RRCA State Championship Race. In its 27th year this State Championship race designations for New York and Northport, NY race is entirely run on a golf course and the foster a better line of communication for the many clubs start is sounded with a cannon! Both scenic and spectator that comprise my NY roster. I think Jean Knaack and the friendly, it also benefits a good cause. Race proceeds entire RRCA office have done an excellent job recruiting benefit the VA Medical Center to help promote patient many exciting sponsors this year and my job is to help recreation. (Northport Running Club). communicate these new opportunities at the local level. I’m not sure the NY State running clubs (mine included!) The New York Road Runners Club introduced a fantastic have taken advantage of all the benefits RRCA membership new event in August with its “NYC Half-Marathon Presented affords. I hope to change that a little in 2007. by Nike”. With over 10,000 runners in its inaugural year, it quickly became a local favorite and is already attracting top running professionals. This new 13.1 mile race entertained Lena Hollmann runners with live bands and bright neon lights, even on a Sunday morning! The route wound its way through famed State Rep – North Carolina Central Park exiting onto the busy city streets [email protected] (spectacularly silenced for the exclusivity of the runners). It continued along the Hudson River and finally finished in As I am wrapping up my second year as a State Rep for lovely Battery Park City. Runners were treated to clowns, North Carolina, I’m looking back on a quite exciting and jugglers, and stilt walkers as they collected their medals productive year. And I am looking forward to an even and goody bags. (NYRR). better 2007. With several State Championships and a Regional Championship coming up this year, I feel like I am The New York Flyers (my own running club) supplied an finally coming off the launching pad and getting ready to army of volunteers at Mile 18 of the ING NYC Marathon to fly! hand out power gels to hungry runners. This is our third consecutive year manning the Powergel Station for the When I reflect on the highlights of 2006, the one thing first NYRR and has become one of the best events for our club. comes to mind is the three State Championships that were Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 51 - held. I want to thank Salisbury Rowan Runners, Robeson examples. The Fargo Marathon, which attracted over Roadrunners and North Carolina Roadrunners Club for 6,000 runners in 2006, is the outgrowth of the Run for the stepping forward and hosting the 8K, 5K and Half Marathon Children Half Marathon that had developed a good Championships, respectively. After holding successful State following. And you won’t find a flatter course anywhere in Championships, I encouraged these clubs to bid for a the country. Regional Championship in 2007. This resulted in a successful bid from Robeson Roadrunners, and the Rumba Although there are no RRCA clubs in the state, we salute on the Lumber 5K in Lumberton will be the Southern everyone who shares our love of the sport and our desire Region 5K Championship in 2007. to support common goals.

In addition to attending the above Championships, I visited clubs for other fun events, s.a. the Ultimate Runner in Rich Williams Winston Salem in July, which featured a 100m, 400m, 800m, mile and 5K race, all on the same day. I guided the State Rep – Ohio Outer Banks Running Club through the startup process and [email protected] was the speaker at one of their club meetings. Three more clubs, two of which were event clubs, also joined the RRCA No report. in 2006. Since a couple of inactive clubs didn’t renew their membership, the total number of North Carolina clubs remained fairly constant, and stays at this writing at 22. John Haugh I also attended the RRCA annual convention in Houston, and organized a Run@Work day event at my place of State Rep – Oklahoma employment. And I regularly stayed in touch with all the [email protected] clubs via a quarterly newsletter, plus other communications as needed. Finally, I contributed with articles for Footnotes No report. and the State Rep Newsletter.

