Allen Park Named 'Runner-Friendly' City

ALLEN PARK (WWJ) - The Road Runners Club of America says that Allen Park is one of the most runner-friendly cities in the U.S.

William Dyson, with the RRCA, says communities that are chosen have to pass a lengthy screening process. And that includes consistent support from the city, businesses, and volunteers for races. But, Dyson says the downriver city pushed the pace by showing support for budding speedsters.

"Allen Park has two scholarships that are given to local high school runners who not only excel in the running world but also scholastically, so that was another thing that kind of jumped out to us," Dyson said.

Allen Park was nominated by the Downriver Runners, who are based there. The group, now 26 years old, puts on three races per year, including a 5- and 10-k race in Allen Park.

Every four months, a handful of U.S. cities are honored. Others this round ranged from Carson City, Nevada to Reading, Pennsylvania.