Road Runners Club of America Welcomes New Friendly Community

January 24, 2025

Arlington, VA (January 24, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is excited to announce the newest addition to Runner Friendly Communities® designation for winter 2024-25:

• Malden, Massachusetts

Malden City Councilor Joe Winslow, in his letter of support for the designation, highlighted the city’s unique infrastructure, and its historical connection to the sport:

“Malden hosts two miles of the Northern Strand Trail, a ten-mile-long multi-use trail just north of Boston,” Winslow wrote. “This trail also serves as the route of the East Coast Greenway, passing through four Environmental Justice Communities. Along this route, when it served as a local rail line, Louise Stokes enjoyed outrunning both girls and boys from her neighborhood on her way to becoming the first African-American woman to qualify for the U.S. Olympic Team in 1932.”

Runner Friendly Communities are recognized for meeting RRCA’s criteria, which include exceptional community infrastructure and strong support from local businesses and government. These communities boast pedestrian-friendly networks of sidewalks, multi-use trails, shared lanes, and other amenities that make running safe and accessible. They also demonstrate collaboration between public and private organizations to promote running as a sport and a healthy activity.

The following communities have successfully renewed their Runner Friendly Community designations, confirming their commitment to supporting runners:

• Champaign, Illinois
• Chattanooga, Tennessee

Jean Knaack, CEO of RRCA, emphasized the importance of community involvement in fostering a running culture:

“Communities play a vital role in making running safe and accessible for everyone. The applications showcasing infrastructure, business support, and the sense of connection within thriving running communities demonstrate the profound impact such environments can have,” said Knaack.

The RRCA’s Runner Friendly Community program highlights communities that excel in supporting runners and encourage other towns and cities to follow their lead. Runner Friendly Communities enhance the quality of life for residents, promote physical activity, and drive economic benefits for their regions.

About the 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 supports community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition. The organization’s vision is to “Empower Everyone to Run.” For more information, visit www.RRCA.org.

Contact:

Andy Smith
programs@RRCA.org
703-525-3890