RRCA Announces Runner Friendly Communities
Each community has an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment.
Each community has an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment.
From: Running USA
Arlington, Va. – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is pleased to announce the 4th Quarter round of 2012 selections for the Runner Friendly Community designation: Peachtree City, Ga., Eugene, Ore., and Columbus, Ga.
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 citizens of Eugene take great pride in our deep-rooted running heritage and our national reputation as Track Town, USA,” explained Kitty Piercy, Mayor of Eugene. “Our running community is vast and diverse, spanning all ages and ability levels.”
While runners do not require a lot of expensive equipment, there are several ways that local communities can invest to ensure that running is safe, affordable, accessible, and enjoyable for anyone that wants to run.
“Peachtree City’s 24-square miles include over 25% naturally wooded green space, and we own and maintain a 90-mile network of paved, multi-use paths,” explained Don Haddix, Mayor of Peachtree City. “The paths are tremendously popular and provide the perfect environment for individuals and organized events.”
“In November 2010, the Soldier Marathon and Half Marathon was established with assistance from the Columbus Road Runners. To make the Soldier Marathon a reality it took the cooperation of the Army, Military Police, the Columbus Police Department, the Mayor’s Office, the Columbus City Council, Columbus Parks & Recreations, local sponsors, and more,” explained Teresa Pike Tomlinson, Mayor of Columbus.
“Our soldiers, leaders and Department of Army Civilians, as well as their families, enjoy and are proud to participate in events which promote healthy and physically fit lifestyles for all,” explained Robert Brown, Major General, US Army, Commanding General, Fort Benning, GA. “I am in full support of the city of Columbus, GA to be nationally designated as a Runner Friendly Community.”
The goals of the Runner Friendly Community program are 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 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.