Here are some of the goals I have for 2007 and beyond: Margie Palmrose-Mace

! Have State Championships on all “major” distances (5K, State Rep – Oregon 8K, 10K, ½ Marathon) [email protected] ! Find a sponsor and establish a Grand Prix series of State Championships 2006 marks my first full year as the RRCA State ! Have at least one Regional Championship in NC in 2008 Representative for Oregon. Oregon has eighteen RRCA (bid submitted in 2007) member clubs, extending down the Willamette Valley, ! Submit at least one article to Footnotes and/or the State covering the rugged coast and embracing the high desert Rep Newsletter of Eastern Oregon. These eighteen clubs add 1,859 ! Finally make that trip to visit clubs in the extreme members to RRCA and they staged over 60 races in 2006. western portion of the state ! Encourage clubs that conduct events but are not While maintaining a demanding work schedule for my members of RRCA to join, and assist in the startup of employer, I was able to make visits to four clubs, volunteer new clubs for eight races and serve on the Board of one club. ! Continue communicating with all clubs via newsletter at least quarterly, and special messages as needed Visits included seven Oregon Road Runners Club ! Set up a website for increased visibility and (Beaverton) board meetings, and one each with Linkville communication Lopers (Klamath Falls), Coast Hills Club (Newport) and with ! Actively promote Run@Work Day among the NC clubs a visit to Coos Bay for the Prefontaine Memorial race and my employer sponsored by the South Coast Running Club (Allegany). ! Attend the Chicago Convention and report back to the Generally, topics of interest by club leadership included clubs how to increase club memberships, race promotion and development of new club leadership. My 2007 goals will focus on providing resources, information and support in these three areas of club development. Tom Whittaker State Rep – North Dakota At each of the club races I volunteered for or participated [email protected] in, I witnessed the commitment of each Race Director for putting on a quality event. Popular race formats and North Dakota is one of the most sparsely populated states distances are cross-country, half-marathons and ultra- in the country, but in spite of this and the brutal winters, marathons, with many of the Oregon Clubs including these the power of running has led to some great events in the in their line-up. state. The 7th Annual Trestle Valley Marathon and Half Marathon in Minot on April 28 and the 3rd Annual Scheels In addition to quality races, training runs that offer social Fargo Marathon and Half Marathon on May 19 are just two opportunities are popular club activities. An example is Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 52 - Central Oregon Running Klub’s (Bend) weekly group runs Although South Dakota covers a large area with a widely and monthly the “Hot Chocolate Runs” that offer socializing scattered population, it hosts a very active running over cocoa and goodies after the 5 – 7 miles. Oregon Road program and some great races. The Longest Day Runners Club (ORRC) holds a track workout at a local Marathon and Half Marathon in Brookings, the Mickelson school, so runners and walkers can train safely under the Trail Marathon and Half Marathon in historic Deadwood and track lights during the winter. Then monthly, ORRC hosts the Mount Rushmore Marathon are good examples. These pizza at a local pizza parlor for a social activity after the great events along with the many nearby scenic and track workout. historic sites make a visit to South Dakota a must for any runner. ORRC was also featured in the October 2006 Runner’s World article “Human Race – On the Road Portland Oregon”. Dave Cook, ORRC President, was the tour guide Michelle Wimberley briefly explaining three popular running routes from downtown and places & races in Portland. State Rep – Tennessee [email protected] In May, I was working in Santa Cruz California for a three- week assignment. To keep up on my training, I pulled up We are making progress in the State of Tennessee! In the RRCA web site and reviewed the running clubs in the 2006, we held a state championship for the following area. To my great good-fortune, I worked out with the distances: 5K (Jingle Bell Jog, Clarksville, TN), 4 mile Santa Cruz Track Club and volunteered for their marathon (Firecracker 4 mile, Rogersville, TN), 10K (Wilma Rudolph and half-marathon in a local state park, Nicene Marks. It Run, Clarksville, TN), ½ Marathon and Full marathon (St. was a fun experience, made new friends and became an Jude’s, Memphis, TN). We also had regional championships advocate for the RRCA web site. My fourth goal for 2007 for the 8K distance (Clarksville Turkey Trot) and the ½ will be to encourage all Oregon clubs to utilize this terrific marathon distance (Germantown Half). That is 5 more resource. state championships and 1 more regional championship than in 2005.

I plan to add State Championships in 2007 for the following Jeff Crago distances: 15K, 10 mile and a trail run. I am also State Rep – Pennsylvania sponsoring a Grand Prix for the State Championship events. Entry into the Grand Prix is free and will hopefully [email protected] increase participation in all state championship events.

Winners will be announced at the first RRCA Tennessee No report. State Meeting, date and location TBA.

We have had increase in the number of races for kids with Fred Zyleger II many adding a 1 mile fun run to established races. I will State Rep – Rhode Island continue to push clubs and events to provide more kid friendly activities. In 2003, Tennessee reported 15.1% of [email protected] high school students were overweight. Tennessee is

currently 6th in the nation for adult obesity. We need to No report. find creative ways to combat this epidemic. I am currently

working with Susan Brotherton, Physical Education

Specialist, in the Tennessee State Department of Education Vacant to develop more relationships between schools, physical education teachers, RRCA clubs and the Governor’s Council State Rep – South Carolina on Physical Fitness.

