ROCKWALL, TX (April 24, 2014) Rockwall, Texas was recently named among the top Runner Friendly Communities in the United States by the Road Runners Club of America. Joining Rockwall in the lineup are Belleville, IL; Richmond, VA; Safety Harbor, FL and Spokane, WA.
To earn this designation, Rockwall had to meet RRCA’s program criteria, which includes community infrastructure, community support, and local government support for running. Rockwall demonstrated a proven track record that organizations and businesses work together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport. According to RRCA, among the most important criteria is that there are positive relationships between the running community and local government.
In its announcement, RRCA wrote:
Home to the RRCA member Rockwall Running Club, Rockwall hosts over twenty-five running and triathlon events annually and is home to the US Toyota Triathlon Championships and the Patriot Half Marathon.
While Rockwall is considered part of the larger Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, it is a community of 38,000 residents with a dedicated running community. Emerald Bay Park opened in Rockwall in January 2008 and is highlighted by a lighted aerial fountain in the middle of the pond, which is surround by a walking and running trail.
Last year over 8,000 residents participated in running events in Rockwall. The passion for running is evident in the local businesses that have donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to support running events in recent years. The popularity of running in the community has also been reflected in the tremendous growth of the Rockwall Running Club, from just five members in 2009 to two hundred members today. During the same time, the number of road races the club hosts has grown from one to twenty-five, including the only half marathon in the Dallas/Fort Worth market in the month of May. Youth running clubs are supported at five of the eleven elementary schools in the area, and there are three summer track programs for youth.
To support local races, the local government reviews safety procedures for all events, provides free traffic cones, and community patrols provide logistical support. Rockwall print and broadcast media regularly make an effort to promote and cover all events.
“To say Rockwall is a Runner Friendly Community is an understatement,” commented Casey Allen, City of Rockwall Parks & Recreation Manager. “From the first time you visit and take a run with us, you’re a member of our running family. It doesn’t matter if your 5 years old or 80 years old, there is someone to run with.”
Community leaders who provided support and letters of recommendation include Billy Self of the Texas Novachem Corporation; Gregg MacInnis of Cherry Financial Partners; Case Allison, City Parks and Recreation Manager; Ruthie Cole of the Rockwall Running Club.
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