CHARTER MEMBERS

View Our Members: Road Race | Organization | Club

Charter Membership
The National Distance Running Hall of Fame is currently inviting races, clubs and organizations throughout the country to procure Charter Memberships to support the Hall, and to gain recognition. Charter Membership provides an opportunity to be directly involved with preserving, honoring and developing the sport of distance running.

	THE BOILERMAKER The Boilermaker 15K Road Race was established in 1976 by Earle C. Reed. Reed was looking for a way to give back to the community that had supported his family's business, Utica Companies (ECR International). The race began with just over 800 runners and a budget of $750. Now, in its 24th year, the Boilermaker is the largest 15K in the nation with almost 9000 runners.
	NEW YORK CITY MARATHON The first New York City Marathon, in 1970, had 55 finishers and a total budget of $1,000. From this humble beginning, the race has grown to become a weeklong, worldwide celebration. On the guest list: 30,000 athletes, 12,000 volunteers, thousands of city employees, more than two million spectators lining the course, and tens of millions more television viewers around the globe, all celebrating friendship, sport, and human potential.
	PEACHTREE The Peachtree is the world’s largest 10K road race and arguably the best and most famous. This year it will again host the PRRO Race of Champions, the culminating event in the 5-race Professional Road Running Organization’s circuit.
	THE CHICAGO LASALLE BANK MARATHON In November 1976 at the Metropolitan YMCA on LaSalle Street, five key founders of what would become The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon met to begin discussions and planning. Those present included Wayne Goeldner, physical education director of the Hyde Park YMCA; Wendell ’’Wendy” Miller, a partner in a financial advising firm and founder of Midwest Masters Running Club; Bill Robinson, executive director of Friends of Parks; Sharon Mier, director of women’s sports at the Loop Center YMCA; and Dr. Noel Nequin, director of cardiac rehabilitation at the Swedish Convenant Hospital. At this meeting, the group decided it was time for a Marathon in Chicago.
	THE BOSTON MARATHON After experiencing the spirit and majesty of the Olympic Marathon, B.A.A. member and inaugural US Olympic Team Manager John Graham was inspired to organize and conduct a marathon in the Boston area. With the assistance of Boston businessman Herbert H. Holton, various routes were considered, before a measured distance of 24.5 miles from the Irvington Oval in Boston to Metcalf's Mill in Ashland was eventually selected. On April 19, 1897, John J. McDermott of New York, emerged from a 15-member starting field and captured the first B.A.A. Marathon in 2:55:10, and, in the process, forever secured his name in sports history.
	THE CREDIT UNION CHERRY BLOSSOM The Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10 Mile has been "the runners rite of spring" in Washington, DC since 1973. The event attracts world record holders in a field of 7,000 other runners during cherry blossom season.

	World's Best 10K

	Organizational Members
	RUNNING TIMES Since 1977, Running Times has consistently presented great writing on the sport by runners for runners. RT continues to serve as the dedicated runner's best source for expert information on training, racing, sports medicine, inspiration, news, profiles and more.
	Presenting Sponsor
	GENERAL MOTORS
	Club Members
	UTICA ROADRUNNERS The Utica Roadrunners were established in 1974 to promote and encourage long distance running through education of the community on the benefits of physical fitness.
	THE ROMAN RUNNERS RUNNING CLUB The Roman Runners were formed in 1971 with 4 members. Today we are 175 strong and our goal is to promote distance running by focusing on the fun and social aspect of the sport.