No report. Goals for 2007 include: 1) improving communication between clubs, 2) a successful state meeting and 3) developing a plan of action with the Tennessee agencies Tom Whittaker mentioned to present to clubs and generate interest in improving the health of Tennesseans. State Rep – South Dakota [email protected]

Our one RRCA Club in South Dakota, the Sioux Falls Area Kelly (K2) Richards Running Club (www.siouxfallsarearunningclub.org) provides State Rep – N. Texas a good deal of useful information on running in the [email protected] southeastern South Dakota, northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota area. The calendar on their web 2006 was my first year s a state rep and if they give out site reveals a very active race schedule and their many club awards to the biggest PITA, I’d surely win! I spent the activities serve their running community well. entire year asking questions, debating and challenging SOP and making numerous suggestions. To make up for being

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 53 - such a pest I worked tirelessly to advocate the RRCA in a overall awareness of the RRCA. I still need a lot of “state” where most runners and clubs didn’t know the mentoring and look forward to picking the brains of all the RRCA had anything to offer besides insurance. state reps in Chicago.

After attending the RRCA convention in Houston I set out to contact all my clubs only to discover 50% of the contact Steve Shepard information was incorrect. After several weeks I finally tracked everyone down. Being a long distance runner, I’ve State Rep – S. Texas learned persistency pays off! [email protected]

In order to communicate with everyone I created a Greetings from South Texas! Our "State" encompasses monthly newsletter that has improved each month but has Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Corpus Christi and a long way to go before it could be considered a work of surrounding areas. art! The constant reminder that N. TX needed a State Championship finally paid off and for the first time in an I am about to complete my fourth year as the South Texas unknown number of years there was a RRCA State State Representative. RRCA communications in South Championship race in N. TX. By year’s end we actually had Texas are managed the modern way, with email blasts "as a 50K and a 10K State Championship race. We’ve already it happens". This is how our clubs communicate with their been awarded a Regional Championship for 2007 and members; "newsletters", previously the main vehicle for applications have been submitted for 2007 state news you can use have been transformed to championships. "newsmagazines" with a focus on feature writing and non time-critical information which can be consumed at leisure. One of my focuses throughout the year was getting key individuals from clubs interested then involved with the We are delighted that Stridelines, the monthly publication RRCA. Again, persistency paid off when a handful of of the Houston Striders, was named the 2006 winner in the individuals volunteered to serve on the national award Jerry Little Memorial competition for best medium-sized committees, several clubs nominated their members, web club newsletter. Congratulations to Stridelines Editor sites (Dallas Running Club was named in the “Top 3”) and Miriam Terc for this award. Check out back issues of this races for awards. A few people have even signed up for fine publication at www.houstonstriders.com. We are also the convention in Chicago. Texans are no dummies - did pleased that Stridelines contributors Greg Boncimino, Jen you notice they went for all the fun stuff? Kim, Nancy Kral, and Aimee Solway were recognized with 2006 South Region Honorable Mentions in the Club Writer With all of this increased interest in the RRCA it wasn’t too competition. More great news is that three members of difficult to get Luke’s Locker to sponsor the 50K the Houston Striders, Lee Baughman, Pam Paling and Lisa Championship event and to get more involved with Ruthven, were recognized in the RRCA National Volunteer supporting RRCA clubs. Certificate Program in 2006 for their volunteer efforts for the Houston running community. Lastly, congratulations to In addition to my State Rep responsibilities I’m still the Houston runner Sean Wade of The Kenyan Way for President of the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers. winning the RRCA Master Runner of the Year title. Sean's RAW is home to the Southern Female Masters Road Runner been burning up the racing circuit and it's great to see him of the Year and the National Female Road Runner of the get this recognition. Year! Not only is everything bigger in TX, its better too! Publicity for the RRCA reached record levels in 2006 in Personally, I had another fun year of running, highlights South Texas as the Houston Striders held 2006 RRCA include: running the Salt Lake City marathon, running with National Convention in Houston March 8-12 in conjunction Sam Thompson during his successful quest to run 50 with the HEB Bayou City Classic 10k, the RRCA National marathons in 50 days in 50 states (Sam is a personal friend Championship 10k for 2006. Convention “headliners” and RRCA member), running a 40-mile trail race in NC with included Kathrine Switzer, Roger Robinson, Bart Yasso, my buddy on his 40th birthday and running the NYC Rich Benyo, Jan Seeley and Houston Mayor Bill White. Fun marathon. NYC is an absolute must-do for every runner. runs included a run on the 2003 USA Cross Country Some people like meeting movie stars, me, I like meeting National Championship course, the Metrorail Run ‘n Ride runners! Especially fast, handsome Olympians so I was and the Walk Rallye through the Downtown Houston overjoyed to meet Alan Culpepper in February. It was one Tunnel System. The Convention had 16 outstanding of those rare moments where in my excitement I was seminars, a silent as well as a live auction, a coach’s speechless and had to be jabbed in the ribs before I certification, a Texas barbeque and early morning breakfast remembered to say, “hi”. I had the privilege of meeting tacos, terrific Houston springtime weather, and lots of many talented, gracious, humble and kind runners in 2006. surprises along the way. A full recap from RRCA Board Our sport is truly unique and amazing that we get to line Member John Farrow is available on up at the same starting line with the world’s best athletes www.houstonstriders.com/2006_04.pdf. on race day. In September we held a very successful and well-received 2007 promises to be a challenging and exciting year. My Tour de Art Run in Houston, a celebration of the RRCA's goals include awarding a minimum of three state Run@Work Day. Special thanks to Tour Guide Roger Boak championship races, recruiting new clubs and increasing an for course design and to the Houston Striders for event Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 54 - management. We expect to make the Tour de Art Run an courses in the commonwealth. For 21 years, Thurston annual fixture on the Houston running calendar for years to has been co-director of the National Capital 20 Mile Run, come. as well as its predecessor 36-mile ultra marathon. Thurston is also the co-director of the Bread Run 10K. The New Branfels Running Club held a successful 5 Mile Thurston is a member of the DC Road Runners Club. State Championship, the Wurst 5 Miler, in November, and will repeat as the South Texas 5 Mile State Championship in 2007. Paul Thompson

