SALISBURY — The Road Runners Club of America has designated Salisbury as a Runner Friendly Community.

The club is a national association of running organizations.

The city was selected based on its infrastructure, community support and local government support.

“The continual expansion of our greenway system allows us to promote health and wellness opportunities to our residents,” said city Parks and Recreation Director Nick Aceves. “The partnership with Salisbury Rowan Runners, city departments, local businesses, the Carolina Thread Trail and the community as a whole has been supportive and involved in ensuring our runners have the most accessible and enjoyable experiences in our parks, trails and sidewalks. This designation is truly the accomplishment of everyone in our city.”

Road Runners Club of America says the designation is awarded to communities that have “shown they have an infrastructure that can foster physical activity in a safe environment. They have a proven track record that organizations and businesses can work together to promote running as a healthy exercise and sport. With the most important criteria being, there are positive relationships between the running community and local government.”

Salisbury Rowan Runners nominated the city.

“Salisbury Rowan Runners club has a long-standing relationship between the city officials, city departments and the runners and walkers who are fortunate to live here,” said David Freeze, president of the club. “I think the Runner Friendly Community designation magnifies how fortunate we are to share the community with so many interested businesses helping to support running and racing. The effort of working together made this all possible and the national recognition is well deserved.”

Dayton, Ohio, was also named a Runner Friendly Community.