Road Runners Club of America Announces Fall 2019 Runner Friendly Communities

December 20, 2019

Four communities have the “right stuff” of community infrastructure & support plus local government involvement for designation

Four communities have the “right stuff” of community infrastructure & support plus local government involvement for designation

Arlington, VA – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is pleased to announce and welcome its Runner Friendly Community® designations for fall 2019:

• Belmont, California
• Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
• Houston, Texas
• Williamsburg/James City County, Virginia

Runner Friendly Communities have shown that they meet the program’s criteria, which includes community infrastructure, community support and local government support for running. Each community has shown they have an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment. They have a proven track record that organizations and businesses work together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport, with the most important criteria being positive relationships between the running community and their local government.

“The quality and quantity of references from city and state government leaders for this round of Runner Friendly Communities highlights the importance of positive relationships between the running community and local officials,” said Jean Knaack, RRCA Executive Director.  “The investment in safe pedestrian networks and trails in these communities shows a dedication to making physical activity a priority for the residents in their communities.”

The goal of the RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly and provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner-friendly communities. Runner Friendly Communities have leveraged the designation as an opportunity to present the RRCA-sponsored recognition plaque to local leaders during city council meetings or at commemorative events involving a variety of community leaders.

In the coming weeks, the RRCA will provided daily highlights on RRCA.org for each Runner Friendly Community from this round of designations, with the goal of celebrating the communities and inspiring other communities to achieve the designation.

About RRCA:Founded in 1958, the Road Runners Club of America is the oldest and largest national association of running clubs, running events and runners dedicated to promoting running as a competitive sport and as healthy exercise. The mission of the RRCA is to promote the sport of running through the development and growth of running clubs and running events throughout the country. The RRCA supports the common interests of runners of all abilities during all stages of life by providing education and leadership opportunities along with programs and services that benefit all runners. Learn more at: www.RRCA.org

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