If the call of open roads and adrenaline-pumping speed pushes your buttons, then you might have heard of the Road Runner Club of America (RRCA). But is it worth trading your solitary runs for a membership with this nationwide consortium of runners? Let us lace up and dive into a thorough review of the RRCA, its perks, drawbacks, and whether joining its ranks could be the game-changer in your running journey. Take off those warm-up pants as we navigate what could potentially be your fast track to running greatness.
The Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) is a charitable organization with a listing on Charity Navigator, indicating financial health and accountability. While specific reviews may vary, considering the RRCA’s charitable status and satisfactory ratings on Charity Navigator, it can be inferred that joining the RRCA may be worthwhile for individuals looking to support running-related causes and connect with other runners.
Table of Contents
- Unraveling the Road Runner Club of America
- Becoming a Member: Pros and Cons
- Club Activities, Races, and Events
- The Road Runner Club’s Influence on Running Community
Unraveling the Road Runner Club of America
The Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) is an organization established to promote running for health, fitness, and competition. Founded in 1958, RRCA has evolved into a prominent institution that champions community-focused running events and initiatives. At its core, RRCA comprises a network of running clubs, events, and coaches that aim to provide support, information, and programs to encourage the growth of running within diverse communities.
Think of RRCA as a giant umbrella sheltering runners of all ages and backgrounds, offering ample resources and opportunities to grow in their pursuits.
RRCA Certification Program Review
One of the significant offerings by RRCA is its coaching certification program. The program aims to train prospective coaches to become knowledgeable and ethical leaders in the running community. The program offers two levels: Level 1 and Level 2.
Level 1 focuses on adult distance running while also touching on youth running. The extensive course work covers topics such as designing intelligent training plans, setting goals, minimizing injury risks, helping runners achieve their best times – everything you need to know before stepping into the world of coaching.
According to Carol Lasseter-Rice – an RRCA-certified coach – she found the course content insightful and practical. She notes that it’s critical for coaches who intend to lead groups or individuals safely through tailored programs.
Prospective coaches can either register for online or in-person classes advertised on the RRCA website throughout the year. In-person courses are held at designated locations during the annual RRCA Convention.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 5 sessions with a total duration of 15 hours | 3 sessions with a total duration of 8 hours |
| Eligibility | For any member of the RRCA | For anyone who has completed Level 1 course |
| Topics | Designing training plans, injury prevention, race strategies | Advanced training concepts |
| Credential | RRCA Coach (Level 1) | RRCA Coach (Level 2) |
After completing the course, participants must pass a 100-question online exam with a score of 85% or higher to qualify for certification.
Andrea Smith – an aspiring coach and recent graduate from the program – shares that the course was both enlightening and challenging. She notes that she learned numerous concepts she wasn’t aware of earlier and appreciated the interactive online classes.
CPR and First Aid certifications are also required within 60 days of completing the Level I Certification Course. These can be obtained in-person or online through various providers like the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Having understood what membership at RRCA entails and reviewed their coaching certification program, let’s dive into weighing the Pros and Cons of becoming a member.
- As of 2024, the Road Runner Club of America has over 250,000 members and over 2,400 running clubs across the United States.
- A 2023 survey indicated that approximately 70% of the RRCA members found their club membership beneficial in improving their running skills and enhancing their networking within the runner’s community.
- In a review survey conducted by Charity Navigator in 2024, the Road Runner Club of America received an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 for its transparent financial practices and accountability.
Becoming a Member: Pros and Cons
Before delving into the club activities, races, and events, let’s explore the pros and cons of becoming a Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) member.
The RRCA members enjoy access to local running clubs’ resources, including equipment like strollers and bicycles. Members also have access to training programs developed by certified coaches, including marathon training programs. Additionally, discounts are available on products from certified vendors such as Brooks Running Shoes.
On the flip side, for some runners, being a member might not be worth it due to limited participation in club events or unavailability of local chapters, making it difficult to use the membership perks.
Ultimately, weighing out the benefits of RRCA membership against personal financial constraints is critical before joining.
- The Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) membership offers numerous benefits such as access to local clubs’ resources, training programs from certified coaches, and discounts on running products. However, potential drawbacks include limited participation in club events and the unavailability of local chapters. It is important for individuals to consider these factors and evaluate their own financial constraints before deciding to join.
Services and Access to Exclusive Resources
The Road Runner’s Club of America provides diverse services and exclusive resources for its members. These range from training programs developed by coaches with years of experience to various discounts on running-related products.
A significant benefit offered by the organization is liability protection coverage provided through the general liability insurance policy with a $2 million limit per occurrence. The coverage is valid during sanctioned events held in various parts of the country.
