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IN THIS ISSUE: ! Leave No Track

Campaigns For Events

! Tax-Exempt Status for Members

! 57th Annual Convention Preview

! Nominating Committee Report

! 2015 Annual Meeting Notice

! And more

RRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS David Cotter President

Mitch Garner Vice President

Dan Edwards Treasurer

Mark Grandonico Eastern Region Director

Sue Brown-Nickerson Central Region Director

Lena Hollmann Southern Region Director Bailey Penzotti Western Region Director

Kelly Richards At-Large Director

Jean Arthur At-Large Director

We Run the Nation!

LEAVE NO TRACE CAMPAIGNS FOR EVENTS In 2014, the Marine Corps Marathon aimed to decrease any impact the event had on the environment. The organizers of the event are happy to share their best practices information with RRCA members.

With more than 60 percent of the Marine Corps Marathon course located on National Park lands, the race partnered with the National Park Service and the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics by asking runners and spectators to be considerate while discarding trash such as water cups, plastic bottles, gel packs and clothing items during the "People's Marathon.”

Trash and recyclable containers were located throughout the Marine Corps Marathon start area and along runner corrals positioned on the starting route in Arlington, Virginia on race morning. Containers were also located at every water point and food station along the course and throughout the Finish Festival area.

In 2014, the Marine Corps Marathon expanded event clean-up with the new “Adopt A Mile” program that called on local volunteer groups to pick-up trash and recyclables along miles 5 through 20 of the race course.

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UNDERSTANDING TAX-EXEMPT STATUS FOR CLUBS & EVENTS A nonprofit organization is one that is created for a specific charitable purpose and governed by a group of individuals who do not benefit financially from association with the organization. These individuals make up an independent board of directors for the organization and become financially and managerially responsible for running the club or an event. Nonprofit designation does not forbid the organization from making a profit, however, any profit earned must be invested back into the operation of the club, or donated to another nonprofit, but profits cannot inure to any board member of the club or event. What is the difference between nonprofit and tax exempt? Nonprofit does not necessarily mean tax exempt or tax-deductible. Organizations must apply to the IRS for tax-exempt status, which only means they are exempt from paying federal income taxes. Tax exemption refers to an organization’s standing with the Federal Government. Federal exemption does not automatically apply to state exemption. States have different laws that allow an organization to be exempt from state and local sales or income tax. What is a group exemption? The IRS sometimes recognizes a group of organizations as tax-exempt if they are affiliated with a central origination, such as the RRCA.

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Dear RRCA Members, As 2015 gets going at the RRCA, it is my pleasure to thank our financial supporters from 2014, which are outlined on page 13. We thank you for your financial support of our programs. While we fell a little short of our $20,000 fundraising goal for the Kids Run the Nation Fund, we were able to support the program’s

grants through other revenue earned by the RRCA. We hope to see your name along with your club and event names listed on our donor list in 2015. As part of our efforts to ensure outstanding governance for the RRCA, we engaged with the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance as they did a review of our charity accreditation. As a result of the review, we were encouraged to adopt a revised privacy policy that clearly outlines how our organization manages personal information for donors. We are pleased to announce that the Board adopted an updated policy as recommended, and the RRCA continues to be the only national running organization that holds the BBB’s Wise Giving Alliance accredited charity seal. You can find a copy of the updated privacy policy on our website at www.RRCA.org/privacy-policy/ In closing, I look forward to seeing our members in Des Moines, Iowa for the 57th Annual RRCA National Convention, which will be held in conjunction with the 106th running of the legendary Drake Relays. #RunSafe and stay healthy,

David Cotter, RRCA President RRCA President

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PRESIDENT’S LETTER

SUPPORT THE RRCA

Financial contributions to the RRCA from you, your club, or your events supports our programs.

Your financial support enables the RRCA to implement and improve programs that benefit runners and the running community.

The RRCA is a BBB Wise Giving Alliance Accredited Charity and a Gold Level Guidestar Exchange Member. This means you can give with confidence that your donation will be used effectively.

Give today! Mail your contribution to: RRCA, 1501 Lee Hwy, Ste 140, Arlington, VA 22209

Give online at: www.RRCA.org/about/support/

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LEAVE NO TRACE CAMPAIGNS FOR EVENTS CONTINUED !

