Our first RRCA annual meeting was very informative. George Rehmet,RRCA Central California Representative, compared Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and United States of America Track & Field (USAT&F). Both organizations promote running, are non-profit, and are volunteer-driven.

The RRCA tends to focus on running for fun; the USAT&F is more into competition. The RRCA allows anyone to run its races; only USAT&F members can run its races. The RRCA has 200,000 members; the USAT&F has 70,000 members. RRCA clubs are provided guidelines and allowed to be individualistic; USAT&F clubs are provided regulations and must abide by them. The RRCA was notable in including women in its races; Henly Gabeau became the first woman president of a running organization in the United States. Po Adams, RRCA Western Regional Director, described the many programs at the RRCA National Convention designed to assist runners and running clubs.