Description
The Topeka Sunflower Striders Running Club is a non-profit organization committed to the overall health and well-being of all who engage in physical activity. The Striders encourage running, walking, or any other form of physical activity with the focus being the mental, physical and social well-being of its members. We offer weekly get-togethers where runners and walkers have an opportunity to inspire each other to continue their pursuit of physical and mental fitness. We sponsor several events throughout the year to achieve the same goal and to benefit many worthwhile charities and organizations. The club has been in existence since the late 1970's (see History below).
Membership Levels
Individual Membership
IF YOU NOT USED RunSignUp BEFORE TO JOIN THE CLUB CLICK THE SIGN UP BUTTON NOT RENEW
Benefits:
1) Camaraderie that comes with running with a group. Access to years of experienced runners and walkers and gain from their advice.
2) Discounts at Garry Gribbles in Topeka
3) Save on Strider run races as well as other local races that offer discounts to members of the club.
4) Swag- Car magnet so you can easily identify your fellow Striders. Access to Strider gear when it becomes available.
Membership Options
Yearly Membership Ending On 12/31:
$20.00
(Prorated)
Family Membership
IF YOU NOT USED RunSignUp BEFORE TO JOIN THE CLUB CLICK THE SIGN UP BUTTON NOT RENEW
A Family membership is offered to all individuals who reside in a single house hold and includes all the benefits of an individual membership.
Membership Options
Yearly Membership Ending On 12/31:
$25.00
(Prorated)
Student Membership
IF YOU NOT USED RunSignUp BEFORE TO JOIN THE CLUB CLICK THE SIGN UP BUTTON NOT RENEW
A student membership is offered to those individuals in Middle school, High school or full-time college programs and includes all the benefits of an individual membership..
Membership Options
Yearly Membership Ending On 12/31:
$0.00
Club Officers
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Paul Wagner | President |
| Mark Elliott | Treasurer |
| Les Watson | Newsletter/Publicity |
| Brad Rhoden | Advisor |
Club Contact Information
Paul Wagner
TOPEKA, KS US 66621
Phone: 7858172606
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerStriders
TOPEKA, KS US 66621
Phone: 7858172606
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerStriders
If you have any questions about this club, click the button below.
History
The Sunflower Striders Running Club (SSRC) was organized in the late 1970s. On April 8, 1980, articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State’s office establishing the SSRC as a non-profit organization. In 2018, the group received Federal 501-3c status. Some of the current members who were involved in the early years of the club include Nick Buek, Jim and Ethel Edwards, Lana Best, John Stambaugh, Denis Hill, Glenda Taylor and Joe Saia, Gary Pratt, Jan Leuenberger, and Jerry Estes. Individuals who have served as president of the club from the early 1990s forward include Fred Clark, Dave Halferty, Karen (Pelton) Yokley, Susan Hageman, Joanie Dergan, and Brad Rhoden.
In recent years the club has added the following activities: Sponsoring several annual fun runs like the As the Crows Fly, and traditional events on New Year’s Day, Labor Your Legs on Labor Day and a Thanksgiving Day run around lake Sherwood. The Striders have hosted the annual Topeka to Auburn Half Marathon each January since 1981. In recent years, the proceeds from the race have been donated to the High School cross country teams in the area.
In the past the club, hosted an annual spring picnic/fun run, adopted families for the holidays through the Christmas Bureau and/or made donations to the Topeka Rescue Mission. We have also provided funds to provide water fountains along the Shunga Trail and at Lake Shawnee. Other periodic community service projects and activities like timing local races have also been part of club activities.
Newsletters
Group Runs
Sunday Mornings: 7:30 am- NE corner of Fairlawn Rd and 10th street
Tuesday Evening: 6 pm- Washburn University Track (March to October) or MacLennan Park (Nov. to March)
Thursday Evenings: 6 pm- Garry Gribbles Running Sports Store: (Wannamaker Rd near Target) or checking their Facebook page.
