FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Becky Lambros
RRCA Executive Director
(410) 290-3890
RRCA's 2005 Roads Scholar Program Seeks Rising Running Stars
Grants Increased to $5,000
COLUMBIA, Md. - (January 25, 2005) - The Road Runners Club of America
(RRCA) is accepting applications for its 2005 Roads Scholar grants. The
Roads Scholar grants are designed to assist top American post-collegiate
runners who, while struggling financially, show great promise to develop
into accomplished national world-class athletes.
Since its inception nearly a decade ago, the Roads Scholar program has
distributed almost $200,000 to emerging American distance runners. The
driving factor in the creation of this program was the goal of improving
the state of long distance running in the United States. A sign of its
success were the results of the 2004 Summer Olympics where Deena Kastor, a
1997 Roads Scholar grant recipient, captured the bronze medal in the
women's Olympic Marathon. Since then, Kastor has agreed to serve on the
Roads Scholar selection committee. Kastor stated, "I am very flattered by
your invitation to be a part of the selection committee. I look forward to
being a part of what helped my career so profoundly."
The Roads Scholar program is directed towards runners who are U.S.
citizens, have graduated from college or whose college class has graduated,
plan to race in top open road events (not just track, cross country or
U.S.-only events) and expect to earn less than $30,000 from all sources
during the calendar year. A minimum of five $5,000 grants will be awarded
this year.
In addition to individual donors, the program has received generous
financial support from Credit Union Cherry Blossom, Lilac Bloomsday
Association, Team FootWorks, Huntsville Track Club, Cotton Row Run,
Knoxville Track Club, Houston Masters Sports Association and Atlanta Track
Club.
Athletes interested in applying for a 2005 Roads Scholar grant should go to
www.rrca.org/programs/roadsapp.pdf and complete the application. Deadline
for applications is March 31, 2005.
The Road Runners Club of America, which recently merged with the American
Association of Running Clubs, is a non-profit organization of more than 670
running clubs and 160,000 members across the United States. The RRCA member
chapters organize races and training runs, provide safety guidelines,
promote children's and masters' fitness running programs and offer social
activities.
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