Race Directing
Wine Run Preview
We typically do a race preview blog in advance of each race, but the Wine Run is a unique event for us – less competitive
August 22, 2023
RHODE RACES PRODUCES
Authentic Race Experiences in Iconic Locations
Our Story
Susan Rancourt
CRO – Chief Running Officer
Susan started running at her high school while growing up in NH. She continued her running career as a member of the Division 1 Cross Country and Track & Field teams at the University of Rhode Island, and that is where her love of running and the Ocean State really formed. She has completed hundreds of races from 5ks, half and full marathons, triathlons, mud runs, trail races, and beer miles. She has run Boston 6 times, with an average qualifying time of 3:30.
Susan also is the Head Coach for the Mt Hope HS Girls XC team in Bristol RI and serves on a number of boards and volunteer positions in the athletic community.
Karen Zyons
CPO – Chief Party Officer
Raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia, Karen attended Johnson & Wales College in Providence, studying Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management. After meeting her husband, they decided to move to Montana to feed their love for skiing & the outdoors.
Karen’s passion for cooking & entertaining has shaped her career, through owning a restaurant & catering company, to working to plan PGA Tour golf events, to executing road races.
In between planning for road races, Karen can be found hiking, swimming, practicing yoga, and cooking and entertaining with friends and family.
Along with being the COO for Rhode Races, Karen also is the CPO-‘Chief Party Officer’. Karen loves to make everyone feel like they are dining at her table when they attend a Rhode Races event.
Cameron Rancourt
Event Operations Director
Cameron was born and raised in Rhode Island. Â He graduated from the University of Rhode Island in the Spring of 2023 with a Bachelors’ degree in Sports Media & Communications, along with a Minor in Statistical Science.
Cameron was raised as a runner, competing in races as early as 2nd grade and competing on the cross country team through middle and high school.
He has been working with Rhode Races since he was 15, starting as a volunteer with his HS sports team and being raised in the company, lately managing our Rhode Crew and on-course operations. Â He shows true passion and enthusiasm for his work and is very proud to officially become the first full-time Rhode Races employee in his new role as Event Operations Director.
Our Commitment
A Rhode Island Benefit Corporation – our core mission includes being a benefit for the social good through fundraising, goal achievement, self-esteem building, environmental awareness, and support to growing the running community in Rhode Island and beyond.
The Environment
Rhode Races cares about our environment. Examples of this include recycling efforts at our races, donating shoes and clothing to North American Family Institute and/or Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and partnering with Sports Medal Recycling to recycle un-used medals.
Health & Wellness
We encourage and create opportunities for health and wellness through education and support. Â It is our mission to foster and grow the running community in RI with goals to increase participation in youth and adult programs and to encourage life long healthy habits.
Charity
Rhode Races encourages racing for a cause. We have a deep fundraising integration and designate specific charities for each race. We support charitable efforts and their causes by helping to mobilize volunteers through direct donations.
Community
Rhode Races consciously acts as a good neighbor in the communities that we run through by trying to lessen the impact in neighborhoods.  We promote the community’s assets through tourism-related activities, restaurants and lodging.
Rhode Race Events Blog
Race Directing
Summer Running Had Me A Blast (not)
Tips for running in the summer from someone that hates it 😉 I know there are many that either love running in the heat and
July 13, 2023
Race Directing
Independence Rhode Race Preview
We have started this series where we give a quick overview as to what to expect on race day. With our summer classic THIS month
June 15, 2023
Event Management
With over 20 years of combined event management experience, Rhode Races can provide turn-key fundraisers, road races, sporting events and more, to assist you with your organization’s goals. We provide all the tools to help execute a fun and safe event, while allowing you to retain all creative control.