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Groups such as the Thomas Edison High School Cross Country Team, Girl Scout Troop 3572 of Fairfax, Virginia, the Navy Supply Corps Foundation and the Filipino-American Capital Church participated in the “Adopt a Mile” while clearing the roads situated along the race course. The Marine Corps Marathon also partnered on the national level with the U.S. Park Service and Leave No Trace to encourage a clean event while sending the messages to “Stash the Trash” and “Can It.” The race is the first marathon to work with these organizations to promote environmental responsibility while educating people to respect public lands. The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics’s goal is “ensure the long-term health of our natural world.” The Marine Corps Marathon worked directly with the Leave No Trace team to come up with guidelines for the Leave No Trace principle that can be applied to running events around the U.S. The Marine Corps Marathon race officials are happy to share these principles with RRCA members to adopt in 2015. The race emailed information to race participants outlining key information related to their Leave No Trace efforts, and they have a dedicated website page outlining their Leave No Trace efforts that can be found at: www.marinemarathon.com/Community/Going_Green.htm The Marine Corps Marathon encourages RRCA members to share the following information with race participants: “LEAVE NO TRACE AT THE RACE” - Outdoor Ethics for Running Events Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Ensure proper preparation for the race • Follow a reputable training schedule • Become familiar with the event organizer’s website • Follow guidelines to ensure smooth, official participant check-in • Remain updated on the latest weather conditions, dress accordingly • Arrive to the start line early, hydrated and properly fueled • Create your transportation plan • Establish communication plan with friends, family, and race officials (e.g., carry mobile device and

emergency contact information) • “BYOS” – Bring Your Own Support (e.g., nutrition, fluids, gear, money) • Understand course amenities. Bring your own if you prefer something else. Consider carrying additional

fluids. • Carry ID, including name, emergency contact information • Cooperate with security procedures

Respect the Course

• Remain on course as an official participant • Wear bib to identify as an official participant • Be mindful of on-course signage to ensure safety • Follow course marshal directions • Avoid shortcuts, speak out against athletes ‘cutting’ the course • Abide by cone plan • Do not alter cone plan; cones are strategically placed to ensure safety and course certification

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Dispose of Waste Properly

• Dispose of trash generated by on-course hospitality support • Carry all personal trash until you are able to properly dispose in event-provided receptacles • Discard clothing only in receptacles placed at water points and food stations • Only use portable toilets provided by event organizers, not the woods or trails. Remember that others

use the woods and trails.

Leave the Course as You Found It

• Respect the designated course, whether it’s a National Park, highway, trail, or neighborhood Respect Wildlife on the Run

• Do not litter food, so as to avoid attracting wildlife • Do not bring pets onto the race course • Discard banana peels (and all biodegradable food) in trash or available composting receptacles, so as

to avoid attracting wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Start in assigned/appropriate corrals • Pass on left, and alert others when passing • Consider not using headphones – if wearing headphones, lower volume or wear one earpiece • If walking on course, stay to the right side • Alert others when transitioning from run-to-walk • Be mindful of others and run no more than two abreast • Consider the impact language and behavior might have on another runner • Disposing of trash ensures a clean course for future athletes, organizers • Support the event organizer’s mission by properly disposing of trash • Do not litter • Only use portable toilets provided by event organizers, not the woods or trails. Respect that others use

the woods and trails.

Support Event Security Measures

• Be aware of surroundings • Report suspicious activity to event officials, volunteers, or law enforcement agents

Alert medical authorities for incidents including injuries, health concerns This information was developed in partnership with the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. For more information on Leave No Trace, please visit www.LNT.org or www.marinemarathon.com, The RRCA is a proud member and supporter of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Bret Schmit of the Marine Corps Marathon, will present on their Leave No Trace efforts for their race at the 57th Annual RRCA National Convention. !

LEAVE NO TRACE CAMPAIGNS FOR EVENTS CONCLUDED

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!

What is group exemption? A group exemption avoids the need for excess paperwork for the IRS. The RRCA offers a group exemption to members that qualify. These members are referred to as Affiliates of the RRCA. A group exemption letter has the same effect as an individual exemption letter. The RRCA can supply a letter explaining this for agencies, foundations, and sponsors that do not understand this fact; we send a lot of these letters out each year. Important Points about the RRCA Group Exemption: • If you are unsure about your club or event’s nonprofit status, you should first consult with the RRCA before

contacting the IRS; • If your club or event has not reviewed or updated your bylaws in over ten years, you should review the

bylaws and update them as needed. The RRCA has sample club and event bylaws posted at www.rrca.org/services/nonprofit-status/;

• RRCA Affiliates must set their fiscal year to the RRCA fiscal year, which is the calendar year; • Clubs and events in the RRCA’s group must elect a board of directors of no less than three unrelated

individuals on an annual basis; • ALL RRCA Affiliates must file a tax return to the IRS as outlined below; • The RRCA submits an annual update of Affiliates (referred to as subordinates by the IRS) that qualify for

the group exemption; • The RRCA’s nonprofit status is non-transferable. Members may not set-up satellite clubs in other states

or create their own type of affiliates and extent the RRCA’s nonprofit status to those groups.