In 2006 we started a campaign to get the RRCA news feed State Rep – Washington D.C. posted on South Texas websites. We're off to a great start [email protected] and are looking forward to more implementations in 2007. This was another banner year for the Nation's Capitol with dozens of races taking place. Even those which were non Vacant RRCA events often sought our assistance in technical and PR areas. Big news for runners this year was the election State Rep – Utah of DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, son of Phil Fenty, a renowned runner and owner of a running store in downtown DC. No report. Maybe, this will boost the cause of running in the District, and perhaps give some breaks to runners, especially to the high costs for security!

Rich Frank [IMCOMING] The DCRRC continues to be the flagship for local runners, State Rep – Vermont crossing jurisdictions and offering running venues, training, [email protected] and workout opportunities, throughout the region. I was honored at its annual banquet by being admitted into the DCRRC Hall of Fame, personally welcomed by Jim Hage, the most recent inductee. I also directed again the 31st Bob Platt annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, with participants from all State Rep – Virginia over the world, including recent governor of Virginia, John [email protected] Warner, who has become a regular participant along with Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, and Vice Mayor Del Pepper. Bob Platt became Virginia State Representative in March For that race, and for several others, we have worked in 2006. He is trying to visit each of the 25 clubs in the state, close association with the local food banks, filling several and hopes to meet with each club by the end of 2007. truckloads.

