What is a Runner-Friendly Community?

The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) designates certain communities around the country as Runner-Friendly Communities. The award is given for a period of five years, based on applications from communities displaying significant achievement in the following areas:

• Community infrastructure
• Community support
• Local government support

Only 14 communities around the country have been awarded this designation for the period of 2017-2022

Why is Howard County a Runner-Friendly Community?

Howard County and the town of Columbia exhibit all the qualities RRCA seeks in a Runner-Friendly Community.

• Community Infrastructure
  • Columbia is a planned community in central Maryland, providing local access to jobs, schools, retail, and medical services.
  • Over 100 miles of pathways connect communities with the county’s 35 parks.
  • Over 80 miles of roadways have shared lanes for bikes, runners, and pedestrians.
• Community Support
  • The Howard County Striders are one of the largest and most involved running clubs in the mid-Atlantic area.
  • The club provides many opportunities for local residents to participate in group runs, training programs, and competitive races.
  • The club partners with Bullseye Running to provide year round youth running programs.
  • The Howard County Striders are a nonprofit volunteer-led organization that gives back to the community at running and non-running events.
• Local government support
  • The local Howard County government often gives support to the Howard County Striders events.
  • Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman has personally participated in several Striders road races.

How did Howard County become a Runner-Friendly Community?

The Howard County Striders, along with support local government and businesses, submitted an application to the RRCA to become an RRCA Runner-Friendly Community. In January 2018, the RRCA officially announced that Howard County and Columbia were a recipient of the Runner-Friendly Community award.

Runner-Friendly Video

Part of the Runner-Friendly Community application was a video describing how the community displays the qualities of a Runner-Friendly Community. This video was put together by Howard County Striders member and volunteer photographer and videographer Mike Fleming. You can view the video below!