Maintaining Your Nonprofit Status Through the RRCA 1. Renew your RRCA membership by January 1st of each year. Non-renewed clubs will be dropped from the

group if they fail to renew during a 24-month period. Lapsed membership may affect your ability to access nonprofit status in the future with the IRS.

2. Ensure you have independent, individual members elected to your board of directors. Contact information for each board member should be updated annually with the RRCA national office.

3. File all applicable tax reports and required filings for your organization in a timely manner. 4. Provide an annual report, which includes financial statements, to your members on an annual basis.

Nonprofit Tax Filing Responsibilities Tax return preparation should be a high priority for all nonprofit clubs and events. ALL nonprofit organizations are required to file IRS Form 990 or 990-n annually by the fifteenth (15) day of the fifth (5) month after their fiscal year end. Failure to file a return during the year may result in the IRS automatically revoking your nonprofit status. If the IRS revokes the status of an RRCA Affiliate, there is nothing the RRCA can do to override the IRS. Revoked members will have to work directly with the IRS to reinstate their status and hefty fines may be included. We strongly urge club and event boards to make tax filing one of their top governance priorities. As a board, trust your treasurer or person responsible for tax filings, but always verify filings are completed. For example, the RRCA Board receives and approves a copy of the 990 before it is filed with the IRS. Nonprofit organizations that earn $1,000 or more from unrelated business activities (UBIT), must file IRS Form 990-T. Unrelated business income is income earned from activities not substantially related to the exempt purpose of an organization. Advertising income (in your club newsletter), t-shirt sales, etc. may be considered unrelated business income. State tax filing requirements for nonprofit organizations vary from state to state, and a tax advisor should be consulted to determine the filing requirements of each individual club.

The RRCA does not file tax returns on behalf of any member.

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UNDERSTANDING TAX-EXEMPT STATUS FOR CLUBS & EVENTS

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>>>>> REMINDER - MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO POST OWNED EVENTS ON THE CALENDAR

One of the membership requirements for all clubs, events, and event management companies is to list the events they own on the RRCA Calendar at www.rrca.org/calendar/find-event/. The RRCA Calendar serves as a marketing resource for your club’s events and also as a record for insurance purposes. We use the RRCA Calendar to verify event ownership for a member during the additional insured review process. As a race director, you have an ethical duty to report all owned events to the RRCA for insurance coverage purposes. If your event is not listed on the RRCA Calendar and a claim is filed against your club, coverage could be denied due to non-reporting of the events. For 2015, the RRCA has printed and circulated over 175,000 double-sided postcards to RRCA Championship events for bag stuffing. The RRCA event calendar’s URL is prominently featured on the postcard to help promote our members’ events. We have also printed another 20,000 Join a Club post cards with the event calendar’s URL that will be handed out at expos where the RRCA will host a booth, including: • Asics LA Marathon; • Boston Marathon; • Chicago Marathon; • Marine Corps Marathon; • And more!

List your event today at RRCA.org/calendar/find-event/ !

LIST YOUR 2015 EVENTS ON THE RRCA CALENDAR

JOIN THE GROWING LIST OF RRCA CERTIFIED RACE DIRECTORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD The RRCA Race Director Certification Course provides event directors with a baseline of knowledge in order to conduct safe events for runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators. The

RRCA partnered with Road Race Management and leading event directors from around the country to provide an affordable educational opportunity for anyone interested in putting on a safe distance running event.

The program consists of six online-learning modules that are 60-90 minutes each. Following completion of all six learning modules, participants are required to take a 100-question exam. Participants must receive 85% or greater on the final exam, and submit a signed and notarized copy of the RRCA Race Director Code of Ethics to complete the certification process.

