RRCA Legacy Builder Award Recipients Honored at the 68th RRCA National Convention

April 17, 2026

Arlington, VA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is pleased to announce Phil Stewart and Brent Ayer as the first recipients of the RRCA Legacy Builder Award. This special honor is reserved for those who have made a significant and lasting contribution to RRCA programs which shape the future of our sport and inspire future generations of runners.

Phil Stewart, long time race director of the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile, was honored for his outstanding leadership in educating race directors, elevating national standards for event management, and being the co-founder of the RRCA Race Director Certification program. In addition, he has generously entrusted the copyright of his foundational work, Organizing Running Events, to the RRCA ensuring this critical industry resource remains a cornerstone for race directors nationwide.

Brent Ayer, past RRCA President and RRCA Coaching Certification Course Instructor, was honored for being a pivotal change-maker in revitalizing the RRCA Coaching Certification Program and investing a decade of leadership to ensure its lasting success. In 2011, as then RRCA President, Brent’s visionary leadership transformed the coaching program, including bringing on Randy Accetta to refine and rewrite the curriculum. Since then, the program has experienced enormous growth, continuously evolving to engage future leaders and coaches in the sport.

“Phil and Brent have been invaluable partners in building the RRCA’s certification programs,” said Jean Knaack, CEO of the RRCA. “Their support and collaboration have helped shape programs that empower our community, ensuring that race directors and coaches have the tools they need to foster safe and inclusive running communities that empower all people to run.”

The 68th RRCA National Convention in Arlington, VA, brought together over 345 passionate attendees from across the country—from Maine to Hawaii from Alaska to Trinidad and Tobago. The event celebrated the RRCA National Running Award winners at its Saturday luncheon, including the induction of Hall of Fame Members Jared Ward and Rich Kenah. On Friday, Martinus Evans delivered a powerful keynote, urging the running community to continue breaking down barriers and open the door to all runners wanting to reach the starting line.

About 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.