| Columbus Running Club | ||||||
Questions? Race Director, Event Coordinator, Joyce Lucke at |
Currently the CRC provides logistical support to six local races, including course certification and timing; provides scholarships to two high school seniors who have either been cross-country and/or track and field athletes; provides organizational and social support for the Youth Running program; encourages both Individual and Family club memberships and participation in running activities and events, and provides an open “Run with Us” activity every Saturday morning for anyone who is interested regardless of club membership. The Mill Race Race & Mayor’s Race was founded by the CRC just over 11 years ago as a means to financially support a local organization of the club’s choosing. In 2004, the Club selected Healthy Communities Initiative (HCI) as its benefactor. At that time, the CRC entered into a partnership with the Columbus Regional Hospital Foundation and HCI was established for organizational and logistical support. Since 2004, the event has grown significantly in participation and funds raised. The relationship developed with HCI has been very successful and has lead to further collaborations. For example, the CRC’s local Youth Running Club, which was abandoned by the original organizers, was included as one of the early CRC initiatives when local runners were motivated to continue the youth running program. The purpose of the Youth Running Club (grades 3-6) is to provide exposure to track and field for youth before they enter middle school, the first year when there is a local school program. In 2006, a grant was received from the Saucony Foundation for a collaborative project with HCI to provide a program to encourage running as a means to promote physical activity. The 2007 Elementary School Challenge attracted over 400 students from area schools.
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