In 2006, the Neptune Festival 8K was our only The highlight of the April 2nd annual banquet was the championship. So far for 2007, we have designated the induction of former DCRRC president Paul Thompson as Shamrock Sportsfest Marathon as our marathon the 16th member of the club’s Hall of Fame. Paul has been championship. We are currently soliciting additional integral to the club’s success for many years. He served on championships. the board for 10 years and was president for three. For the past 14 years and counting, Paul has directed the club’s On October 28, we held our state meeting in conjunction biggest race (and biggest fundraiser), the Alexandria with the Marine Corps Marathon Expo. At that meeting, we Turkey Trot 5 Mile run. He directed the Hugh Jascourt 4- presented the following awards: Miler, named for the club’s founder, for many years. He has been the longstanding DC representative to the RRCA. As ! Rick Platt is the Virginia Outstanding Club President for if all this weren’t enough (did we mention a wife and four 2006. Platt is the President of the Colonial Road Runners kids?), Paul practices what he preaches—he has run 14 in Williamsburg, and has served in a leadership capacity straight JFK 50 Mile runs, 54 marathons (3:09 PR), 25 at the club for two decades. Platt is also a frequent triathlons, including three Ironman events. Professionally, contributor to various running publications and serves a Paul is a full professor of strategic studies at the National number of races as Promotion Director or Elite Athlete War College in Washington. Congratulations! By Jim Hage. Coordinator. ! Brian Sagedy is the Virginia Outstanding Race Director Goals for 2007: for 2006 in recognition of his leadership of the Elizabeth More of the same, but better! Try to get more races, or River Run 10K in Portsmouth and the Neptune Festival training runs in the inner city. Try to get the Capitol Hill 8K in Virginia Beach. Sagedy is a member of the running club reenergized after the elections in which Jim Tidewater Striders running club. Among his Ryun and other runners lost! Work with all the jurisdictions accomplishments, Sagedy supervised the relocation of (DC, Park, and Capitol Hill Police, and Secret Service) to the 27-year old Elizabeth River Run from Norfolk to get a standard permit and accelerate the approval process. Portsmouth. ! Robert Thurston is the Virginia Outstanding Volunteer for 2006. Thurston is the Virginia course certifier measuring or supervising the measuring of road race Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 55 - In 2006, we again hosted two RRCA National Tony Quinn [OUTGOING] Championships: The Debbie Green Memorial 5K, August State Rep – Washington 5th in Wheeling WV and The News and Sentinel Half Marathon, August 19th in Parkersburg, WV. Our club #1670, registered with RRCA to sanction our eight events in 2006. We were, honored, and very fortunate to have RRCA Executive Director Jean Knaack, who ran both races, and ! Feb 11, 2nd Annual Run/Walk 4 The Heart (Youth RRCA President Bee McLeod, here representing the Against Crime) Benefit Challenge National Office. We involved them both in the award ! March 25, 3rd Annual Pacific NW Mtn Bike Duathlon presentations. We are very proud to be hosting these two Challenge Series #1 great races as National Championship’s for 2007, and ! April 22, Series II continue to invite Road Scholars and Regional Champions ! May 27, Series III Championships to these two prestigious races, as our guest. ! June 17, 4th Annual Clean Air Road Bike Duathlon Benefit Challenge Many of you no doubt remember Willis Ridenour, WV State ! July 27-29, Inaugural Uncle Sam's 150 Classic Two-Day Rep, 1998-2005. Willis has been a driving force in our Bike Tour community, state and the promotion of the RRCA, for many ! Sept 23, 2nd Annual Run/Walk 4 The Poor Trail 1/2 years. Joe Corra, President of the River City Runners Club, Marathon made a proposal, and was accepted by the club B.O.D. to ! Dec 31, 5th Annual Midnight Express 8k (New Year's Eve establish and fund an annual award to recognize an Fitness) Challenge individual member of one of the WV RRCA clubs that has done the most to promote running. This award is named All of our club hosted events benefited local Food Banks, after Willis Ridenour and will be administered by the Youth Multi-sports Programs, and local homeless and current WV RRCA State Rep. disabled veterans Five members of the River City Runner Club attended the I had the pleasure of observing and meeting with both the 2006 National Convention, in Houston. We look forward to Seattle Marathon and Portland Marathon Event Teams. seeing you in Chicago. Also, our club was an exhibitor distributing club membership materials and flyers. Barbara Jewell [INCOMING] During 2006 I attempted to contact all registered club with RRCA. I made contact with over 3/4 of the registered club State Rep – Wisconsin and left my contact number and information. [email protected]

During the 2006 year, our club also was a co-host for the 13 events on Fort Lewis Army Base and McChord Air Force Base. Dennis Novak [OUTGOING]

