The Harrisburg Area Road Runners Club (HARRC) was founded in 1974 by a few avid distance runners who wanted to share ideas and provide an organized running program to interest other people in running. An article first appeared in the April 21, 1974 edition of the Harrisburg Patriot-News announcing the formation of a new running club in the Harrisburg area. HARRC’s first run was held on June 9, 1974, a two mile fun run along Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park. And in Feb 1976, HARRC became a chapter club of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), and at that time became the 52nd such running club nationally and only the 4th chapter club in Pennsylvania.

In 1984, Runner magazine named Harrisburg as one of the best running cities in America. In awarding Harrisburg silver medal status, the magazine noted that "the Harrisburg Road Runners Club is one of the most cohesive in the country, encouraging all levels of participation."

HARRC has grown in size and expanded its running related activities to appeal to participants of all abilities regardless of age or gender. The main activity continues to be the weekly Sunday fun run which has attracted competitive runners, joggers and even walkers since its early beginning in 1974. These events vary in distances usually from 2 miles to under 10 miles, and along different courses that are measured and timed. Some participants might "go all out" while others enjoy the runs as easy training runs and social events. Several HARRC members are also active in organizing local races, and we maintain a schedule of local races on our website, www.HARRC.org.

HARRC is recognized by the State and the IRS as a nonprofit club that serves the community by promoting running as a competitive sport and a healthy exercise. HARRC provides information and help to local government, companies, nonprofit organizations and other area groups interested in organizing running events. Like many RRCA chapter clubs, HARRC supports the Adopt-A-Highway Program by maintaining the Paxtonia Interchange (Exit 72) of Rte 81.