Sarah Kozul, RRCA Southern Regiona Director, shares how her club, the Lakeland Runners Club (LRC) made it part of their club culture.
Starting in 2007, the LRC sent their first attendee to the RRCA Convention. To say it was impactful might be an understatement; the decision to fully fund three attendees annually became our first club official policy. We pay for registration and travel for three directors, with additional board members eligible for registration support if they can fund their own travel.
We view the RRCA Convention as professional development for the volunteers who guide our organization through governance, race planning, training programs, and member engagement—topics that are covered at every RRCA Convention.
The club president always has the option to attend, and the remaining two slots go to board members in key leadership roles.
Our policy is not about seniority—it’s about sending the right people who can bring back knowledge and connections to benefit the whole club.
The LRC, based in Lakeland, Florida (population 125,000, with 550 club memberships), holds seven annual races to support our operations. These events allow us to give back to the community through free programs, scholarships, and other charitable gifts, but we also believe in giving back to ourselves.
Funding attendance to the RRCA Convention is just as important as any other program, because it is how we develop better leaders and a stronger club for the long term.
I encourage your organization to make professional development part of your club’s strategy—and take the first step by registering for the 2026 RRCA Convention in Arlington, VA. Join club leaders, race directors, and coaches from across the country for an energizing weekend of learning, connection, and inspiration.
Convention Registration Includes:
- Opening reception with lite fare and complementary beverage
- Friday:
- Organized AM group run or yoga
- Breakfast and lunch included
- Education program sessions
- Expo and networking opportunities
- Saturday
- Organized AM group run or yoga
- Lunch included
- Education program sessions
- Expo
- Closing reception with food and beverage
- Attendee goody bag with commemorative apparel and more
- Guaranteed entry into the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race on Sunday (a link for registration for the race will be sent to registered convention attendees in November 2025).