About the RRCA
The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of runners and running organizations dedicated to growing the sport of running since 1958.
The RRCA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to champion the development and success of community-based running organizations that empower all people to participate in the sport of running in pursuit of health, well-being and competition.
The RRCA Championship Event Series
The RRCA Championship Event Series is the largest grassroots-organized running series in the U.S. with over 200 races participating that attract nearly 300,000 participants. RRCA Championship Events are designated annually at the State, Regional, and National level through a competitive bidding process.
The goal of the RRCA Championship Event Series is to celebrate and shine a spotlight on well-run, community-focused events and to award their top performing runners.
RRCA programs that help the LRC thrive
Coaching Certifications
The Lakeland Runners Club (LRC) training and group runs volunteer teams are led by RRCA Level 1 and Level 2 run coaches. The Level 1 program focuses on adult distance running, defined as one mile and longer and teaches them the fundamentals necessary to design intelligent training plans based on a scientific body of knowledge to reduce the risk of injury while helping runners acheive their goals. The Level 2 program programs provides a deeper understanding of the scientific, physiological, competetive and managerial aspects of working with individuals and training groups.
Learn more about RRCA run coaching certification.
Race Director Certification
All LRC events are directed by volunteers with a RRCA race director certification.This course provides a baseline of knowledge for road and trail running events and includes a Code of Ethics to insure integrity in the sport and event management.
Learn more about RRCA race director certification.
Run Lead Badge
All LRC group runs are led by volunteers with a RunLead Badge certification.This course equips group run leaders, mentors, and pace coaches with the tools to lead group runs safely, inclusively, and effectively.
Learn more about the RRCA RunLead Badge certification.
Kids Run the Nation
The LRC Kids Run Club utilizes the fundamentals outlined in the RRCA Kids Run the Nation cirriculum. This program is dedicated to supporting and growing youth running programs in schools and communities nationwide. The LRC has had a youth running program since 2008.
Learn more about the RRCA Kids Run the Nation program
Runner Friendly Community
The LRC was recognized as a RRCA Runner Friendly Community in 2015 and again in 2025. The goal of the Runner Friendly Community designation is to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout due to community infrastructure that includes a network of pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, multi-use trails and paths, along with water fountatins and restroom facilities. Runner friendly communities have multiple running organizations and those organizations work together to support and promote running. A runner friendly community has city officials that work closely with the local running community to secure race permits for safe and desirable race courses.
Learn more about RRCA Runner Friendly Communities
Safe Sport Certification
The LRC board of directors, coaches, and race planning team complete abuse awareness training annually. The RRCA provides free training to meet the education requirements of the US Safe Sport Act, a federal law passed in 2017. This includes that anyone volunteering with the club and interacting with youth atheletes are mandatory reporters for suspicions of abuse, and must adhere to a non one-on-one contact policy.
Learn more about Abuse Awareness Training
Convention
Members of the LRC leadership team attend the annual RRCA Convention. The RRCA convention is a multi-day educational program where club leaders attend education sessions on club governance, events and training and meet peers who lead other run clubs from across the country.
Learn more about RRCA Convention
