Kosciusko Runners Association is short on volunteers and may have to end the organization if the community does not step up to assist the organization.
KRA has been in business for 11 years and has been a non-profit for the last five, according to Bill Crane, association executive director.
Since 2011 it has timed more than 180 events ranging from running, swimming and cycling. It has time events in three states, with about 85 percent of those events in Kosciusko County.
Close to three quarters of a million dollars have been raised by charities in the area, according to a press release provided by Crane.
“One of the main points of our mission statement is for charities to raise awareness of much needed funding,” Crane said. “But the last part of our mission statement has been very successful as well, and that is to provide a platform for men and women and boys and girls to have healthier lifestyles.”
The greatest need is to have more volunteers. It has lost three of its top timers due to employment demands on Saturdays and one moving out of state.
KRA has been saying no to future requests and may have to cancel some events later this year as it has many already scheduled for 2016.
“KRA never dreamed they would be this large and the demand is even larger,” Crane said.
By June it usually has 35 events planned. This year, it has 42 on the books right now and are having to say no to anymore.
There are two types of volunteers. One takes care of setup and take down, and the other runs the computer. The computer work is where KRA needs the most help.
Once the processes are learned, they only need to handle four to six Saturday mornings in a whole year.
As a not-for-profit, there are other challenges because of the cost of the equipment – especially the timing equipment, according to the press release.
“These challenges are no longer an issue,” Crane said.
KRA now has three sets and can time three different events in different venues on the same Saturday morning. It has done this a few times.
K21 Health Foundation and Resia Rinker with Lakeside Fitness, Rinker Family Foundation, Syracuse, have provided most of the funding.
Anyone interested in learning more about how they can volunteer can contact Mary or Bill Crane at 574-268-1007 or www.runkra.com.
(Story By The Times Union)