Our club mailed out all the RRCA materials to 40 different State Rep – Wisconsin running club's in the Pacific Northwest. We will make [email protected] every attempt to register some of the existing 150 clubs throughout the Pacific Northwest in 2007. Our goal is to at The year 2006 saw both good news and bad news. least register five new clubs. We did have some success Keeping with something I learned long ago - start and end with Fort Lewis Army Base attempting to register with with good news and slip the bad news in between. RRCA. The first bit of good news was that my club, the There will be some challenges in 2007 to register new Badgerland Striders, had record attendance at the annual organizations with RRCA. We hope to work with Lisa Lakefront Marathon, and registration filled up at an earlier acquiring the materials to distribute to new clubs here in date than ever before. Because this race was capped at the Pacific Northwest. 2500 participants and a limited number of relay teams it filled up fast. This is truly a class event and has applied to be the Midwest Region Marathon for 2007. Hopefully this race will get this prestigious recognition. Tom Kramer State Rep – West Virginia The bad news is that in 2006 Wisconsin lost one of its clubs because it could not find someone to take over the club. [email protected] Hopefully someone will step up in 2007 and resurrect this

club. The other piece of good news is that the very popular Last year I greeted you from West Virginia, the Mountain S-NO-W Fun Run in early January has been saved. Long State. This year I greet you from that same mountain time Race Director Joey Falch had pleaded to members for state, but by proclamation of our governor, we are now someone to take over as Race Director as she would be “Open For Business”. And we are truly that. moving out of the area. With the race in jeopardy veteran

runner Joel Lamers stepped up to the challenge. With Joey

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 56 - in the wings Joel put on an excellent race in early January, 2007. This was the first time in many years I was able to participate in this 8K event. I also ran into, but could not keep up with, Central Regional Director Beth Onines. She is much too fast for me.

The last thing to report out of Wisconsin is that I and some of my fellow Badgerland Striders have been asked to serve on the committee for the 2007 RRCA Convention in Chicago. We have spent much time over the past several months getting the details put together and are looking forward to seeing everybody in Chicago.

Amy Daley

State Rep – Wyoming [email protected]

People DO read these reports! While enjoying my pre-race pasta meal at our very own Casper Marathon last June, I overheard a gentleman ask the race director if “Amy Daley” was here somewhere. The gentleman, Bruce Mansur, a Houston Strider, had attended the National Convention in New Orleans last year and had read my “report!” WOW! I was impressed!

My goals this year will be a continuation of last year’s goals... mainly trying to travel to some of the club races around our state. Picture my hometown, Casper, as the center of the state, with each of our 4 other clubs 150 miles in each direction! Since the weather cooperated and I wasn’t preparing the Thanksgiving feast this year, I headed 2 ½ hours north to Gillette for their annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving morning. The club president, Rick Mansur, (yep, brother of the above mentioned Bruce!) and his crew organized a great event and I even won a turkey!

I am receiving regular e-mails from all of our clubs in

Wyoming to keep me posted on events. Our Windy City Striders here in Casper has been very supportive by acting as “Wyoming Clubs Central” and keeping all of the events around the state posted on our website calendar.

This year I have also begun conversations with race directors about hosting a State Championship event. At this point it looks like we have a possible plan for 2007.

Stay tuned!

Along with a conscious effort to promote running and the RRCA every chance I get (not too hard, as I am just as addicted as the rest of the running world), my other main goal was to attend the National Convention in 2006. The planets must be in alignment because first of all, my daughter lives in the Houston area and is also a Houston Strider. In fact, Steve Shepard is her marathon running coach! (Just hum, “It’s a small world after all...”) Secondly, Contributions From Top – Steve Shepard (Texas Run@Work Day); the date has been moved up to March, which as a teacher, Ken Bendy (RRCA Southern Regional Championship banner); I could never seem to get away in May! Therefore... I Chuck George (“The Wall” 30k State Championship); Joe Wirth have sent in my registration and look forward to meeting (Marla Runyan, Kati McGregor, Jenelle Deatherage, Jenny Crane all of you at the convention in March! – Pic by Wayne Kryduba).

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 57 -

RRCA at Work and Play

From Top Left: Houston Striders at 2006 Convention; Kelly Richards running with Bart Yasso; Norm Haines at City of Trees Ultra; Kim Maxwell – new Minnesota State Rep; Kim Howard and Heather Marcellis; Tom Fort – Delaware State Rep; Mark Grandonico – Maine State Rep; Ron Macksoud – Alabama State Rep; Lisa Dahl – Kentucky State Rep; Tom Kramer- West Virginia State Rep with President Bee McLeod and Executive Director Jean Knaack; RRCA Board - Centipede competition at Houston RRCA convention.

