Making races even better!

We can help you learn how to produce a high quality race that runners will remember.  Enjoy all  the services of our not-for-profit membership organization - education, information, discounts - when you become a member.Road Runners Club of America 

Our organization was started by David M. Patt, CAE, former Chief Executive Officer of the Chicago Area Runners Association (CARA).  We know what runners expect and we understand how race directors can meet those expectations.  Join now or click here to find out more. 

Also, check out member discounts and race director links.

Upcoming Educational Sessions

See right what you missed at the February 7 session in Oak Brook IL (Chicago suburbs) and the February 28 session in Livonia MI (Detroit suburbs).  The next Chicago area session will be Saturday, February 6, 2010.

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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, Grand Rapids MI

"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

"Thank you for all of your help this past year, you really helped us in a number of ways to become more professional."  Michael Skipper, Lake City Marathon, Winona Lake IN

"It was a great seminar - I really enjoyed all the resources that were shared."  Deborah Mikula, Howell Area Parks & Recreation Authority, Howell MI

"Thank you for the Race Director's seminar this past Saturday.  I am new to the Race Director world and found it to be helpful and beneficial."  Mike Wiersema, Bright Hope International, Hoffman Estates IL

"Thank you so much, your presentation was one of two that I really enjoyed and found useful."  Chris Cotten, Harrisonville Parks and Recreation, Harrisonville MO

"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

Downhill

Posted on 07/03/2009 at 02:46:40 PM by David Patt
The Debbie Green Memorial 5k, in Wheeling WV, redesigned its course to add more of a downhill. While participants can usually run faster downhill than uphill, they'll have to be careful to avoid injuries that are more common on downhill courses. If you want to take advantage of terrain changes, place a few rolling hills (they don't have to be big) at the beginning, followed by level or gentle downhill terrain afterward. The hills will help participants develop momentum and breathe more efficiently, and the gentle downhill will encourage speed without causing lots of leg injuries (knees do not respond well to steep downhills). Runners usually have stronger than average hearts and lungs.  It's their joints (especially knees) that bear the brunt of running.