Learn more and sign up for the course today! RRCA.org/programs/race-director-certification/

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The 57th Annual RRCA National Convention is heading to Des Moines, Iowa, April 22-26, 2015. RRCA Convention highlights include keynote speakers, national exhibitors, and educational sessions with topics ranging from club management to working with professional athletes to continuing education for certified coaches and race directors. Come and see why the RRCA selected Des Moines as the 2012 Outstanding Runner Friendly Community of the Year and discover great dining and nightlife in the Court Avenue, East Village, and Western Gateway Districts of downtown. There will be group runs that showcase the outstanding network of running trails accessible from downtown Des Moines. RRCA National Convention attendees will have the opportunity to attend the 106th Drake Relays on Friday night during the unique “Under the Lights” session. The weekend of Convention activities culminates Saturday night with a silent and live auction gala followed Sunday morning by the Hy-Vee Road Races. Attendees will be able participate in the Drake Relays by signing up for the 5K, 10K or Half Marathon distance. The 5K serves as the RRCA National Championship. All races finish inside the stadium on Drake University’s famed blue oval.

RRReeegggiiisssttteeerrr TTTooodddaaayyy!!! The $380 convention registration includes all educational seminars, attendee goodie bag, commemorative jacket from Leslie Jordan, coaches’ continuing education, and much more. Registration also includes ALL social events, and meals including: • Thursday Welcome Reception; • Friday Breakfast sponsored by K&K and Star Insurance; • Friday Luncheon; • Friday night social sponsored by the Des Moines CVB; • Tickets to Friday Under the Lights at the Drake Relays • Saturday Luncheon; • Saturday Evening National Running Awards Reception and Banquet; • And More!

Convention Central Marriott Downtown

Map it: 700 Grand Avenue Des Moines, IA 50309 800.514.4681

Overflow hotels are listed on the RRCA website at:

www.RRCA.org/convention/hotel/!

#RRCACONVENTION#RRCACONVENTION

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We are pleased to welcome the following special guests and keynote speakers to the 57th Annual RRCA National Convention.

Thursday Reception: Welcome Remarks from Max Siegel, CEO of USA Track & Field!Nationally renowned sports and entertainment executive Max Siegel became the fourth CEO of USA Track & Field on May 1, 2012. In his first 32 months on the job, Siegel led USATF to financial growth and programmatic evolution that is unprecedented for USATF. !!Friday Convention Kick-Off: Terry Branstad, Governor of Iowa!Being one of the longest serving Governor’s of Iowa, one of Governor Branstad’s goals is to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation in just five years through the privately led and publicly endorsed Healthiest State Initiative. !Friday Luncheon: Drake Relays Director Brian Brown with an elite athlete panel including Heather Kampf!In 2005 Brown was named as the 11th director of the Drake Relays where he has been in the role for a decade. Brown shares the Drake Relays special invitational high jump record of 7-7 which he set in 1997 and was matched in 2011.

In 2014, Kampf was 3rd in the 1500 meters at the USA Indoor Championships and she was the 2014 USA 1 Mile Road Champion. She joined Team USA Minnesota in December 2009.!!Saturday Luncheon: Director/Producer Jon Dunham!Dunham, director of the popular Spirit of the Marathon films, will preview his latest project titled BOSTON. Using 2014’s cinematic race as a focal point, it tells the story of the Boston Marathon and attempts to capture exactly what it is that makes that third Monday in April so special. !Saturday National Running Awards Banquet: Featuring RRCA Hall of Fame Inductees!Sara Mae Berman: Unofficially won the Boston Marathon three times before women were recognized as official participants. First female member of the RRCA Board of Directors.!!Jack Daniels: Two time Olympic Medal winner, legendary coach to several Olympians, and award winning author of Daniels Running Formula.!!Phil Stewart: Lifelong RRCA supporter, Road Race Management founder, and Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile race director. !

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REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE

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On behalf of the 2015 RRCA Nominating Committee, I am pleased to provide this report of our proceedings in accordance with Article VIII(BB)(1) of the Bylaws of the Road Runners Club of America. I wish to thank RRCA President David Cotter for giving me the opportunity to continue to serve the RRCA in this capacity. I further wish to thank the following members of the committee for their service: Chris Burch (IA State Rep), Betsy Boudreaux (LA State Rep), and Paul Gill (WA State Rep). The committee presents the following slate of nominees for consideration at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Membership.

David Epstein, Nominating Committee Chairman

SOUTHERN REGION DIRECTOR – RON MACKSOUD

Macksoud is native of Birmingham, Alabama and a 1977 graduate of the University of Alabama. He has lived in Montgomery, Alabama since 1989, working as an employee of the State of Alabama for three different agencies. Macksoud has been a runner since 1988 and served as Vice-President, Promotions Coordinator, and Newsletter Editor for River Region Runners. He was co-editor of the club’s RRCA Newsletter Competition Winner in 1996. Macksoud has served as the Alabama RRCA State Rep from 2004-2015. In 2006, he was the RRCA State Rep of Year. He has been a member of the nominating committee for the RRCA Board of Directors and a member of the selection committees for RRCA State Rep of the Year and RRCA Road Race of the Year. He also assists with the Silent Auction held during RRCA Conventions. Macksoud has attended every RRCA Convention since 2003. His running goal is to complete a road race in all 50 states.

