The SRRC was organized in February 1977 to promote long distance running in the Springfield, Illinois area. The Club took over the management from the YMCA of two of the State’s oldest road races, the Lincoln Memorial Run (later to become the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon) and the Frostbite Festival. In 1980, the Club started the Women’s Distance Festival to promote women’s running. In 1985, the Club took over the management of Abe’s Amble, downstate Illinois’ premiere 10K road race which closes the Illinois State Fair, from the Illinois Parks and Recreation Association (IPRA). The Club subsequently started the Parade Run, a two mile race to kick off the State Fair. The Club continues to direct these races. The Club also features training programs including Wednesday night track workouts, Abe’s Army--a training program for novice runners geared towards completing Abe’s Amble, the Half Wits--a training group for the Lincoln Presidential Half Marathon, and Frost Toes--a training group for the Frostbite Festival 10 Mile Run. The Club has continued to grow over the years and membership is around 1,000.