The Golden Shoe award is presented annually to recognize one individual who has demonstrated a sustained, long term commitment to the runners along the Space Coast. It was a no-brainer as far as awarding Carol Ball the Golden Shoe. Over the years, she has served as a board member and secretary to Space Coast Runners and, for the past three years, has guided the club under her presidency. What is truly amazing is that more than three years ago, Carol had to give up the sport because of acute osteoarthritis to the knees. In spite of the fact, her passion to support the running community has continued and here are just a few of her many and significant contributions:

• Initiated the Youth Series in 2002.
• Built a Space Coast Runners presence with the Road Runner Club of America.
• Backed the newsletter editor to take the newsletter from print to electronic, resulting in significant cost savings that are being put back into member amenities.
• Coordinated a formal contract with Running Zone to manage the Space Coast Marathon and continues to head up a committee of Board members who work with Running Zone in planning and volunteer efforts.
• Initiated the summer training seminars to help race directors improve race quality.
• Implemented the walking portion of our fun runs and walks.
• Clean-up, ongoing refurbishment and organization of club equipment and shed. 

There are also certain actions and responsibilities that come with the SCR presidency that can take multiple amounts of time. Carol did it all with a cheerful willingness including:

• Responding to all questions, suggestions and sometimes even complaints from both SCR members and non-members.
• Acting as point of contact between race directors and SCR, including Running Zone and the Space Coast Marathon.
• Developing the agenda for and leading the monthly meeting of  Board of Directors and Officers.
• Leading the Youth Scholarship effort.
• Setting up and cleaning up at races and events.

We have benefited tremendously from her commitment to, and support of, the running community along the Space Coast. For everything she has done for us, the Space Coast Runners Club recognizes and awards Carol Ball the Golden Shoe Award for 2009.