WESTERN REGION DIRECTOR – GEORGE REHMET Rehmet is a San Francisco native who currently lives just south of the city in Daly City, California. He began running in 1981 with his high school cross country team. To date, he has run over 1,000 races, which includes over 109 marathons or ultras. Rehmet’s long-term goal is to run in all 50 states, and he is currently at the halfway point. Rehmet was the RRCA State Rep from 1999 to 2004 and from 2008 to 2015, being the only peson awarded Outstanding RRCA State Representative of the Year twice (2001 and 2009). He was the director for the 2009 RRCA National Convention in San Francisco and was instrumental in developing the Physically Challenged Runner of the Year Award. Rehmet currently belongs to the Pamakid Runners, Dolphin South End Running Club of San Francisco, and Mid-Peninsula Running Club.

He was awarded for being editor for Best Newsletter for Pamakid Runners’ Soonar Soundings for 2003. He has served as volunteer and race director for his running clubs. For Pamakid Runners, he served on the board from 1999 to 2008. He is currently the co-race director of the San Francisco Half Marathon/5K, which usually has 10,000 participants. In addition, Remet has been the chairperson for the Para Athletes Committee for the Pacific Association of USATF from 2012 to 2015. In 2014, he was the meet director the US National Track and Field Paralympic Championship, which was held at the College of San Mateo. He is also a certified USATF official.

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AT-LARGE DIRECTOR – KELLY RICHARDS Richards is a Minnesota native who has found a home in Texas. She began running on July 4, 1997. Her long-term running goal is to run a marathon in all 50 states and Washington, DC. To date, she has run marathons or ultras in over 40 states as well as several international races. Richards served as President of Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers (RAW) for five terms (2002-2007). She continues to volunteer at RAW by race directing, serving on multiple committees, and writing an “RRCA News” column for the monthly newsletter. Richards was a State Rep from 2006-2008, winning the RRCA Outstanding State Representative of the Year in 2008. Richards has volunteered her time nationally by serving on the RRCA Board (2009-15), and the Strategic Plan Review Task Force, the Runner Friendly Community selection panel, Kids Run the Nation Grant selection panel, and several National Running Award selection panels. She was instrumental in the development of the Road Race

of the Year Award and started the annual RRCA Race Shirt Contest. Richards regularly promotes the many RRCA programs and annually hosts a RRCA Run@Work Day event.

AT-LARGE DIRECTOR – JEAN ARTHUR Jean Arthur moved to Maryland in 1979, after attending high school in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. She started running in 1975, at the age of 12 after she took a friend’s dare to enter

a race and won. Jean is the immediate past president of the Montgomery County Road Runners, one of the top 5 largest RRCA member clubs, and also served as president from 2003-2006. She served on the club’s board of directors from 1999-2012. She is currently race director for MCRRC’s Pike’s Peek 10K in Rockville, Maryland and is on the steering committee for the club’s Parks Half Marathon. Jean also serves on the executive committee of Cherry Blossom, Inc., which puts on the Credit Union Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run in Washington, D.C. She has also been involved in organizing many other running events, including the 2009 USATF Cross Country Championship. She has served on the RRCA’s Finance & Audit Committee since 2009 and the Kids Run the Nation Grant selection panel since the program’s inception. Jean is an attorney and works for the Montgomery County Council as a legislative analyst.

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Opening Reception Join us for drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the Embassy Club Ruan Center in Downtown Des Moines. Take in the spectacular panoramic views of the city and Iowa State Capitol complex from atop the Ruan Building.

Friday Night Under the Lights Indulge your senses and join us for festive food and beverage in the River Rock Grill & Tavern at the Downtown Marriott before catching the shuttle to the Friday Night Under the Lights. The Friday evening event is sponsored by USATF. Watch the best in state high school track and collegiate athletes competing in prelim and finals. Elite athletes will be poised to set world record marks as they battle each other for a $50,000 prize purse on the big blue oval.

National 5K Championship Sunday morning starts with the running of the Hy-Vee Road Races. The 5K serves as the RRCA National 5K Championship. All races finish inside the Drake stadium on the famed blue oval. Convention attendees get discounted entry into the races with the discount codes when you register:

Use RRCAHALF for $10 off the Half Marathon

Use RRCADISCOUNT for $5 off the 5K and 10K races.

