Non-Profit Highlight: Runners for Public Lands
The Chuckanut 50k teamed up with Runners for Public Lands at registration to create an opportunity for runners to donate directly to the Organization. RPL Founder and Board members will be running in the race and sharing more of their information and resources throughout Chuckanut 50k weekend.
Vision: RPL's vision is to build inclusive running communities dedicated to protecting the environment - runnersforpubliclands.org
Extended overview:
Runners for Public Lands is a 501c(3) organization that builds inclusive running communities dedicated to protecting the environment. Our work aligns with two guiding principles - equitable access to nature and environmental stewardship. This focus drives our programmatic efforts to organize runners - the largest recreation group in the United States - to care for each other and take action to protect the lands we run on.
Where donations/funds go:
As a growing organization, the funds raised will go directly towards our mission of protecting the people and places we love. We have three main initiatives we're focusing on for 2023, the Everyone Runs Fund, Race Director Toolkit and Resource Hub, and we're also launching an Ambassador program to help us grow local chapters across the US. Below is additional info on each of those programs.
Everyone Runs Fund:
We recognize that running has barriers to entry for many athletes. Runners for Public Lands is excited to launch the Everyone Runs Fund in January 2023 to help break down those barriers and empower more runners to chase their dreams!
RPL Ambassador Program:
In 2023 RPL will launch an Ambassador program to establish communities of runners dedicated to protecting the environment in different cities. Our Ambassadors will create opportunities for runners to get involved in their communities by promoting equitable access to nature and environmental stewardship. This means hosting inclusive runs, organizing educational and volunteer events, and activating runners to steward and protect the lands they run on in fun and social ways.
RD Resource Hub:
Runners for Public Lands is eager to launch the Race Director Resource Hub to assist event organizers in implementing a sense of belonging, natural history, and environmental stewardship at their events. This Hub will provide free resources including the Race Director Guide to Community Building and Environmental Stewardship created in partnership with The Council for Responsible Sport and a Working Group of leading Race Directors from across the US.