NE Distance Fellowships, A Community-based Distance Project

sounds great, i'm a new englander and support this initiative. my advice however, get a sponsor... inthearena has disolved as of last year which was the only exclusive post-collegiate training group until you guys showed up. they had a deal with adidas. contact adidas, nike, brooks, reebok, saucony, nb, puma if you haven't already.

shukhov - We are actively seeking sponsorships, but know that in order to be successful we are going to need to have multiple sponsors and would prefer to have greater buy-in from our community.

Currently anyone can buy "shares" in the NE Distance team. In exchange they will receive a stock certificate and an invitation to our annual shareholder meeting where they can meet the athletes and help decide the direction of the team.

We will also be posting information about the Info Session on May 19th on our Facebook page - Facebook.com/NEDistance or you can email us at info@nedistance.org

Ok, I'll bite...it's an interesting teaser

Who is "we" ?

What experience do you have with the running community? or community service? Has this model worked before for you?

What is the connection to existing running businesses and clubs? Which club?

Are shares tax-deductible charitable donations?

I know you're probably in the middle of trying to get sponsors and funding, but it might help to personalize this a little, so the folks who donate know where the money goes (and who you are).

ok...after some digging I found out who you guys are, I would just say that by talking about your history in the track community in Providence would help locals understand how this could work.

Fair questions. Thanks. My name is Nich Haber. I had success running a business in skills testing, which I sold and no longer am involved in. I am a fitness runner and a fan of the sport.

On my board is Bob Rothenberg, who is the retired t&f coach at Brown and Dr. Susan Donahue who is well connected in the chiropractic and Physical therapy industry in southern New England.

We all met through the Ronald McDonald House of Providence Running Club which now has over 200 members. We decided to make NE Distance completely different from our fitness club as it stretched the mission of the House too much.

In the Running community, this seems like a new way of working. Personally, I find the idea of having a sports team as a not-for-profit seems crazy, as sports is one of the largest industries in this country, but alas that is the state of our sport. We are basing NE Distance on two local successful models in our community.

Community MusicWorks is a resident string quartet and fellowship for string players in Providence that is now in its 15th year. This is a string quartet fellowship that provides music education for at risk youth in Greater Providence. I am friends with these folks.

NeighborWorks Blackstone Valley has been successful bringing in community builders in residence and we are leaning heavily on their experience to help us make this program work. They are extremely excited about bringing some good news to Woonsocket.

We are not presenting this as running nirvana. Woonsocket is not Eugene.

We have seen a lot of local top level runners have to leave the area to try and improve. A lot of them had trouble adjusting to different cultures and fell out. We feel that they would have had a better chance to improve if something like NE Distance were available to them closer to home.

We are registered as a not-for-profit in Rhode Island and are currently waiting for our 501(c)3 status from the IRS. Any donations will be considered tax deductible.

Thanks for your interest.

Good luck

NE Distance wrote:

On my board is Bob Rothenberg, who is the retired t&f coach at Brown

That's good enough for me. Rothenberg and his wife have spent more of their own time and money promoting the sport than anyone I've ever met.

malmo wrote:

NE Distance wrote:

On my board is Bob Rothenberg, who is the retired t&f coach at Brown

That's good enough for me. Rothenberg and his wife have spent more of their own time and money promoting the sport than anyone I've ever met.

Yupp. Great people. Seems like a great opportunity.

No offense but isn't Woonsocket a blue collar shithole? Maybe that's just what a distance project needs to toughen up and nut up!

@Malmo - Thank you. Yes Coach Berg is phenomenal and we are lucky to have him working with us.

@John Kruk II - Come on down and see Woonsocket up close on May 19th. RSVP

info@nedistance.org

. I'll be glad to show you around.

Bumping this thread to remind folks of our Information session this Saturday, May 19th from 3-5pm in Woonsocket. Email

info@nedistance.org

to RSVP or for more details.

There is an optional run in Lincoln Woods at 1:30 with local runner Eric Lonergan who will tour this local running spot. There will be a place to shower after the run and before the info session.

What level of runner would be admitted into this group? to make the question easier what time would be desired for a 5k or 10k??

According to their website:

Standards

Distance Men Women

1500 3:44.0 4:20.0

Mile 4:02.0 4:40.0

5,000m 14:00.0 16:15.0

10,000m 29:00.0 33:45.0

Marathon 2:20:00 2:42:00

I want to support this. How can I buy shares, and how much do they cost? thanks

malmo wrote:

That's good enough for me. Rothenberg and his wife have spent more of their own time and money promoting the sport than anyone I've ever met.

+1. He recruited me way back when. Have dealt with him a few times since. Always amazed at what a great asset he is to T&F.

C/M Runner - thanks for the assist. One note - If you feel you have a strong community commitment but have not yet achieved these times, we still encourage you to apply.

f/g runner - thanks for your interest in helping out. NE Distance Inc. is a 501(c)(3) charity. Information on how to donate is on our web site

www.nedistance.org

or feel free to contact me directly

info@nedistance.org

Nich Haber

We are also having a US Track Trials party Sunday July 1 from 6-9pm hosted by our friends at Rhode Runner 657 N Main Street in Providence.

We'll have snacks & beverages and will be auctioning off some cool items like an autographed Desi Davila singlet and a Jenny Simpson top.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $30 the day of the party or free to shareholders ($25 minimum to become a shareholder).

Hey Nick,

I bought some shares and I think it is a tremendous idea. What is the coaching situation? Do expect runners to come in with their own coaches or have coaches on staff? Or will you hire a head coach who is widely known?