Are you interested in an opportunity to run with others, a chance to learn more about the sport of running, or to compete in open road and triathlon races? Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced athlete, the newly formed Rensselaer running and triathlon club has been created to help enrich your running experience while providing support and encouragement from members who share the same interests.
The club, also known as RRTC, was formed in the Spring semester of 2004 by John Evans, a student and long distance runner at RPI. Evans formed the club in hopes of promoting distance running, races, and triathlons within the Capital region. The club’s main goal is to provide a means for runners to connect with each other in order to share experiences and to form new running partners. However, the club also provides training advice, moral support, and motivation, as well as a network for competitive athletes to enter races as individuals or in teams.
Workout times have been arranged so that athletes have a chance to meet and train together but they are meant to be flexible and attendance is left solely up to individual discretion. In general, the primary training sessions are available at 4 or 7 pm Monday through Friday. Additional sessions for running, biking, or swimming are also held at 8 am on weekdays. Members meet outside the front of the Armory or the Mueller Center at these times to discuss training and form running groups before workouts begin.
The club has also established a race schedule for those interested in competing in races and triathlons throughout the semester in addition to their training. Members work together to design the schedule, which includes a majority of local races, and travel as a club to compete in these events. Presently, the club is working on receiving Union funding, which would provide discounts on races, and with expanded membership, eventually hopes to become an official club of USA Track and Field.
RRTC welcomes runners of all types: recreational runners, competitive athletes, those looking to get in shape, or anyone who just has a passion for the sport. Both RPI students and athletes in the surrounding region are encouraged to join this fun, healthy, and supportive organization. For more information or to join RRTC, please visit http://www.rpi.edu/%7eevansj4/rrtc.html or send an e-mail to: RensselaerRTC@hotmail.com.
