Honoring Our Legacy, Elevating What’s Next: RRCA Announces 2026–2030 Strategic Plan

January 23, 2026

Designed to Strengthen Community Running and Elevate Future Generations

Falls Church, VA (January 23, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) has unveiled its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, a forward-looking roadmap that builds on nearly 70 years of consistent leadership while positioning the organization to serve the next generation of runners, clubs, event directors, coaches, and community leaders.

Rooted in the RRCA’s long-standing mission to champion community-based running, the new five-year plan reflects both stability and intention, preserving what has made the RRCA a trusted national leader since 1958 while evolving to meet the changing needs of the running community.

“At a time when the running landscape continues to shift, our role remains clear,” said Jean Knaack, RRCA CEO. “The RRCA’s strength has always been our consistency—showing up year after year with dependable leadership, trusted resources, and programs and services that our running communities rely on. This strategic plan ensures we continue doing exactly that, while also expanding access, elevating education, and supporting future generations of runners and leaders.”

The RRCA’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is anchored by five core strategies that collectively reinforce our mission, vision, and values:

• Strengthen & Expand Community-Based Running by delivering best-in-class support for clubs, events, and coaches through education, industry-leading insurance and licensing programs, and community-building resources.
• Foster the Next Generation of Runners by expanding youth running opportunities, strengthening Kids Run the Nation program and grant fund, supporting emerging athletes, and promoting lifelong engagement in the sport.
• Elevate Education, Certification & Professional Development by strengthening coaching and race director certification programs, expanding learning opportunities, and elevating RRCA Convention programming.
• Amplify National Leadership Through Awareness, Innovation, and Collaboration by strengthening RRCA’s national voice, storytelling, partnerships, and advocacy for safe, fair, and inclusive running.
• Sustain and Strengthen RRCA’s Financial Future by building a vibrant culture of giving, strengthening membership sustainability, and expanding sponsorships and partnerships.

Three cross-cutting priorities—technology modernization, marketing and communications, and financial support—will support the successful implementation of all strategies throughout the five-year period.

A Plan Built on Continuity, Designed for Generations to Come

The RRCA’s Strategic Plan emphasizes long-term impact over short-term change, reinforcing the organization’s role as a stable backbone of the running community while embracing innovation, inclusivity, and collaboration.

“This plan is about stewardship,” Knaack added. “We are honoring the responsibility that comes with being the oldest and largest national association dedicated to community-based running—ensuring that today’s clubs, coaches, and events remain strong, while tomorrow’s runners have clear, welcoming pathways into the sport.”

The 2026–2030 RRCA Strategic Plan will guide RRCA’s annual objectives, investments, and reporting, with progress shared regularly with members and stakeholders.

About the RRCA

Founded in 1958, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association dedicated to growing the sport of running. The RRCA empowers everyone to run by championing community-based running organizations, events, and programs that foster participation in running as a sport and healthy lifestyle. Learn more at www.RRCA.org.