RRCA Insurance & Risk Management Session Kicks Off Education Program!

!Come and learn the facts from the only official source for the industry-leading insurance program offered by the RRCA. Attendees will learn about best practices in risk management from recent lessons learned from insurance claims, litigation, and more. Learn about the RRCA insurance program and how it benefits your club and events. The RRCA Convention boasts 20 different education sessions for club leaders, race directors, coaches, and runners. !"#$%&'()*+$,-)./)!!"#$%&'()*+!,-./$..-#%.!0122!!!"#$$!%&"The roundtable discussions are an opportunity for attendees to engage in informal discussions in advance of the kick-off reception. An RRCA representative will help lead the discussion and take notes about problems outlined and ideas for addressing challenges. • Best Practices in hosting an expo booth to promote your event/organization

• Implement RRCA Programs into Your Club or Event • Social Media 101 • Starting a Kids Run the Nation program in your community • Working with your CVBs • Managing Conflicts of Interest in your Club • Key policies & procedures for financial oversight of your club/events

• Developing a masters racing team • Course Certification - Why and How

See the full education program at RRCA.org/Convention/Education/

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THANK YOU 2014 RRCA DONORS

Annual Program Fund Thank you to the following individuals, events, and organizations that have contributed to the Annual Program Fund.

Annapolis Half Marathon Atomic City Roadrunners Brevard County Dental Society Brian Miller Columbia Gas of VA * Daniel D. Edwards * Dwight Mikulis * Extra Mile Fitness Running Groups Fidelity Charitable Fund ** Grand Strand Running Club Hawaii Ultra Running Team Honeywell International Charity Mtg Indianapolis Marathon Road Runners James & Jean Knaack Jean Arthur Joel Sauer John G. Tyler and Bee McLeod Kansas City Track Club Kelly Richards

Kohls Lisa Paige Legaci LLC Kim Fliege Kara Anne Forrest MarathonGuide.com* Maria Larkin Mark Grandonico Mckesson Foundation Mercedes-Benz Marathon Events Microsoft Miles to Go Athletics LLC Nicholas Panebianco Northport Running Club Orlando Runners Club Pepsico Performance Running LLC Project Strategies Robert Kozlorowski

Robert Litowitz Rocky Mountain Endurance Club RunCollege.com Running Club of Granville San Francisco Road Runners Club Santa Fe Road Runners Club South Florida Racewalkers Tidewater Striders Trail Nerds Turner Broadcasting Systems Inc Varsity Running Vendurance Tribe Virgin Island Pace Runners Wells Fargo * West Texas Running Club Bank of America Chicago Marathon**(In-kind) Crowell & Moring**(In-kind) Running Times Magazine***(In-kind)

Roads Scholar Fund Thank you to the following clubs, events, individuals, and organizations that have contributed $40K,000 to the Roads Scholar Fund. Alaska Salmon Runs Alta Vista Sports Annette Kilder Atlanta Track Club** Atomic City Roadrunners Blue Cross Broad Street Run Bobby Vance Brevard County Dental Society Championship Racing LLC Cherry Blossom Inc.*** Club Northwest

Cumberland Valley Athletic Club* Fulmont Road Runners Club Greater Redondo Youth Running Club Bee McLeod & Goody Tyler** Jean Arthur John Maley Kelly Richards* Kansas City Track Club Bloomsday Association* Mitchell E. Garner Montana Amateur Sports Inc

River City Run, Inc. River City Runners and Walkers Club Riverbend Striders Running Club of Granville Seashore Striders Syracuse Chargers Track Club The Boilermaker Road Race Inc Travis Eliot Landreth Memorial Scholarship* Utica Road Runners White Rock Racing Willamette Valley Road Runners

Kids Run the Nation Fund Thank you to the following individuals, events, and organizations that have contributed $19,00 to the Kids Run the Nation Fund.

Alta Vista Sports Ann Arbor Track Club* Annapolis Half Marathon Anton Struntz Atomic City Roadrunners Bloomsday Runners Club** Boston Police Runners Club Brevard County Dental Society Cajun Cup* Cameo Carter Cardinal Track Club Charlotte Road Runners* Christy Belsom Daisy Pearce Daniel D. Edward David Cabe Eastern Area Health Education Ctr. Endurance Enterprise Running Club Hogeye Marathon & Relays !

