BRC Membership Requirements
Becoming a member is either very easy or a bit of a challenge depending on your viewpoint: just start showing up to the North Andover common ready to run on Saturday mornings at 6:45.
You see, we’re not an official “pay $X for the year/USATF certified” club — we’re much less formal and more organic. To become an official member, you need to run from the common to the borders of each of the towns that surround North Andover — (South) Andover, North Reading, Middleton, Boxford, Haverhill, and Lawrence — and then return to the common, all in the presence of at least one club member. In addition — and for good measure –you need to make one run to the New Hampshire state border (again starting/ending at the common, in the presence of at least one member). The longest of those runs is the N. Reading run, which is a little over 14 miles, but there’s typically a water stop and photo op to break up the longer runs if you want/need it.
While you’re collecting your borders you’ll be considered a RWOB: Runner Without Borders). Upon collecting your final border, you will be showered with gifts and cheap beer (not literally — the club founders are very partial to Miller High Life) and you will be assigned your member number. Soon after, we’ll have a party at a local watering hole to celebrate your achievement. In exchange for all of that, you’ll be asked to make a club contribution, which really can take any form. Some new members chip in to order BRC-branded running gear like visors or racing singlets, others may volunteer time to organize something. Anything of value really.
If any of this sounds interesting, you can ask to be added to the BRC email distribution list. Once you’re on the list, you’ll get an email every Friday detailing the following morning’s route. After that, it’s on you to get out there and start running with us!