History
The Sunflower Striders Running Club (SSRC) was organized in the late 1970s. On April 8, 1980, articles of incorporation were filed with the Secretary of State’s office establishing the SSRC as a non-profit organization. Some of the current members who were involved in the early years of the club include Nick Buek, Jim and Ethel Edwards, Lana Best, John Stambaugh, Denis Hill, Glenda Taylor and Joe Saia, Gary Pratt, Jan Leuenberger, and Jerry Estes. Individuals who have served as president of the club from the early 1990s forward include Fred Clark, Dave Halferty, Karen (Pelton) Yokley, Susan Stark Birtell, Joanie Dergan, and current president Brad Rhoden.
The SSRC has a long history of providing timing and results for local races. In recent years the club has added the following activities:
- Sponsoring monthly or bimonthly fun runs, including traditional events on New Year’s Day, a summer picnic fun run, and Thanksgiving Day
- Annual trash pick-up run in conjunction with Earth Day
- Volunteering at local high school and collegiate cross country meets
- Hosting an annual banquet
- Adopting families for the holidays through the Christmas Bureau
