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Road Runners Club of America The Association of Running Event Directors, a not-for-profit membership organization, was started by David M. Patt, CAE, former Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Area Runners Association, to help race directors obtain the information and training needed to produce high quality running events. You can enjoy all of the organization's services when you become a member. Join now or click here to find out more.

Tip Of The Month

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Upcoming Training Sessions

Training sessions were held this year in Chicago IL, Springfield IL, and Livonia MI.  See what you missed here. 

The next Chicago area session will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009.  The next Detroit area session will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2009.  Other sessions will be announced as they are scheduled.

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People are talking about us..

"My brain has been working overtime with all of your suggestions and ideas.  Awesome training session!"  Nancy Smith, UEA Staywell Chairperson, Shelby Township MI

"The seminar that I attended in the winter has been the single smartest thing we have done in planning our first 5k race."  Joe Brennan, Chicago IL

"You have no idea what an inspiration and help you've been.  You'll be hearing more from us!! Thanks, again."  Jan Wilson, Springfield Road Runners Club, Springfield IL

"Great seminar - we picked up a lot of tips and ideas, and had some of our concerns/opinions regarding running a race validated so we can bring the information back to our board members."  Kathie Paravola, CASA Cares, Wheaton IL

"What a pleasant surprise it was to arrive home a few minutes ago and check my email to find your presentation here already!!  Thank you so much and also thank you for such an informative and well-planned lecture at the convention."  Kate Tarr, L.A. Leggers, Los Angeles CA

Latest Blog Entry

Zoo Runs

Posted on 05/10/2008 at 12:47:39 PM by David Patt
Races that pass through zoos can offer a very attractive venue for runners.  Animals provide unusual scenery and runners can enjoy a longer visit - perhaps with family members - after the race. The Binder Park Zoo, one of the midwest's finest, in Battle Creek MI, offers a course through its animal-friendly confines. Zoos in St. Louis MO, Chicago IL, Milwaukee WI, Detroit MI, Cleveland OH, and Louisville KY are only a few of the many that open their gates to race competitors. Runners complain, though, that some zoo runs don't meet quality standards and they sometimes charge unreasonably high entry fees.  If you are producing a run in the zoo, don't let the marketing benefits cause you to overlook logistical needs.  As far as money is concerned, many more runners will stick around after the race if it is at a zoo.  They'll pay admission (very few are free), buy refreshments and maybe lunch, and purchase souvenirs, especially if they have children with them. Zoos are likely to benefit financially while garnering a lot of publicity from the runs they produce and sponsor, so don't soak runners on the entry fee.