She founded the first Women Can Run/Walk Clinic in 1997 in Conway, AR with 75 ladies enrolled. This clinic start-up stemmed from a desire Cheryl had to encourage women in their quest for a healthier lifestyle, to promote confidence, and increase self esteem. Having AVON as an initial sponsor for the 1997 clinic and subsequent 5K led to the growth of the clinic outside of Conway. Greenbrier, Russel
lville, and North Little Rock, AR soon came on board to advance the Women Run Arkansas mission. From here, Cheryl decided that all these new women athletes needed a “home”- a place that could meet their needs, increase their skills, and continue to benefit their walking/running goals. This led to the formation in 2000 of the Women Run Arkansas Run/Walk Club (WRA). WRA became the host of the annual 5K as well as the statewide free run/walk clinics. The club was open to women of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities. Regardless of their speed, there was now a place for any woman wanting to improve on her fitness. Since that 1997 clinic of 75 participants, WRA has grown to 40 clinics with greater than 3000 ladies taking part. The 2011 5K reached a record number of athletes with over 1800 registered and 1500 crossing the finish line! Women Run Arkansas Running Club, an RRCA organization, was formed in 2000 in response to the need for a statewide women’s running and walking club. The mission of WRA is to address the special needs of women’s fitness, while promoting health and fitness through running and walking. WRA helps women get moving…WRA is the organizing force behind FREE run/walk clinics for women, which are held for 10 weeks each spring. The first clinic was held in Conway, Arkansas in 1997. Since the first clinic of 75 women in 1997; to over 40 Clinics State wide in 2012 and over 4000 ladies, the clinics have impacted women’s health! The clinics are designed to meet the needs of all ability levels. From beginning walkers and runners, to intermediate and advanced runners with specific training goals, No one is left out! Training groups are lead by past clinic participants who give back by volunteering their time and talent to lead other women. Training plans have been tweaked for each category in order to increase strength and endurance and prevent injury. The clinics culminate with a women’s 5K run/walk in Conway, AR. It is an inspiring race, with some runners and walkers completing their first competitive event, while participants from previous clinics and races return to compete and cheer on their sister athletes. WRA keeps women moving…WRA members stay motivated after the race through a runner/walker network where women in cities across Arkansas are connected with other women runners/walkers in their area. WRA members are also entitled to purchase WRA apparel and receive a 10% discount at The Sporty Runner, an athletic shop in Conway which carries a wide variety of women’s running and walking clothing and footwear. Gearhead Outfitters in Jonesboro also offers club members a 10% discount. WRA encourages its members… Our diverse membership includes elite runners, teens, mothers, as well as more mature women. In other words, all women fit into WRA! We understand that women work hard to balance their many responsibilities. We want to help our members make fitness a priority while maintaining a healthy balance in their lives. Having fun and forming lasting friendships is an important aspect of our group. Benefits of WRA Membership include:
Free clinics across the state
Annual women only 5K
Discounts
WRA apparel
Networking
Resources
Grand Prix Racing
RRCA Running Magazine Subscription
