Lakeland Designated a RRCA Runner Friendly Community
Lakeland, Florida – February 5, 2024 – The Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives through running, was recognized during the presentation of the RRCA Runner Friendly Community designation to the City of Lakeland.
The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) takes applications for Runner Friendly Communities twice a year, considering infrastructure, support from the community + government, and additional support for runners. The RRCA is the oldest and largest national association of running organizations dedicated to growing the sport. The RRCA champions community-based running clubs and events that empower all people to participate in the sport of running in the pursuit of enjoyment, health, well-being and competition.
The City of Lakeland joins a select group of 39 other communities across the nation committed to providing infrastructure for runners to safely pursue running and walking. This achievement also underscores Lakeland’s dedication to fostering positive relationships between the running community, the local government, and public and private organizations united to support running.
The Lakeland Runners Club was commended for an impressive 50 years of promoting running and fitness in Lakeland as an all-volunteer organization. The City of Lakeland Special Events, Planning and Transporation, and Public Works departments were recognized for supporting running events, building and maintaining multi-use paths and sidewalks, and continuing to seek funding to expand Lakeland’s pedestrian infrastructure.
For their support of the running community and collaboration with the Lakeland Runners Club to promote running, Bonnet Springs Park, Fleet Feet Lakeland, and Galloway Lakeland were also recognized.
Contact Information:
Chris Baker, President
Lakeland Runners Club, Inc.
Email: lrc@lakelandrunnersclub.org
Web: lakelandrunnersclub.org
![City Commission Meeting. Mayor Bill Mutz receives the RRCA Runner Friendly award from RRCA representative Sarah Kozul. Also present are Charles Barmby, Kim Stopiak, Wendy Miller, Chris Baker, and Josh Henderson](https://lakelandrunnersclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/web_RRCA-RFC-designation-2-1024x683.jpg)
Additional information from LkldNow – Lakeland’s Growing Network of Sidewalks and Trails Helps It Earn ‘Runner Friendly Community’ Status