In August of 2000, Rob Bell, an avid runner in Tucson 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 in 2001 with the support of three of Rob's running friends, Julie Luft, Ken Johns, and Dave Salgado from PepsiCo. The award is meant to recognize someone in the running community whose enthusiasm for the sport brings to mind Rob's Spirit.

Nominations are taken every spring, and the SAR Board reviews submissions and selects the recipients at the August annual meeting. Board members are not eligible. The SAR Board will vote on the nominations and the winner will be announced at the 2007 Saguaro National Monument 8-miler. The winner will receive one year's worth of free entries into every SAR race, a SAR membership, and an award.

The SAR Board is proud to announce the past recipients of the Spirit of Rob Bell Award:

• 2001: Connie Lopez
• 2002: Bill Chapdelain
• 2003: Jennifer Argraves
• 2004: Rick Fenno
• 2005: Dorothy Wilhemsen
• 2006: Dave and Michele Hill