About Us
Our Mission
The Rochester Running Club (RRC) empowers runners of all ages, abilities, and levels of fitness, through organized group runs, community events and activities, and information to keep runners moving. Whether running for fun, to improve or maintain health, or for the love of competition, RRC helps runners achieve goals from a first 5k to completing a marathon and beyond.
Resources
Race Director Resources
Requests to add a SE Minnesota running event to RRC’s website & emails may be submitted using online forms: HERE
Download this free document detailing one race director’s 5k race organization from pre-race, to race day and post-race.
Our race/fun run equipment is available for rent. Please refer to the section below.
Health & Safety Guidance for In-Person Events
Equipment Rental
The Rochester Running Club has race equipment available for rent. Complete the equipment rental agreement and damage deposit form online or download the printable version (Equipment Rental Reservation Form (V.22Jun).
If you use online reservation, please mail the rental payment and security deposit. You may submit proof of insurance via email to RochesterRunningClub@gmail.com.
If you don’t use the online reservation link, mail a copy of your completed Rental Reservation Form along with the rental payment, security deposit, and proof of insurance to RRC at PO Box 6711, Rochester, MN 55903.
Rental payments, security deposits and proof of insurance MUST be received by RRC at least seven days prior to the requested pick-up date.
Road Runners Club of America
We are members of the oldest and largest national running organization in the US. Click to visit the RRCA website.
Diversity & Inclusion
RRC is committed to intentional actions towards ensuring that all people have access to running; can see themselves represented in the running community; and feel involved, heard, and supported. We pledge to become a community that demonstrates this better in the future than it does today. Learn more about the RRC Diversity & Inclusion Plan.
To learn more, visit:
Save the Track
Soldiers Memorial Field Track
During the summer of 2019 the over 90-year-old historic cinder track was in danger of being paved. A grassroots effort engaged with the City of Rochester to preserve and maintain a soft surface regulation track at Soldiers Memorial Field Park. Construction was completed June 2020.
The Save the Track design included several improvements and upgrades:
- Transitioned the material to a mixture used on the warning tracks at professional ballfields. This allows for appropriate and affordable maintenance.
- Installed a geogrid in the track to help support the weight of vehicles and trailers and prevent rutting during events like Rochesterfest.
- Improved and added drainage around the track. This will help drain the water away from the track, returning it to use much quicker and also help prevent rutting.
Annual Awards
We have a history of honoring those outstanding individuals who inspire and give back. Our Runner of the Year Award recipient list dates back to 2004, while our Dwight Pierson Award and Outstanding Service Award recipient lists date back to 1979! The Resiliency Award became a new annual award in 2022.
Click each star below to view the criteria for each award.
A complete history of all Award's recipients is also linked below.
Dwight Pierson Award
Recipients HERE
Runner of the Year Award
Recipients HERE
Outstanding Service Award
Recipients HERE
Resiliency Award
Recipients HERE
Volunteer
The Rochester Running Club is always looking for volunteers! Fill out a volunteer form to tell us about your interests or skills and be added to our volunteer mailing list.
As a thank you, each volunteer will be automatically entered into our volunteer appreciation program.
Board Information
Thirteen members currently make up the Rochester Running Club Board. These members are elected by club membership and serve a two-year term.
Board meetings are held on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 PM. RRC and community members are welcome to attend meetings and submit items for the agenda. (Please contact us for location and agenda.)
Meet the Board!
Kasey Kuker
President
Jessie Wilburn
Vice President
Rick Fishbune
Treasurer
David Fochs
Secretary
Mike DeBolt
Henrick Gilbertson
Toby Hatlevig
Dale Pfrimmer
Anna Sanchez
John Soucheray
Leah Speltz
Jill Tacl
Emily Taylor
History
The Rochester Running Club has a long, rich history, though many current members of the RRC are not aware of how it began and what it did in its early years. This article recaps some of the highlights of the first years of the RRC, dating back to 1969, to give current members a perspective of how it has grown through the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How the Rochester Running Club (RRC) Works!
How long has the RRC been in existence?
The RRC (formerly known as the RTC, or Rochester Track Club) was organized by Dwight Pierson in 1969.
How big is the RRC?
Our current membership is approximately 235 membership units (singles or families).
Does the RRC have a race team?
No, at present the RRC does not have a race team.
Do I have to be a fast runner to belong to the RRC?
Absolutely not! Our membership spans from walkers/beginning runners to very competitive runners and everything in between!
I don't see the race results for the race I ran listed on the website. What should I do?
Contact the race director for the event, not the RRC webmaster. It is now up to each race director to upload the results for their events on this site.
Does the RRC have any social activities?
Yes, we have several social events throughout the year. Members meet for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday after training runs. There is an annual Christmas Breakfast Run. The annual banquet takes place in late January.
How do I know when my RRC membership expires?
The RRC Membership Chairperson will email your renewal notice to you prior to your expiration date. Please be sure to provide a current email address to RRC. You will receive three renewal notice reminders prior to your expiration date. [Join or renew now!] If you do not renew, you will be sent a final email reminder to renew the month after your membership expiration date. If you do not respond you are removed from the membership roster.
Does the RRC have regular board meetings?
Yes, the board generally meets the third Monday of every month at 7:00 PM. Please contact us for location, agenda, etc. We encourage all RRC members to attend board meetings and submit items for the agenda.
What are the annual awards RRC gives out?
The Dwight Pierson Service Award is akin to a lifetime achievement award and is for outstanding, over-and-above sustained service to the RRC. The Outstanding Service Awards are awarded to volunteers who have contributed significantly to the club over the last year or two. The Runner of the Year Award is awarded to someone who has achieved a significant running accomplishment and is an inspiration in the local running community. For more information, see the “Awards” section on this page above.
Who should I contact with Grand Prix questions?
For questions about standings, awards,or the Grand Prix, please contact us.
I would like to start a new race in the Rochester area. What should I do?
Please contact us. For RRC race sponsorship information and equipment rental information, see the documents in the “Resources” section above on this page.
I am a race director and I want my event listed on the RRC website. What should I do?
Events in SE Minnesota outside the Twin Cities metro area may be listed on our website. Please contact us with calendar items or more complete information.
Contact Us
Let’s Connect!
We would love to hear from you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. We will respond as soon as we can.
Address
P.O. Box 6711, Rochester, MN 55903
rochesterrunningclub@gmail.com
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