RRCA Announces 2011 Outstanding Runner Friendly Community
Lynchburg, Virginia met, and exceeded, the program's criteria
Posted Monday, 30 January, 2012
From Ryan Lamppa, Running USAARLINGTON, Va. - (January 24, 2012) - The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States, has announced that Lynchburg, Virginia has been designated the 2011 Outstanding Runner Friendly Community.
Lynchburg has shown that it meets, and exceeds, the program's criteria, which includes community infrastructure, civic backing, and local business support for the sport of running. Their infrastructure fosters 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 they create and maintain positive relationships between the running community and local government.
"Lynchburg is a shining example of the positive benefits running can bring to a community when everyone is on the same page," said RRCA Executive Director Jean Knaack. "While we are proud of all of our Runner Friendly Communities, we feel Lynchburg has provided a blueprint for future communities."
Lynchburg has been home to the Lynchburg Road Runners Club (LRRC) and the "Virginia 10-Miler" since 1974. "The Festival of Races" offers a youth one mile fun run, a four mile race, and a four mile walk, in addition to the 10-Miler. The LRRC offers several informational clinics and seminars related to running and wellness. These clinics and seminars resulted from partnering with YMCA of Central Virginia, Centra Health, The Orthopedic Center of Central Virginia and Pilates to Breathe.
Lynchburg has two fantastic park systems: Blackwater Creek Natural Area and Peaks View Park. The city currently supports eight miles of paved trails and 15 miles of natural trails for running, walking, biking, roller blading, etc. Residents even use these trails to commute from residential areas to the downtown business and government area.
In October 2010, the Mayor's Youth Council created the first ever "Lighten Up Lynchburg Walk for Childhood Obesity" event. The youth running initiatives aim to engage the youth of the city and include the Lynchburg Road Runners Summer Track Series, Peaks View Pacers running club, and YMCA Achieve youth running program.
Community leaders who provided support and letters of recommendation include Joan Foster, Mayor; Jonathan Perrotto, President of Lynchburg Road Runners Club; Elena Edwards, COO of Genworth Financial; Catherine Mosley, External Communications & PR, AREVA; Susan Brandt, Communications/Marketing, Centra Health and R. Sackett Wood, President & CEO, Moore & Giles.
Learn more about the program, including detailed information about Lynchburg and all of the 2011 Runner Friendly Communities at: www.rrca.org/programs/runner-friendly-community/official/
