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Long Road Award 2023:
JACKIE VAN ALLEN
LONG ROAD AWARD 2023 A little background: The LONG ROAD AWARD was first presented posthumously in 1999 to Rob Huneke, one of the BRRC founders in the 1970’s and its legal advisor. The purpose of this award is to recognize a long-term BRRC individual member or couple who exemplify dedication to the club by being present, volunteering, mentoring, holding office, and bringing good ideas to the club to ensure it endures and thrives. Since its origin the LRA has been presented 23 times, and past recipients nominate and vote, independently from the BRRC membership or board, on a worthy candidate. Unfortunately, this year’s honoree of the Long Run Award couldn’t be here to accept her award in person. She has been a BRRC member since prior to 2006, which is the earliest record we could find. She was club TREASURER in 2011 and SECRETARY IN 2012. She has been DIRECTOR of the annual TURKEY TROT since 2011 She has administered the RACE SERIES since 2020. She has given her time to VOLUNTEER numerous times over the years. Not only has she done all of that, but she’s also a legitimate, FAST RUNNER, participating at least twice in one of BRRC’s toughest running events, the HALF-FAST-ULTIMATE-RUNNER. She holds the MASTERS COURSE RECORD for the DAYBREAK LET’S CLIMB A MOUNTAIN at 5:10:20. That’s a 34.3 mile run starting at the Riverfront Park clock tower and ending at the summit of Mt. Spokane. And those within her age group or younger participating in area races know she’s the one to chase for the win. What stands during the voting process were the comments and accolades describing her, such as HUMBLE, GRACIOUS, GENEROUS, MENTOR, TEAMMATE, INSPIRATIONAL, KIND, GIFTED ATHLETE, RADIATES JOY AND LOVE. With great pleasure I present to you JACKIE VAN ALLEN. She truly is a gift to our running community and embodies everything that THE LONG ROAD AWARD represents. |