The GRC Travel Program was created to benefit all GRC athletes by offsetting travel expenses for road, track, and cross country competitions outside of the DMV area. This program represents GRC’s belief that our athletes are capable of competing among the very best on national and world stages and exists to further the ambition of members chasing big goals and performances.
Applications are reviewed by the GRC Board and Coach Jerry on a rolling basis throughout the year. All members can apply here.
Members are welcome to apply for funding support before or after traveling to an event but are required to request it within the same competitive season that the event occurred – fall/winter October-March); spring/summer (April-September).
When possible, it’s also encouraged for members to bundle requests rather than to apply multiple times during a season. For example, if you know you are running the Houston Marathon in January and National 15k Championships (Gate River Run) in March, note both in your application. For members that want to update an already submitted application, send that info to Coach Jerry who will relay it to the Board.
Key Details
- The GRC Travel Program incorporates the former Road Travel Stipend Program. For members training and traveling to big road events (Broad Street, Grandma’s, etc), please nominate a captain and have that person apply for the group. Members of that group who meet the Top Athlete Standards (men, women, nonbinary) should also then apply individually.
- The GRC Travel Program seeks to incentivize participation in national championships as well as major track, road and cross country competitions where athletes can represent GRC with distinction and help to elevate the club’s national profile. In particular, 2024-2025 funding will prioritize participation in USATF Running Circuit Events and the USATF National Club Cross Country Championships. *Athletes do not need to apply for funding related to Clubs.*
In allocating available budget, members meeting Top Athlete Standards (see links above or visit GRC homepage) will be prioritized. Funding decisions also consider need. For example, top marathoners often receive hotel and travel reimbursement from a race organization; such support isn’t typically provided to track athletes qualifying for high-profile meets or national championships. In this case, the track athlete might receive more support. Furthermore, in wanting to help GRC members chase breakthrough performances, the decision-making process will also consider if an athlete cannot access the competition they need locally to fulfill this objective.
Additional Notes
- Road races must be USATF certified to count towards top athlete standards
- Board and Coach Jerry MUST approve all funding applications
- Athletes receiving funding must be in good standing with the team (attending practice, sending weekly training logs, and in compliance with Code of Conduct)