The Cornbelt Running Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting running and walking in the bi-state area. Established in 1974, our club has grown to be among the largest in the national association of the Road Runners Club of America, boasting a membership of over 2,500 individuals. We welcome individuals of all ages and abilities to join our club, as we firmly believe in the benefits of an active and healthy lifestyle.
Our weekly running and walking groups offer both camaraderie and motivation for members, and many participants choose to socialize after the activities. As an affiliate of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) and the USA Track & Field (USATF), we take pride in organizing and participating in numerous races and events throughout the year that cater to our members’ varying interests and skill levels.
Through our club’s ongoing commitment to health and fitness, we strive to create a welcoming community for runners and walkers of all abilities. Our office is located in Davenport, Iowa, and our numerous outreach programs, races, and group activities demonstrate our dedication to fostering an active lifestyle in our community.
Cornbelt Running Club Overview
History and Foundation
The Cornbelt Running Club was established in 1974 in the state of Iowa. Since its foundation, it has been dedicated to promoting running, walking, and overall fitness within the community. We have grown steadily over the years and now reach a wide audience interested in maintaining their health through these activities.
Nonprofit 501(c)(3) Organization
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, our primary focus is to support our local community and promote healthy lifestyles. Our club offers various events and group activities throughout the year and is funded by memberships, sponsorships, and donations. This ensures that we can continue to provide affordable and accessible opportunities for individuals to participate in running and walking activities.
Mission and Goals
Our mission at the Cornbelt Running Club is to promote good health and fitness through running and walking. We achieve this by organizing weekly runs, races, and other events to engage our members and the wider community. Our goals include:
- Hosting events throughout the year to cater to all age groups and fitness levels
- Connecting runners and walkers with resources and support to achieve their goals
- Encouraging and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and friendship within the club
- Partnering with local businesses and organizations to further our reach and impact
Through our ongoing dedication to promoting health and fitness, we strive to make a positive impact on our community and inspire people to embrace running and walking as enjoyable and beneficial pursuits.
Membership
Membership Benefits
As members of the Cornbelt Running Club, we enjoy numerous benefits that cater to individuals of all ages and abilities. Our club is a nonprofit organization, affiliated with the Road Runner’s Club of America, dedicated to promoting running and walking in the bi-state area of Quad Cities. We are governed by a Board of Directors who work diligently to ensure that we are provided with quality support and resources.
Some of the benefits we receive as members include:
- Access to group runs and training sessions
- Opportunities to participate in local races and events
- Access to networking and social events
- Discounted registration fees for certain races and events
- Inclusion in the Cornbelt Running Club community, where we can connect with fellow running enthusiasts
Joining the Club
Becoming a member of our club is a simple process and requires filling out the membership registration form. Our club is open to all individuals, regardless of age or ability, with no specific prerequisites or previous running experience necessary. The membership registration form will require some basic personal information, contact details, and the selection of a membership type.
Member Age and Abilities
Our club takes pride in being an inclusive community, welcoming members of all ages and abilities. Whether you are an experienced runner or someone who has just discovered the joys of running or walking, we have a place for you in the Cornbelt Running Club. We are a diverse group, with members ranging from young children to senior citizens and varying skill levels, from beginners to experienced marathoners. As a group, we strive to encourage, support, and celebrate each other’s achievements, and ultimately, contribute to our shared love for running.
Events and Programs
Race Calendar
Our Cornbelt Running Club organizes various running events throughout the year in Iowa and the bi-state area. The race calendar, which is regularly updated on our website, includes events such as the Junior Bix 7 and a Summer Track Program. We also provide the race results for all the events on our website. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on the latest updates and events.
Children’s Running Programs
Encouraging the love for running in our community’s younger members is one of our main priorities. Our Children’s Running Programs, like the Junior Bix 7 and the Summer Track Program, aim to introduce kids to the joys of running and help them develop a healthy habit. The programs provide a fun and engaging environment for children to stay active, learn about running, and meet other kids who share their interests.
Volunteer Support
We believe in supporting and giving back to our community in various ways. We often partner with local charitable organizations for our events and rely on our dedicated team of volunteers for their support. Volunteers help us in various roles, from race planning to supporting runners on race day. Volunteering with the club also helps to establish a strong sense of camaraderie among our members.
Some benefits of volunteering with us include:
- Being part of an enthusiastic and supportive community
- Gaining valuable experience in organizing and managing events
- Contributing to the success of our events and the satisfaction of our participants
For more details on volunteer opportunities, visit our website’s volunteer section.
Equipment Rental
We understand the importance of having the right equipment for events and training. As part of our commitment to promoting running and walking in the region, we offer an Equipment Rental service to our members and friends. This service includes:
- Race clocks and timing equipment
- Traffic cones and barricades
- Flagging, signage, and other safety equipment
To rent equipment, you can find contact information on our website’s equipment rental page.
Additional Services
Advertising and Promotion
As a member of the Cornbelt Running Club, we provide various advertising and promotional services for races and events. We offer discount rates on equipment rental for events, as well as advertising in the CBRC News, our club’s newsletter. For promoting events within the Quad Cities community and the wider Mississippi River region, our affiliation with the Road Runners Club of America expands our reach and increases the visibility of the events we support.
CBRC News and Information
Our club strongly believes in keeping all our members and the wider running community informed about the latest news, events, and updates. We achieve this objective through our regular newsletter, the CBRC News. Within the newsletter, we provide important information about upcoming races, events, and training opportunities. In addition, we offer free race calendar listings to ensure all details about upcoming races and events are easily accessible.
Furthermore, our collaboration with the RRCA and other stakeholders within the running community allows us to share relevant and important information that can benefit our members. We aim to promote a culture of continuous learning and improvement, which ultimately contributes to the growth and success of the Cornbelt Running Club.
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Community Involvement
Partnerships
As a running club, we believe in the power of collaboration and working with others to achieve common goals. We have established partnerships with various entities within the communities we serve, such as Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline. One notable partnership is with the Davenport Park Board, which helps us in organizing and promoting road races and walks in the area.
We are also a proud member of the Road Runner’s Club of America (RRCA), which validates our alignment with national standards and best practices for running clubs. This affiliation enables us to broaden our reach and build relationships with running clubs across the nation.
Affordability
Our club members and participants in our events can expect high-quality experiences that don’t break the bank. We strive to make our events, such as road races and walks, accessible to the entire family by offering them at an affordable price. We understand the importance of promoting physical fitness and fostering a love for running and walking in individuals from all walks of life.
To support affordability, we offer:
- Membership options catering to various age groups and abilities
- Events that cater to different fitness levels and financial capacities
- Discounts for families and large groups to encourage participation
Inclusivity
Inclusivity is at the heart of our mission. We actively work toward creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their age, ability, or background. We do this through:
- Ensuring our events accommodate participants with different abilities and levels of experience
- Providing support for individuals with special needs to engage in our activities
- Offering family-friendly events that cater to all age groups
By fostering a culture of inclusivity within our running club, we not only contribute to the health and well-being of our members, but also to the overall enrichment of the communities we serve. Through our partnerships, focus on affordability, and commitment to inclusivity, we help create a thriving, active, and inclusive environment for all who wish to join us.