Richmond is a great running town.

There is no other way to say it.  Fall, winter, spring and summer -- folks are out there with purpose and intent. Grove Avenue runners, I salute you. Pony Pasture/Westover Hill runners (even those via River Road Starbuck’s) go hard, go long, go often.  Byrd Parkers, Belle Islanders, Monument Avenuers, the finish line is your friend.

One of the main drivers, of course, for all this healthy activity is the Richmond Road Runners Club, which, with a membership over 2,400, is pound for pound one of the top clubs in the country.  And not only are they large and well organized, they also make staying in shape fun.

“If you want to start running and stay with running as a way to better your health, we have a lot to offer,” says Richmond Road Runners Club President Don Garber. “You can be part of a great group of people who work hard, play hard and encourage each other to keep at it.”

The Road Runners sponsor 17 races a year from 2 to 20 miles in length.  They also provide services for 30 races a year including seasonal favorites the SunTrust Richmond Marathon, the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, the James River Scramble and the Patrick Henry Half Marathon. Annual dues are only $20 for a family, $15 for an individual. Since club members get an entry discount, if they run four races a year they’ve paid for the membership. Training for four races leaves one no choice but to get in shape.

Another reason for the club’s success is its volunteerism. Garber has praise for all the club’s volunteers, with special mention for Ed Carmines, Rick Lampe, Mike Levins, Nancy Jakubec and Marcy and Michael George. George, who was recently highlighted in Runner’s World for his hilarious observations culled during his volunteer stints, is an authority on big race best practices.

And like all good leaders, Garber himself is out at the front of the pack as head coach of the Sports Backers Marathon Training Team, which has readied thousands of Richmonders to finish the SunTrust Richmond Marathon. “We’ve seen this as a great way to enhance our membership,” says Garber. “The Sports Backers with professional expertise and the Road Runners with running event experience have come together to make Richmond a great running town.”

Last year for the SunTrust Richmond Marathon’s 30th anniversary, Garber, 56, showed his commitment to the cause, donning a ‘70s leisure suit and groovy guy wig for a run with his team. Was he having fun?  Just ask the thousands that cheered him every step of the way.

For more information on the Richmond Road Runners Club go to www.rrrc.org