Similarly, this organization also offers grants aimed at supporting education-based projects targeted towards youth aged 18 or younger. An example project could involve lighting up trails in areas with high crime rates.
Furthermore, the organization rolls out scholarship programs aimed at professional development courses approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (NCBTMB). Table 1 summarises more specific services/resources that members can get from RRCA.
| Services/Resources | Description |
|---|---|
| Education | Access to educational materials about running-related topics like injury prevention |
| Awards | Recognition through awards highlighting personal achievements in running |
| Club Supplies | Running club’s personalised gear and merchandise |
| Web Hosting | Local chapters of the RRCA get access to a custom website hosted by RRCA |
However, bear in mind that these resources come at an economic cost. The organization charges an annual fee that is non-negotiable, ranging from $25 to be part of a local club chapter and up to $150 for membership with the Road Runners National Club. This cost might be considerable for people on a tight budget.
While there are costs attached to being an RRCA member, the benefits may outweigh these costs depending on how you make use of the resources. With that said, let’s explore in-depth how the club activities, races, and events can help members enhance their running experience.
Club Activities, Races, and Events
The Road Runner Club of America (RRCA) offers a wide range of activities, races and events for its members. Their mission is to create programs that encourage the running community’s growth while promoting an enjoyable experience. The club conducts over 2000 races every year, catering to runners of all skill levels. They offer training programs and sponsor many running events—some of which you may be aware of as a runner.
For instance, the Quad-City Times Bix 7 race in Davenport, Iowa. In December 2023, registration for the race opened through RRCA. Another example is the Falmouth Road Race – one of the biggest annual races – where the club raised funds for five local organizations and programs. Joining RRCA can also give you access to local running groups where you can find like-minded individuals who share your passion for running.
The Road Runner Club’s Influence on Running Community
As an organization dedicated to promoting healthy living through running and friendly competition, RRCA has been pivotal in shaping the field’s growth and development over time. In addition to creating community-based running clubs across America, they also offer various resources, programs and services for runners of all demographics.
Since its inception in 1958, RRCA has been instrumental in expanding the scope of amateur road racing standards in US road races. They have contributed to improving coaching education programmes and lobbying for acts that favour runners’ wellbeing across America.
One of their significant accomplishments is the promotion of safe running conditions nationwide. For instance, they collaborate with associations such as the American Medical Athletic Association (AMAA) to emphasize preventative measures during races or when starting a new exercise regime.
Moreover, they provide funding grants under their RunPro Grantees program that supports up-and-coming athletes in need by covering some necessary expenses such as travel, equipment and training or coaching fees. The program’s goal is to support individuals who show great potential in distance running and provide them with a pathway towards success while lessening financial hardships.
However, some critics argue that despite their excellent services, the club overemphasizes competition at various levels, catering mostly to experienced runners. Others argue that they should focus more on creating awareness for allergic reactions and safety conditions.
But overall, RRCA has been instrumental in nurturing the road running community’s growth worldwide. Their contributions have helped create a competitive yet friendly athletic arena that promotes healthy lifestyles and encourages participation from marginalized groups.
Member Testimonials and Experiences
One of the best ways to evaluate whether an organization is worth joining is by hearing from members’ experiences. After scouring different platforms for reviews on the Road Runner Club of America, numerous positive testimonials and remarkable experiences were found.
Members commend the club for its excellent coaching programs, youth programs, and weekly group training runs that have proven to be not only fun but also informative. Many people reported being pleasantly surprised at how much they learned about running techniques and injury prevention through the club’s training sessions.
The sense of community cultivated within the organization was also mentioned frequently. Runners shared that they felt connected to one another, even during socially distant training sessions via apps like Zoom. The environment fosters support, encouragement, and inclusivity. According to multiple athletes, this camaraderie inspires them enough to commit long-term to their goals.
In her review, Lauren shared how she struggled with health problems that affected her ability to run before joining RRCA. However, with the club’s supportive network and well-rounded coaching programs which integrated physical therapy tips, she has emerged stronger and achieved milestone after milestone since then.
Notably, most members appreciated the additional perks such as discounts on race entries and Running Times Magazine subscriptions that RRCA offers as part of membership benefits.
These glowing reviews from RRCA members serve as a testament to the high standards set by this organization. Nonetheless, it’s essential also to consider other factors such as membership costs before making a judgment call on its worthiness.
Keith Rumjahn is CEO and founder of Dustland. He is an expert on fitness and a speaker on move to earn at multiple conferences.