A Bit of Background

In August, 1978, a small group of 19 people led by Jim Tarka, John Bobalik, and Chuck Strehlow held the first meeting of the Calumet Region Track Club. That modest gathering was the beginning of the 520 member running club now called the Calumet Region Striders or CRS.

Into the Present

The Calumet Region Striders is a group of people joined together by a common interest in running. All of us are dedicated to the promotion of every aspect of road racing and fun running. We are running for health, fitness, camaraderie and the pure enjoyment of our sport.

We realize that each individual runs for his own personal reasons: for some, it is hard work, training, discipline and dedication - a way of life. For others, it is simply a form of recreation. No matter why YOU run, we think you will enjoy being part of this club.

The club is made up of every level of runner, ranging from those who have just discovered the joys of the roads to experienced runners who have been with the sport for years and have gained many running accomplishment. You will be welcomed by everyone. Bring your listening ears when you come to a meeting. Runners love to tell stories about how great they are!

Our Board meetings are on the second Thursday at 7:00 p.m. Members are welcome to attend to provide input and to see how our club is actually run like a business. You may also run for open positions on the board. Nominations are accepted in December and January with voting at our February meeting. Our meetings usually alternate between locations in Porter County and Lake County Indiana and are announced on the bottom of the home page on our internet site.

Dues and Benefits

Our dues are $15 a year and our year runs from January 1 to December 31. For your money, you receive a monthly copy of one of the finest newsletters around, the INSTEP, which publishes a calendar of future running events, as well as personal experiences and other running "news" written by your fellow Striders. You will also have membership in the Road Runners Club of America and receive its publication. You will receive a monetary discount in the Gold Cup Series as well as Gold Cup Race applications in the newsletter, the INSTEP. As a Calumet Region Strider, you will be a member of a group of people who work at their running while enjoying it, as well as each other. You will find joy, friendship and enlightenment as a Calumet Region Strider. Come be one of us!

Annual Fun Stuff

Gold Cup Awards Banquet, Strider Survivor Party (usually the August meeting), Christmas Party, post-race breakfasts and brunches, fun runs (great during the winter months when you feel like you're the only one out there running), more eating, and lots of other spontaneous good times that just pop up whenever.

And some Serious Happenings, Too

2007 will be the 28th year the CRS has sponsored the GOLD CUP SERIES (requires a separate $21 fee per participant). The CRS Gold Cup Series has become one of the most prestigious race circuits in the area. We are very proud of our club's involvement with this continuously successful series aptly named the GOLD CUP. You will be, too. The Gold Cup Series consists of 26 officially designated road races. A person may run in all of the races if desired. However, only a person's best finishes will count in the overall scoring. Striders over 18 must complete ten races, 15-18 complete seven races, and 14 or younger complete five to be eligible for an award. For more information, contact the Gold Cup Chairman or any officer.

Striders have also manned a water/aid station along the Chicago Marathon route for the past several years. In 2004 our aid station won runner up for Favorite Aid Station.

We have a Junior Strider (age 18 and under) program and help out at local AAU meets. Our Junior Strider program offers the opportunity for runners to participate in AAU meets locally and nationally. Our Youth Coordinator assists Junior Striders at practices, with event registration, and the logistics at the events. As a certified coach, the Youth Coordinator also encourages our runners to reach their optimum potential. The uniforms are sharp and the wave of blue is very apparent at the events. We are involved!

Our events and activities promote fundraising efforts in your community. Calumet Region Striders is a Not for Profit 501 (c) 3 organization and a member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). The club also collects and distributes funds for local scholars and disabled runners.

Dress The Part

We have an official uniform, which displays our Strider logo. The colors are an attractive blue and white. The quick drying functional nylon shorts and singlet are available to all current club members. You may purchase Strider Wear at select Gold Cup Races or by contacting a Member-At-Large from your area.

We are proud of our club and of what the name Calumet Region Striders means in local running circles. We want you to be a part of that pride and accomplishment also. Please fill out the membership application and help us continue to be a great running club.

"See ya at the Races!"