Talking with the Summit Athletic Running Club
Training can become tiring, monotonous and just sometimes a pain. Trying to find people to run with, meet up for ridesand such is not always the easiest especially when trying to find someone of your ability level. One of the best things that we found was to join a club whether it be running, cycling or multi sport; they all can have their benefits from meeting new friends and training partners, discounts on a local retailers, social gatherings and even discounts on races.
To find out a little more about some of the benefits of SARC, we caught up with Hope Magnus from the Summit Athletic Running Club based in Northeast Ohio to find out what they have going on.
OO: Tell us a little about the Club, the history, mission, etc
SARC: The Summit Athletic Running Club was established in 1968 as a racing club for elite runners. The primary focus of the club was on training and competitive running. There were criteria that members had to meet to even belong to SARC. Over the years, the club has dramatically shifted and welcomes all levels of runners. The club focuses more on education about running and supporting the whole running community. SARC is proud to be a club for all runners. Whether you jog, run, race, volunteer, or simply want to be around a dynamic group of individuals and families who share a common passion, you are welcome to join.
OO: How many members do you have in the club right now. Are most from the summit county area?
SARC: Currently, SARC has 331 members. The overwhelming majority of our members reside in Summit County. However, we have members from surrounding counties and several from out of state. Do not let the name “Summit” deter you from becoming a member. We encourage all runners from all areas to join our club!
OO: Besides putting on races, what other activities does the club host?
SARC: The Summit Athletic Running Club hosts monthly meetings with special speakers, group running opportunities, networking events, and hosts the Akron Marathon Pasta Party.
OO: I know each year you have a scholarship program, can you tell us a little more about that?
The Summit Athletic Running Club established a scholarship to perpetuate our commitment to running. The fund assists local high school runners in their pursuit of life-long fitness. All high school seniors residing in the Summit County area or high school seniors whose parents are SARC members residing outside of Summit County are eligible to apply. A minimum of one male and one female student is selected every year. The scholarship recipients receive a $500 award, after college or university enrollment is confirmed. Winners are announced every June.
Visit www.summithathletic.com for more information and to download an application. We hope to have a large applicant pool this year.
OO: Membership is $20.00 for an individual correct? What benefits will a runner get out of that?
SARC: A SARC membership comes with many wonderful benefits. A member receives discounts off all SARC sponsored races, a monthly newsletter, monthly club meetings with an educational emphasis, club run opportunities, networking, and significant discounts at Ritchie’s Sporting Goods and Vertical Runner. Visit our website and join the welcoming Summit Athletic Running Club community today. See you at the races!
