Each year the GERWC Board of Directors chooses the recipient for the Ray Rayl Award. Named after its first recipient, the award is given to an individual whose actions in support of running/racewalking and club activities has been exceptional over a period of time. The Ray Rayl Award has a permanent home at the YMCA-Evansville.

Ray Rayl (1921-2002) was a gentleman.  Soft spoken and caring, Ray was a role model.  Generous with his time, Ray gave in many directions.  Ray's generous spirit and good values enriched the world around and left our community a better place to live.

Ray was a founding member of the Greater Evansville Runners/Walkers Club (GERWC).  After Ray was no longer able to participate in running events, he volunteered countless hours to the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation track and field meets, YMCA of Southwestern Indiana, SWIRCA's River City Senior Games, and numerous area run/walks and other community events.