Hunters Creek Kids Run the Nation Jennifer Forman Kansas City Track Club Kara Anne Forrest Kelly Richards Kim Fliege Lake Burton Road Runners Club Lake Grapevine Runners & Walkers * Len Goldman Lena Hollmann Maine Marathon* Mark Grandonico Mercedes-Benz Marathon Events Meredith Weisel Michael Sloan Miles to Go Athletics LLC Mark Robinson Murfreesboro Half Marathon North Coast Road Runners Club Orlando Runners Club

Pamakid Runners Club* Peggy Mayo Performance Running LLC Rocky Mountain Endurance Club Run Lawrence Kansas Run4Fun Youth Running Club RunCollege.com Runner's High Club Running Club of Granville Southern Arizona Roadrunners Sue Brown-Nickerson Hammond track club Swampers 5K - The Annihilator Running Club Tidewater Striders Tug Valley Roadrunner Club Varsity Running Vendurance Tribe Virgin Island Pace Runners West Florida Y Runners Club

***$10,000 and above **$5,000 and above *$1,000 and above!

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Dear RRCA Members, At the end of 2012, the RRCA underwent an IRS review of our management and

oversight of the members in our nonprofit group. Based on IRS recommendations, the RRCA Board passed a policy that now requires ALL nonprofit members that utilize their nonprofit status through the RRCA’s group exemption to adopt a Conflict of Interest Policy with an accompanying disclosure statement for all board members. This is also in compliance with best practices in governing a nonprofit organization and reporting to the IRS as part of the 990 tax return. All RRCA members that are part of the nonprofit group exemption were required to adopt this policy by December 31, 2013. Nonprofit Clubs/Events in the RRCA’s group exemption are also required to fax or email a PDF copy of their Board approved Conflict of Interest Policy to membership@rrca.org for inclusion with the member’s permanent records with the RRCA. With over 1,000 members in the nonprofit group, compliance with this requirement has been slow. For 2015, the RRCA is auditing the Conflict of Interest Policies on file in our office. If your club has not submitted your policy, our assistant Sheree Shea will contact your club/event through the email, admin@rrca.org. She is following up with members that have not yet supplied this policy. The RRCA has a sample Conflict of Interest Policy with a disclosure statement that members can adapt to their club and adopt. It is posted on our website at www.rrca.org/club-directors/manage-your-club/#policiesHappy running. The RRCA’s group exemption with the IRS is an important benefit to our members and has helped running grow by providing an national operating infrastructure for clubs and events. We appreciate our members’ compliance with this requirement, as it helps ensure the integrity of our nonprofit group with the IRS.

I look forward to seeing everyone in Des Moines!

Jean Knaack

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S NOTE

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NOTICE OF THE 2015 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERSHIP All members of the RRCA in good standing as of April 1, 2015 are welcome and encouraged to attend the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Membership. Participation in the 2015 RRCA National Convention is not required in order to attend the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Membership. The meeting will take place on April 24, 2015 at 3:15 PM (Central) at the Marriott Downtown, 700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309 Voting Assignment and Proxy Certification Instructions The Bylaws of the RRCA allow for the assignment of a proxy vote for member clubs and events. If an RRCA member club or event is not sending their official voting representative (president, director, or owner) to the Annual Meeting of the Membership, then the voting rights of that club or event may be assigned to another authorized representative attending the meeting in person. That person must be qualified by being a member of either the same club or event or from another qualified club or event in good standing in the same state. In accordance with the RRCA bylaws, a proxy cannot be held for clubs or events from different states. To assign voting rights to a qualified proxy on behalf of a club or event member, the authorized representative must complete the Official 2014 Voting Rights Assignment to Recognized Proxy Holder Form. Each Appointed Proxy Holder must complete and submit the Membership and Residence Certification for Proxy Holders Form in accordance with the instructions on the forms. The forms and instructions can be found on the RRCA website at www.rrca.org/about/governance/. !

Read past issues of Inside Track at RRCA.org/publications/inside-track/

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RRCA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES SARA MAE BERMAN SARA MAE BERMAN

JACK DANIELSJACK DANIELS PHIL STEWARTPHIL STEWART

OUTSTANDING CLUB PRESIDENT OF THE YEAR PETE ABRAHAMPETE ABRAHAM

Badgerland Striders – Milwaukee, WI

BROWNING ROSS SPIRIT OF THE RRCA BEE MCLEODBEE MCLEOD

Tidewater Striders – Norfolk, VA

OUTSTANDING STATE REPRESENTATIVE DAVID MERONEYDAVID MERONEY Arkansas State Rep

OUTSTANDING VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

GARY HOWSAMGARY HOWSAM Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers –

Grapevine, TX

OUTSTANDING YOUTH PROGRAM DIRECTOR AMY EDDYAMY EDDY

River City Runners and Walkers – Parkersburg, WV

ROAD RUNNERS OF THE YEAR

MEB KEFLEZIGHIMEB KEFLEZIGHI, , Open Male SARAH HALLSARAH HALL, , Open Female

LLOYD HANSENLLOYD HANSEN, Male Master (Presented by Running Times magazine)

