Road Runners Club of America Announces Coaching Scholarship Grant Recipients

June 2, 2023

Fifteen prospective coaches from four organizations will receive coaching education grants

Arlington, VA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is proud to announce the first recipients of its Coaching Scholarship Fund grants. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support to organizations seeking to improve access to the RRCA’s Coaching Certification Program for people who are the most impacted by overlapping systems of discrimination.

Four organizations will receive a total of 15 entries to the Level I Coaching certification course valued at more than $5,000. Each organization will nominate the individual recipients of those course entries based on criteria such as current involvement with their community, commitment to the organization’s cause, and anticipated impact.

Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers offers programming and events to members of the Richmond, VA community to improve equity and reduce barriers to participation in the sport of running. Over the past 20 years, more than 50,000 people have participated in training programs for their annual marathon, half marathon, 10k, and 8k events. Their school-based Kids Run RVA program serves more than 2,000 students each year. These programs are led by volunteer coaches, and the Coaching Scholarships will provide training to individuals dedicated to bettering the health and wellness of their neighbors.

The leaders of Native Strength Revolution aim to connect with their respective Native communities in the U.S. and Canada through running groups and wellness activities, directly combatting the physical and mental health challenges prevalent in their tribes, nations, reserves, reservations, and urban Native centers. The Coaching Scholarships will help current and prospective coaches train runners to complete races, plan and host running camps, and offer other activities that will work to build cultures of wellness.

The goal of San Antonio RoadRunners is to reflect the San Antonio, TX community, offering training programs and events in all areas of the city designed to introduce and unite runners of all ages and backgrounds. The Coaching Scholarship recipients will work with the club’s Diversity & Inclusion program to promote running to residents in areas of town that are financially, economically, or socially disadvantaged to broaden the reach and positive impact of the sport.

Each year, Students Run Philly Style offers programs at more than 50 sites in Philadelphia, PA to train more than 1,000 student runners to complete events at the 5k, 5-mile, 10k, half marathon, and marathon distances. Their 300+ volunteer mentors lead teams of 8-20 young runners of different ability and experience levels, and the knowledge gained via the Coaching Scholarships will help coaches adapt their programming to diverse communities of runners.

Organizations interested in the Coaching Scholarship Fund may visit RRCA.org/programs/coaching-certification/coaching-scholarship-fund to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Funding is available exclusively to organizations that apply and are selected as a supported organization. The Coaching Scholarship Fund will not provide funds directly to individuals, nor will it provide discounts to individuals not identified by our supported organizations. Interested individual coach candidates should engage with an RRCA supported organization for potential support.

To donate to the Coaching Scholarship Fund, visit RRCA.org/donate-to-rrca/. Donations made to the Coaching Scholarship Fund in 2023 will be matched up to $10,000 by a private foundation to support the launch and initial investment of $20,000 in coaching education.

About the RRCA: The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations and runners dedicated to empowering everyone to run since 1958. The RRCA champions the development and success of community-based running organizations that empower all people to participate in the sport of running in pursuit of enjoyment, health, well-being, and competition. Learn more at: www.rrca.org

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CONTACT:

Erica Gminski, RRCA Coaching Program Manager

703-525-3890

coaching@rrca.org