With over 800 members, it’s impossible for the Competition Committee to think of all the many deserving candidates for our club’s annual major awards. We are seeking input from all our members to nominate potential award winners related to each respective category listed below. All categories except the Unsung Hero, Inspiration, and Anderer Awards have both a male and female awardee. Simply state the deserving candidate’s name, as well as reasons why this person deserves the respective award. Keep in mind, winners of any major award in 2014 or 2015 are not eligible to win the same award this year (For example, a “Rising Star” last year is eligible for “Runner of the Year” this year). Check the FSRC website for past award winners – AWARDEES.

Please send your nominations to Sage Norton & Shannon Matthews at http://competition@sandbox.steeplechasers.org by Monday, Dec. 5th 2016.

Annual Awards Descriptions
Every year the club recognizes people who have had outstanding years as runners, or as participants/volunteers in the club, or even to those who have made significant contributions to the running community at large. The selection process for these awards is somewhat subjective. This is intentionally so. Our annual Grand Prix and Decathlon competitions are meant to recognize achievement in very objective terms, but the following awards are based on more than simply times and the number of finishes. They are meant to recognize a broad range of people for the impact they have had on the club during the course of the year. As runners, we like to be inspired. This is our way of saying, “Thanks for the inspiration that your performance provided some or all of us!” We have a variety of awards that are used in an effort to spread around this recognition among the diverse membership of our club. Once one of these awards is given to a person, that person is not eligible for the same award for the next two years.

The awards are as follows:

Runner of the Year: Certainly, running performance should be a major consideration in this category. High standings in either the Grand Prix or the Decathlon should be considered, but significant performances at significant external events should also be considered. For instance, if one of our club members didn’t participate in our local events, but they went on to win a major marathon, clearly they would be worthy of consideration.

Masters Runner of the Year: Same as Runner of the Year, but for those over 40.

Grand Masters Runner of the Year: Same, for those over 60.

Rising Star: Can be used as an award designation for someone young or new to the club in recognition to their efforts in their first year (think “Rookie of the Year”). This could be for their performance either as a runner or as an outstanding volunteer.

Most Improved: Used to recognize club members who have taken a big step forward in their level of performance.

Ironman/woman: This award considers endurance over speed. Used to recognize exceptional levels of mileage or quantity of events as opposed their speed in competition.

Unsung Hero: This award recognizes a member who has positively influenced the club with an encouraging attitude and a willingness to help in whatever capacity necessary.

Inspiration Award: This award is for a member who has shown perserverance, dedication, and determination, and gives hope and inspiration to others.

Anderer Award: Named for Ken Anderer who is best remembered for the huge number of events for which he provided support, this award is given to the member who provided inspiration through their example as a club member through participation and exceptional volunteerism.