Road Runners Club of America 2006 Annual Reports Book Page - 58 -

The Road Runners Club of America

wishes to express its sincere thanks to the

Alpine Striders and Illinois Runs

for hosting the

2007 RRCA National Convention

March 21 - 25, 2007 – Chicago, IL

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Acknowledgements The RRCA wishes to acknowledge the following contributors to the RRCA Annual Reports Book:

RRCA Executive Board: President Bee McLeod Vice President Tom Downing

Central Director Beth Onines

Eastern Director Brent Ayers Southern Director Ken Bendy Western Director Lisa Paige At Large Directors David Epstein, Bob Holmes, John Farrow

Jean Knaack, Executive Director; Jessica Sleight, Membership Director

Working Committees: Coaching Committee – Patti Finke National Championship Committee – Don Kardong Nominating Committee – Michael Hughes Road Scholar Program – Carl Sniffen State Rep Working Group – Marlene Atwood Website Committee – Warren Finke

Our National Awards Committees:

Browning Ross – Freddi Carlip

Hall of Fame Awards – Jim Oaks Jerry Little Memorial Journalism Awards – Marlene Atwood Kurt Steiner Children’s Developmental Award – Don Kardong Outstanding State Rep – Bee McLeod Rod Steele Award – Dawn McEnery Scott Hamilton Award – Bee McLeod Runners of the Year – Phil Lang Nina Kuscsik Women’s Running Award – Evan Thomas Inaugural Road Race of the Year – Ron Macksoud

Our Contributing RRCA State Representatives: Marlene Atwood, Steve Bainbridge, Michael Bowen, Chris Burch, David Cotter, Lisa Dahl, Amy Daley, Joan Davis, John Devitt, Steve Feld, Thomas Fort, John Goldrosen, Mark Grandonico, Norman Haines, Lena Hollman, Kim Howard, Tom Kramer, Phil Lang, Denise Longino, Ron Macksoud, Heather Marcellis, Gary Morgan, Don Nelson. Cecelia Niemczyk, Dennis Novak, James O'Donnell, Lisa Paige, Margie Palmrose-Mace, Bob Platt, Tony Quinn, Karen Raymer, Kelly Richards, Steve Shepard, Yvonne Thomas, Paul Thompson, Tom Whitaker, Michelle Wimberley, Joe Wirth

Our National Sponsors: Gatorade, Ashworth Awards, Sportscience, Runners World, Fleet Feet Sports, Marathon & Beyond, Road Race Management (RRM), GEN-A Marketing, Star-EGL Insurance – Diller Smith Office/K&K Insurance

Our Contributing Sponsors: Running Times, Merastar, HerSports & Fitness, Fuelbelt, Active.com, SkirtSport

Our Advertising Sponsors: Casper Marathon, Delaware Marathon, Escape from Prison Hill – RRCA Half Marathon Championship Huntsville Track Club, Houston Half Marathon & Relay, Milwaukee’s Lakefront Marathon, Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs – 2007 RRCA 100 Mile National Ultra Championship/2007 RRCA 50k/50 Mile State Championship, Jim & Ann Oaks, Parkersburg News & Sentinel RRCA National Half Marathon Championship, Birmingham Track Club – Vulcan Run – RRCA National 10K Championship

Photo Credits: P.6 – RRCA Condensed History Archives; P. 10 – Marlene Atwood arch ives; P. 16 – RRCA Condensed History Archives; P. 27 – Janet Nissenson; P.29 – John Devitt, Marlene Atwood; P. 20- 21 – Victor Sailer; P.36, 38, 39 – Marlene Atwood archives; P . 57 – Steve

Shepard, Ken Bendy, Chuck George, Wayne Kryduba; P. 58 – Steve Shepard, Kelly Richards, Norm Haines, Mark Grandonico, Ron

Macksoud, Lisa Dahl, Tom Kramer

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~ Congratulations ~

Harold Tinsley

2006 Browning Ross Spirit of the RRCA Award Winner

(We know you couldn’t have won without Louise)

Jim and Ann Oaks

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