ABOUT OMRR

Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners was founded in 1978, due primarily to the efforts of Dr. Wayne C. McKinney of Missouri State University and Floyd R. Johnson, Jr. In the 1970's Dr. McKinney directed an annual Two Mile Jog, an estimated time run. Floyd Johnson conducted "Fun Runs" on a regular basis, which tended to be more competitive in nature. In 1977 a group of Springfield runners, called the Ozark Mountain Road Runners, entered the National AAU 20 Kilometer Championship at Tulsa, OK, and finished in second place. Team member Clyde O. Johnson won first in the 50-59 year age group.

In 1978, Wayne McKinney and Floyd Johnson decided to co-found an area running club. Johnson recommended the name Ozark Mountain Ridge Runners and McKinney phrased the OMRR motto, "Train for the Health of It...Race for the Fun of It!", which highlights the two major objectives of OMRR. The club was formally organized on May 17, 1978 and became affiliated with the Road Runner's Club of America. Clyde O. Johnson was elected the first OMRR President. OMRR began sponsoring local races ranging from 1 mile to 50 miles in length. The club's newsletter, Running Briefs, began in the 1970s and the club's Web site was launched in 1999 by OMRR Board member Richard Johnson. Since then OMRR began sponsoring several races for charity and started several running programs, such as Runner of the Year, the PR Corner, and the 417 Challenge.