Spirit of Rob Bell Award

History

In August 2000, Rob Bell, an avid middle-of-the-pack runner in Southern Arizona, passed away during a workout.  He was a kind and soft-spoken man who loved to run and to race and was always aware of the successes of other runners.  In his memory, an award was created with the support of two of Rob’s running friends.  This award is meant to recognize someone in the local running community whose enthusiasm for our sport embodies the spirit of Rob Bell.

Because SAR receives so many inspiring nominations, we're changing our formula to expand the award and recognize both a SAR board choice and a community choice. Although the nomination process stays the same, SAR will now narrow down the nominees to three finalists for the Rob Bell Award community vote. 

Click here to nominate the person who inspires you for the 2019 Spirit of Rob Bell Award!

Award winners will receive the following:

Free entries to all SAR races for one year
Free SAR membership for one year
A commemorative plaque and prizes totaling approximately $150 in retail value

Submitting Nominations

Nominations for the Spirit of Rob Bell Award are being accepted now!.  Nominations should include the following information:  the name of the person being nominated, a description of how this person embodies the spirit of Rob Bell, and the name of the person submitting the nomination.

Community Vote​

Coming later this fall!

Announcement of Winner

The SAR board will review the nominations, tally up the vote for the community choice winner, vote on a SAR board winner, and then announce both winners at the annual SAR members celebration in January!

Previous Winners

• 2018 - Noemi Mills & Sharon Silvas
• 2017 - Jeri Baker & Geoff Schmidt
• 2016 - Matt Frantz & Marti Ackerman
• 2015 - Anna Carr & Shokofeh Motlagh
• 2014 - Leo Richard
• 2013 - Michelle Hawk
• 2012 - KamranTalattof
• 2011 - Benito Gonzalez
• 2010 - Craig Dabler
• 2009 - Jolene Jones
• 2008 - Gerry and Sully Sullivan
• 2007 - Elisa Kinder
• 2006 - Michele and Dave Hill
• 2005 - Dorothy Wilhelmson
• 2004 - Rick Fenno
• 2003 - Jennifer Argraves
• 2002 - William Chapdelain
• 2001 - Connie Lopez