RRCA Announces Third Round of Runner Friendly Community Designations

ARLINGTON, Virginia – December 14, 2011 – The Road Runners Club of America, the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States, is pleased to announce the third round of selections for the Runner Friendly Community designation: Pensacola, FL; and Glastonbury, CT.

These 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 an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment; a proven track record that organizations and businesses work together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport; and there are positive relationships between the running community and local government.

The goals of the Runner Friendly Community program are to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly and to provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner friendly communities. Runner friendly communities can increase the quality of life, improve physical activity for residents as outlined in the National Physical Activity Plan, and provide for increased economic impact for the community.

“We have realized the benefits and value of running for our families, our health, and our community, regardless of age or ability,” said Pat Kozma of the Pensacola Runners Association.  “Our runner friendly environment allows us to run almost 365 days a year with the Gulf of Mexico, Historic Downtown Pensacola, or The Black Water State Park as our back drop.”

RRCA RUNNER FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES:

Pensacola, FL – The Pensacola Runners Association call Pensacola home.  They have an established route known locally as “The Airport Loop”.  Starting at The Roger Scott Park, the loop winds around The Pensacola Regional Airport and contains plenty of parking, restrooms, water fountains, and even a dog park.  There’s also a community track that is open to the public, well-lit, and properly maintained.

The PRA actively engages the community by approaching area businesses one-on-one to discuss their support as a sponsor for one of the PRA’s 10 events.  Businesses typically donate their time by asking employees to volunteer and their money to help cover expenses that normally wouldn’t have been possible. 

If you’re ever in the area, McGuires Irish Pub offers a Tuesday night 5K run in which it offers a buffet and beverage discounts.  Every March, they produce the St. Patrick’s Day Prediction, billed as the “world’s largest” prediction run where over 10,000 participants enjoy a 5K Run/Walk. 

There are gender-neutral, youth running programs that are hosted in the community.  Local schools have a track/cross country team and the PRA hosts a club for the local youth.
Pensacola has a special events coordinator that assists organizations or individuals interested in producing running events.  The City also provides a traffic officer to review the route and assign officers to assist in traffic control.  The city hosts over 30 running events annually.

Community leaders who provided support and letters of recommendation include Jehan Clark, President of the Pensacola Runners Association; Jeff Schmitt, Associate Director of Recreation and Athletic Facilities; Kimberly Kaminski, Special Events Coordinator of Pensacola; and Ashton Hayward, Mayor of Pensacola. 

Glastonbury, CT – The Glastonbury application was submitted by the Hartford Marathon Foundation, which will also be hosting the ING Hartford Marathon, which is a part of the 2012 National Championship Event Series.  Glastonbury is home to a large network of sidewalks, stone dust paths, paved bike paths, and forested trails, allowing runners to complete 20+ miles on the pedestrian network.  The Connecticut Forest and Parks maintain the 50 mile Shenipist Trail, which runs right through Glastonbury.

With its safe and friendly amenities like water fountains, public restrooms, ample parking, well-lit networks, mile markers, and guard rails at dangerous intersections, Glastonbury serves as the primary training ground for the Hartford Marathon Foundation’s training programs.

The Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce and its many members have supported the efforts for the community to gain this designation.  Many business sponsor races and have agreed to become Runner Friendly Businesses.  The Glastonbury Runners, an RRCA club, have partnered with the Park and Rec Dept. and provided Gatorade and support for the weekly summer fun runs that are sponsored by the town. 

Four elementary schools have running programs, both middle schools have running clubs, and the high school is competitive, having won regional Football championship races. 

Community leaders who provided support and letters of recommendation include Mary Ellen Dombroski, Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce; Beth Shluger, Hartford Marathon Foundation; Rich Baber, Glastonbury River Runners; and Art Byram, RRCA Connecticut State Representative. 

News Archive