Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is pleased to welcome the newly designated Runner Friendly Community® for fall 2023:
Runner Friendly Communities have demonstrated that they fulfill the program’s requirements, such as having solid community infrastructure and backing from local businesses and government. A Runner Friendly Community possesses a safe network of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, multi-use trails, paths, shared lanes, and other similar features. Moreover, these communities partner with both public and private organizations to encourage and endorse running as a sport and healthy activity.
Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. highlighted in his letter of support, how all of the criteria come together in the city. “Our Quality of Life subcommittee focused on connectivity through trails and pathways which are clean and aesthetically pleasing,” Scott wrote. “The City’s Parks and Recreation Department has begun numerous projects, totaling over $1.850 million, which are designed to connect neighborhoods and parks with trails that can be used by runners and walkers.”
Every five years, a Runner Friendly Community must work with the RRCA to ensure it continues to meet our criteria for the designation. The following communities have successfully renewed their Runner Friendly Community designation:
- Lakeland, Florida
- Peachtree City, Georgia
- Salem, Massachusetts
- Salisbury, North Carolina
The Runner Friendly Community program by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) aims to recognize communities that are particularly welcoming to runners and provide them with incentives and ideas to become even more runner-friendly. Such communities can enhance the quality of life, promote physical activity amongst residents, and have a positive impact on the local economy.
You can learn more and join the Little Rock Chapter of the Road Runners Club of America at their website.
About RRCA: The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations and runners dedicated to growing the sport since 1958. The RRCA champions the development of community-based running clubs and events that serve runners of all ages and abilities in pursuit of health and competition. The RRCA’s vision is to Empower Everyone to Run. To learn more, visit: www.RRCA.org
