The RRCA started a program called "Runner Friendly Cities" to spotlight communities that are standout for runners as far as routes, races, opportunities, infrustructure, community support, and local government support for runners. Pensacola, FL was named to the third and final round of winners, the only city in Florida to receive the designation.
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The Road Runners Club of America, the oldest and largest distance running organization in the United States, is pleased to announce the third round of selections for the Runner Friendly Community designation: Pensacola, FL; and Glastonbury, CT.
These communities have shown that they meet the program’s criteria, which includes community infrastructure, community support, and local government support for running. Each community has an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment; a proven track record that organizations and businesses work together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport; and there are positive relationships between the running community and local government.
The goals of the Runner Friendly Community program are to shine a national spotlight on communities that standout as runner-friendly and to provide incentives and ideas for communities to work towards becoming runner friendly communities. Runner friendly communities can increase the quality of life, improve physical activity for residents as outlined in the National Physical Activity Plan, and provide for increased economic impact for the community.
“We have realized the benefits and value of running for our families, our health, and our community, regardless of age or ability,” said Pat Kozma of the Pensacola Runners Association. “Our runner friendly environment allows us to run almost 365 days a year with the Gulf of Mexico, Historic Downtown Pensacola, or The Black Water State Park as our back drop.”
Pensacola, Florida
The Pensacola Runners Association call Pensacola home. They have an established route known locally as “The Airport Loop”. Starting at The Roger Scott Park, the loop winds around The Pensacola Regional Airport and contains plenty of parking, restrooms, water fountains, and even a dog park. There’s also a community track that is open to the public, well-lit, and properly maintained.
The PRA actively engages the community by approaching area businesses one-on-one to discuss their support as a sponsor for one of the PRA’s 10 events. Businesses typically donate their time by asking employees to volunteer and their money to help cover expenses that normally wouldn’t have been possible.
If you’re ever in the area, McGuires Irish Pub offers a Tuesday night 5K run in which it offers a buffet and beverage discounts. Every March, they produce the St. Patrick’s Day Prediction, billed as the “world’s largest” prediction run where over 10,000 participants enjoy a 5K Run/Walk.
There are gender-neutral, youth running programs that are hosted in the community. Local schools have a track/cross country team and the PRA hosts a club for the local youth.
Pensacola has a special events coordinator that assists organizations or individuals interested in producing running events. The City also provides a traffic officer to review the route and assign officers to assist in traffic control. The city hosts over 30 running events annually.
Other Cities on the List
- Glastonbury, CT
- Knoxville, TN
- The Woodlands, TX
- Carson City, NV
- Lawrence, KS
- Decatur, IL
- Missoula, MT
- Allen Park, MI
- Reading, PA
- Salem, MA
- Lynchburg, VA
- Mounterey Peninsula, CA
- Dallas, TX
- Witchita Falls, TX
- Fredricksburg, VA