DEENA KASTOR,DEENA KASTOR, Female Master (Presented by Running Times magazine)

RICHARD HUNTER, RICHARD HUNTER, Outstanding Outstanding Challenged AthleteChallenged Athlete VI/Blind Youth Paralympic Experience –

Folsom, CA

Since 1971, the RRCA has honored dedicated individuals for their outstanding service to the RRCA and the sport of distance running through the National Running Awards Ceremony. We are delighted to announce the 2015 RRCA Distance Running Hall of Fame Inductees and the 2014 National Running Award recipients. These outstanding contributors to our sport will be honored at the upcoming RRCA National Running Awards Banquet and Ceremony on April 25, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. Join us to hear from our Hall of Fame Inductees who will all be in attendance and speaking at the Awards Ceremony.

EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARDS

Print Newsletter –THE OREGON DISTANCE THE OREGON DISTANCE RUNNERRUNNER

Kelly Barten & Blake Timm, Co-Editors Oregon Road Runners Club – Beaverton, OR

E-Newsletter – SPACE COAST RUNNERS, INC CLUB SPACE COAST RUNNERS, INC CLUB NEWSLETTERNEWSLETTER

Bob Rall, Editor Space Coast Runners, Inc – Merritt Island, FL

Excellence in Running Journalism

CHRISTOPHER WHITECHRISTOPHER WHITE Pikes Peak Road Runners – Colorado Springs, CO

OUTSTANDING WEBSITE

HOUSTON AREA ROAD RUHOUSTON AREA ROAD RUNNERS ASSOCIATIONNNERS ASSOCIATION WWW.HARRA.ORG

RRCA ROAD RACE OF THE YEAR

THE GENWORTH VIRGINIA 10 MILERTHE GENWORTH VIRGINIA 10 MILER Jeff Fedorko, Race Director – Lynchburg Road

Runners Club – Lynchburg, VA

The RRCA thanks the following individuals for serving on the various award selection panels. Each selection panel includes RRCA members from around the country. Thank you to: Simone Adair, Jean Arthur, Brent Ayer, Ken Bendy, Betsy Boudreaux, Sue Brown-Nickerson, Chris Burch, Gary Corbit, David Cotter, Trevor Darmstetter, Mitch Garner, Mark Grandonico, Bryan Graydon, Jeff Hills, Lena Hollmann, Jim Latham, David Meroney, Dwight Mikulis, Gary Morgan, Bee McLeod, Nicoletta Nerangis, Doug Pitchford, Beth Onines, Erica Phillips, Rogelio Quintanar, George Rehmet, Kelly Richards, Rose Scovel, Goody Tyler, Don Lein, Mitch Garner, Brent Ayer, Creigh Kelley, Don Kardong, Doug Kurtis, Frank Shorter, Jacqueline Hansen, Jim Oaks, Joan Samuelson, Kim Jones, Lisa Rainsberger, and Steve Spence. Thank you to RRCA Program Coordinator Andy Smith for coordinating the selection process. !

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RRCA NATIONAL RUNNING AWARD WINNERS

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!ROAD RUNNERS CLUB OF AMERICA 1501 Lee Hwy, Ste 140 Arlington, VA 22209 703-525-3890 www.RRCA.org

WE RUN THE NATION!

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facebook.com/Roadrunnersclubofamerica twitter.com/RRCANational !

RRCA Runners Etiquette Brochure Because Manners Matter As participation in running continues to grow so does the need to educate everyone why manners matter on the run. The RRCA Runners Etiquette brochure is a full-color, glossy four-fold brochure that is great for beginning running programs, marathon training programs, race bag stuffers, and more. The brochure outlines general running etiquette for road and trail running, the race start and on-course etiquette, aid station etiquette, and awards ceremony etiquette. The brochure is sold in lots of 100 or more for a modest fee of $30 per 100 brochures. Order your copies from the RRCA publication page at RRCA.org/publications/ Embed the brochure on your club or event website. Get the code at http://issuu.com/rrcaexecdir/docs/etiquette.brochure#embed

https://instagram.com/rrcanational!

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