Road Runners Club of America Welcomes Two New Runner Friendly Communities

September 19, 2025

Arlington, VA (September 19, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/  – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is pleased to welcome newly designated Runner Friendly Communities® for 2025.  Runner Friendly Communities are those that have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the sport of running through infrastructure, community involvement, and collaborative leadership.

Crystal Lake, Illinois

• Known for its scenic lakefront trail system and year-round community races, from fun runs to half marathons.
• Strong partnerships between the City of Crystal Lake, the local park district, and running clubs ensure that runners have access to safe routes and organized events.
• Local businesses and schools actively support running initiatives, making fitness a visible part of everyday life.

 Rochester, Michigan

• Home to the Paint Creek and Clinton River Trails, offering miles of shaded, multi-use paths that connect neighborhoods and parks.
• The city’s thriving run clubs and youth programs encourage both recreational running and competitive opportunities.
• Rochester’s downtown embraces running culture, hosting annual events that attract thousands of participants while driving economic impact for local businesses.

“These designations highlight that whether you’re a lakeside town or a thriving urban city, collaboration and vision can make running accessible and celebrated for all residents.” – Jean Knaack, CEO of the Road Runners Club of America

In addition to welcoming new designations, the RRCA applauds two communities that have successfully renewed their Runner Friendly Community status by maintaining high standards over the past five years:

• Ithaca, New York – A model of sustainable transportation planning, trail preservation, and active community engagement.
• San Antonio, Texas – A large city with deep cultural ties to running, hosting races from local 5Ks to international marathons and maintaining a robust parks and trails network.

The goal of the RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community program is to shine a national spotlight on communities that set the standard for supporting runners. Runner Friendly Communities:

• Enhance Quality of Life: Prioritizing health, safety, and wellness for all residents.
• Boost Economic Impact: Drawing visitors and events that benefit local businesses.
• Promote Active Living: Encouraging lifelong participation in running and walking.

 About RRCA: The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations and runners dedicated to growing the sport since 1958. The RRCA champions the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition. The RRCA’s vision is to Empower Everyone to Run. To learn more, visit: www.RRCA.org.

Contact:

Andy Smith
programs@RRCA.org
703-525-3890