Position Statements
Prairie Striders Position on Classifying Races
Prairie Striders is an area running club that works to promote running in the community through hosting a number of road races and other events. Prairie Striders races shall be named by our club, conducted by our club, and managed in all details by our club.
Although we do not typically add new races, the Prairie Striders board will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis. Prairie Striders events are expected to be well organized and properly insured with long-term commitments in mind. In addition, the club encourages other entities in their running events through listing events on the Prairie Striders website, renting equipment, and providing advice. Groups wishing to consult with Prairie Striders about conducting a road race may email [email protected].
Adopted: March 2014
Prairie Striders Position on Defibrillators
Race directors are encouraged to inform the Brookings Health System ambulance service of race dates, times, and locations. Defibrillators are available through the Brookings Health System ambulance service, Brookings first responders, and Brookings police, all of whom are trained in the use of defibrillators and have a reasonable response time to all racing venues. Therefore, it is the position of Prairie Striders that defibrillators will not be required at Strider-sponsored events.
Adopted: July 2009
Prairie Striders Position on Pushrim Wheelchairs and Handcycle/Hand-crank Wheelchairs
Given the small size of most local events, it is understood that a separate wheelchair division may not be practical. When safety issues can be adequately addressed, race directors in Strider-sponsored running events are encouraged to allow participation by wheelchair athletes. Wheelchair, in this context, refers to pushrim wheelchairs. These chairs require self-propelled motion without assistance of gears.
Handcycles are not considered wheelchairs in this context. Handcycles (also known as hand-crank wheelchairs) are powered by turning a crank connected to bicycle-style gears which offer a mechanical advantage. This position is supported by the USATF ruling that competition should consist of "self-propelled motion without assistance (2004)." Wheelchair Athletics USA also maintains that wheelchair racing and handcycling are two different sports. Race Directors may allow participation by handcycles, but should not combine handcycles and wheelchairs in the same competitive division.
Adopted: April 2009
Prairie Striders Position on the club's Hoyt running chair
Prairie Striders purchased a Hoyt The Blade All-Around running chair in fall 2022 with the aim of making our events more inclusive. Instructions for use of the chair was adopted Nov. 1, 2022. It is desired that community members be able to use the chair at no charge by coordinating with the club president. On Dec. 7, 2023, it was determined that neither the pusher or rider needs to pay an entry fee. However, registration is still required so all parties are covered by USATF insurance.
Adopted: Nov. 1, 2022. Supplemented: Dec. 5, 2023.
Prairie Striders Position on the club's Financial support to race directors
Prairie Striders Running Club sponsors races in Brookings from one mile to the marathon. Race directors and volunteers make a personal commitment to fulfill the race/event responsibilities. The Prairie Striders officers and members assist, as needed, to organize, staff and conduct the sponsored races/events.
Prairie Striders Running Club acknowledges and appreciates the race directors’ commitment, including financial stewardship, and doesn’t want them to need to use personal funds to balance their race budget. In years when a race does not generate sufficient revenue to cover expenses, race directors are encouraged to present their financial picture at a monthly club meeting.
The club will consider financial options, including reimbursement or payment of outstanding expenses as well as work with other race directors to help get the race on solid financial standing for following years. As a part of the process, race directors are expected to submit to the Prairie Striders board a budget reflecting the current and coming year.
If funding is to be requested in advance of an event, the budget should be presented to the board 45 days in advance of the event.
Adopted: Nov. 5 2024. Revised 10/01/2024.
Prairie Striders is an area running club that works to promote running in the community through hosting a number of road races and other events. Prairie Striders races shall be named by our club, conducted by our club, and managed in all details by our club.
Although we do not typically add new races, the Prairie Striders board will evaluate each request on a case-by-case basis. Prairie Striders events are expected to be well organized and properly insured with long-term commitments in mind. In addition, the club encourages other entities in their running events through listing events on the Prairie Striders website, renting equipment, and providing advice. Groups wishing to consult with Prairie Striders about conducting a road race may email [email protected].
Adopted: March 2014
Prairie Striders Position on Defibrillators
Race directors are encouraged to inform the Brookings Health System ambulance service of race dates, times, and locations. Defibrillators are available through the Brookings Health System ambulance service, Brookings first responders, and Brookings police, all of whom are trained in the use of defibrillators and have a reasonable response time to all racing venues. Therefore, it is the position of Prairie Striders that defibrillators will not be required at Strider-sponsored events.
Adopted: July 2009
Prairie Striders Position on Pushrim Wheelchairs and Handcycle/Hand-crank Wheelchairs
Given the small size of most local events, it is understood that a separate wheelchair division may not be practical. When safety issues can be adequately addressed, race directors in Strider-sponsored running events are encouraged to allow participation by wheelchair athletes. Wheelchair, in this context, refers to pushrim wheelchairs. These chairs require self-propelled motion without assistance of gears.
Handcycles are not considered wheelchairs in this context. Handcycles (also known as hand-crank wheelchairs) are powered by turning a crank connected to bicycle-style gears which offer a mechanical advantage. This position is supported by the USATF ruling that competition should consist of "self-propelled motion without assistance (2004)." Wheelchair Athletics USA also maintains that wheelchair racing and handcycling are two different sports. Race Directors may allow participation by handcycles, but should not combine handcycles and wheelchairs in the same competitive division.
Adopted: April 2009
Prairie Striders Position on the club's Hoyt running chair
Prairie Striders purchased a Hoyt The Blade All-Around running chair in fall 2022 with the aim of making our events more inclusive. Instructions for use of the chair was adopted Nov. 1, 2022. It is desired that community members be able to use the chair at no charge by coordinating with the club president. On Dec. 7, 2023, it was determined that neither the pusher or rider needs to pay an entry fee. However, registration is still required so all parties are covered by USATF insurance.
Adopted: Nov. 1, 2022. Supplemented: Dec. 5, 2023.
Prairie Striders Position on the club's Financial support to race directors
Prairie Striders Running Club sponsors races in Brookings from one mile to the marathon. Race directors and volunteers make a personal commitment to fulfill the race/event responsibilities. The Prairie Striders officers and members assist, as needed, to organize, staff and conduct the sponsored races/events.
Prairie Striders Running Club acknowledges and appreciates the race directors’ commitment, including financial stewardship, and doesn’t want them to need to use personal funds to balance their race budget. In years when a race does not generate sufficient revenue to cover expenses, race directors are encouraged to present their financial picture at a monthly club meeting.
The club will consider financial options, including reimbursement or payment of outstanding expenses as well as work with other race directors to help get the race on solid financial standing for following years. As a part of the process, race directors are expected to submit to the Prairie Striders board a budget reflecting the current and coming year.
If funding is to be requested in advance of an event, the budget should be presented to the board 45 days in advance of the event.
Adopted: Nov. 5 2024. Revised 10/01/2024.