Running Organizations and Publications
Appendix from Running Around Portland (1979). Addresses, phone numbers, and dues are as printed in the original book and are long out of date — kept here for the historical record, not as current contact information.
Here are some non-profit organizations which are available to assist runners and joggers. They can provide you with such things as information on races and meets, help in organizing a road race, medical advice, suggestions on equipment and fitness testing.
Oregon Road Runners Club (ORRC): A Portland-based statewide organization providing a range of activities for people interested in running. It is a non-elitist group that appeals to the weekend jogger as well as the Olympic hopeful. ORRC sponsors meets, races and "fun runs" year 'round. They provide technical expertise at no cost to groups or organizations interested in sponsoring runs. Yearly dues of $7.00 includes their fine quarterly publication, "The Oregon Distance Runner." Address: P.O. Box D, Beaverton, Ore. 97005.
The Oregon Distance Runner: Quarterly publication of ORRC and one of the outstanding efforts of its kind in the country. General information on local running, relevant articles and interviews, schedules of upcoming events, and complete and accurate results of ORRC races as well as other significant state-wide events. Comes free with ORRC membership. Contact: "ODR", 2100 S.W. Jefferson, Portland, Oregon 97201.
Clark County Track Club (CCTC): This ORRC counterpart for Clark County, Washington, provides much of the same services and activities as ORRC does in Oregon. They sponsor several annual runs and events and put out their own publication to members. Address: 11801 N.E. 212th, Brush Prairie, Wash. 98606.
Long Distance Running Committee (LDR) of Oregon AAU: The purpose of the committee is, "primarily to permit those races (organized by local clubs, individual businesses, etc.) to occur by informing members of their existence." They sponsor 4 or 5 races a year and send their annual "AAU Long Distance Running Schedule" to all AAU members who list "LD" as their primary sport on the application. Their mailing address is Oregon Assoc. of AAU, 6128 S.W. 30th, Portland, Ore. 97201.
Road Runners Club of America: Well-known running author, Jim Fixx, refers to RRCA as "the country's leading running organization." It's geared to the more serious runner, as opposed to the part-time jogger. They have 125 chapters around the country, including Oregon Road Runners Club and Clark County Track Club. Membership in a local chapter includes their excellent periodical, "Footnotes." Address: 1115 Saffold Way, Reston, Virginia 22090.
National Jogging Association: This organization, aimed more at the jogger than the serious runner, promotes many participatory motivational activities related to jogging and fitness. They claim 30,000 members throughout the country. $15.00 membership includes their newspaper crammed with information and a discount on books. Address: 1910 K St., Washington D.C. 20006.
YMCA Metropolitan Fitness Center: The center is expensive to join and has a long waiting list. However, they have an active running committee which sponsors speakers, films, workshops, and two annual "fun runs", all open to the public. The Center's professionally equipped and staffed Cardiovascular Lab sponsors an Exercise Tolerance Test. This series of tests and evaluations, including a stress test, treadmill test and cardiovascular health screen, is probably the best way there is to determine your overall fitness level. The staff claims the data can even be used to predict your marathon time. The total package costs $75 and needs a doctor's (or chiropractor's) referral. For either running information or the CV Lab call: 223-YMCA.
Portland State University Adult Fitness Program: This program, administered by Dr. Mike Tichy, includes a moderate, sub-maximal stress test open to all members of the class. The adult class is open to the public and meets from 5:00-6:00 P.M. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Cost is $35.00 a quarter. Call: 229-4989.
Cardio And Pulmonary Research Institute (CAPRI): This six-year-old organization specializes in heart attack patients or people with a heart history or heart trouble. They offer a complete diagnostic program and maximal stress test followed by an exercise regimen tailored to fit the individual. Fitness classes are offered three times a week and include administration of two EKGs per class. The director is Rebecca King. Call: 223-5406.