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Chapter One
  Why Have a Corporate  
  Running Team?  

Prepared by Jeff Frayser, an avid runner and
race organizer in Houston, Texas.

If you are already a true believer and know you want to get a running program started in your company, skip this chapter and go on to the next chapter, Learning about Corporate Running Activities in Your Area. On the other hand, if you can't see the natural link between sweaty running gear and the business of your organization (or you need some strong rationale for convincing some decision-makers), read on:

"We know from our own experience that if we feel well, we do a better job than if we feel poorly. And if employees are sick, they will cost you a lot of money."
Theodore Brophy
Retired Chairman and CEO, GTE.

The question of "Why have a Corporate Running Team?" can be broadened to ask, "Why have a healthy company?" A Corporate Running Team, or really any wellness program, represents a commitment from the company to the employees. Corporate sponsorship for fitness activities and wellness programs are statements of support for employee health and recognition of the impact the physical and mental health of its employees have on the health of the company. In short, healthy people make healthy companies.

In this section we will consider the impact of wellness, organized fitness activities, and, specifically, Corporate Running on an organization and the reasons why a company should entertain the adoption of a wellness perspective and consider organizing a Corporate Running Team.

What is a Healthy Company?

A trend started a while back and has been quietly growing. No longer are people willing to work just for money, benefits, perks, and status. Employees are placing a greater importance on personal health and fitness, increased family time, and job satisfaction. At the same time, corporations are beginning to recognize the impact of unhealthy employees on the bottom line.

  
Corporate Executives
Speak Out on Employee Fitness

"I know that good health is high on everyone's list of personal priorities. It is also a business priority because a healthy, growing, and competitive enterprise depends on the health, vitality, and energy of individuals."
Robert Allen
President and CEO, AT&T.

"The health of our company is greatly influenced by the health of our people, and employee health is something we value."
H.W. Burlingame
Senior Vice-President, AT&T.

"If my employees are healthier than yours, I'm going to whip you. It's as simple as that."
Dick Wardrop
Director of Health Cost Containment, Alcoa.

According to the Washington Business Group on Health, "In 1990 health care costs were rising so rapidly that if unchecked, they would eliminate in 10 years all profits for the average Fortune 500 company." Companies are recognizing the impact that wellness and preventive medical programs can have on an organization. In fact, some companies are starting to implement programs which reward employees for healthy lifestyles such as not smoking or controlling their weight. Many of these companies are the ones who partner with their employees in fitness or wellness matters.