President’s Corner
It’s officially spring, and you can definitely tell. The temperatures are warming up,
flowers are blooming, pollen is everywhere, and the sun is sticking around a little
longer each day. So for those who were complaining about the cold weather (I
was not one of them), you got your wish. I’m just hoping for a mild spring as we
ease toward those hot and humid summer days.
With spring also comes a shift to our shorter race schedule. Over the next few
months, we’ve got a great lineup: a twilight 5K, a 4-miler, a 3-miler, and a track
meet. Then in August, we’ll take a break from racing and instead enjoy a social
event—runners talking about running, as it should be. Be sure to take advantage
of these opportunities, and as always, have some fun out there.
At our most recent Board meeting, we discussed a number of ideas currently in
the works. These include updates to our website, purchase of an AED device, new
volunteer opportunities that can earn free race entries, and enhanced swag for
race winners, among others.
It’s truly an exciting time for the Florida Track Club. Membership is growing, and
participation in both our monthly races and premier events continues to increase.
This momentum allows us to give back to our members in meaningful ways, like
the Gate River Run bus, continued professional race timing, improved swag,
better post-race food, and support for local schools and running organizations.
The Florida Track Club is a special organization, and
thanks to our outstanding Board and dedicated members, I
couldn’t be more proud to serve you as President.
Happy Running!
Kenny Vogel, FTC President
by Stephanie McGrail
On April 12, FTC hosted the Tobacco Road 5k that started and ended at the field in Squirrel Ridge Park. In between the time on the grass, participants made their way down a dirt road providing shade, soft surface, and approximately 3+ miles of running. We thought the runners would enjoy it so much that we made the course 3.25 miles instead of 3.1…kidding! We do measure and mark the course as best as we can but sometimes gps (or brainpower) is off when volunteers are out that early in the morning. For post-race breakfast, the club provided a Mi Apa buffet which was a hit.
The morning was cool for mid-April in Florida and after check-in, the racers lined up and waited for the start. They were sent on the way at 8am and the first to return on the men’s side was Ethan Frey of Gainesville in 18:20 and on the women’s, Hannah Hosay of Gainesville/Tallahassee in 20:24. There was a great turnout with a total of 130 finishers, many of whom stayed for breakfast and socializing after. It was the best way to start a Saturday and we hope you join us for more races throughout the year.
Thank you to all who joined and all the volunteers for keeping the course safe, handing out water, checking runners in, and cheering. We couldn’t do it without you!
Our next race will be on May 2 at Fred Cone Track where you can test your leg speed over short distances or try for a 5k PR before the summer heat really begins.
Upcoming Events
FTC Summer Track Meet It’s time to head to the track on Friday, May 2nd. Get your Summer started off fast with our Summer Track Meet! We’ll have multiple events, including a Donut Mile for runners 16 and older (yes, it’s exactly what you think it is). This is an All-You-Can-Race event, compete in as many events as you’d like! This race is FREE for Florida Track Club Members and children under
- It’s $15 for non-members.
FTC Trail Run We head to the trails on June 7th! Join us on this 3.8-mile trail run through the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park. The race will start at the North Entrance to the park along Progress Blvd (The Alachua Side) and make a loop along the beautiful trails. Sign up here.
FTC 47th Jack Gamble Melon Run It’s that time of the year. It’s the best July 4th tradition in Gainesville… The 47th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run! This three-mile run hosted by the Florida Track Club is as much a part of the Fourth of July as BBQ and Fireworks We’ll also host a 1/2 mile run for the kids. We willl also have a watermelon eating contest! After the running is complete, stick around to see the crowning of the King and Queen of the race, and also who is the fastest watermelon eater. Sign up!
Volunteering opportunities
Volunteer at our next FTC race Without volunteers like you, we would not be able to put our races together. The next FTC volunteering opportunity is for our FTC Summer Track Meet on May 2nd. Sign up here.
Sponsors
We thank UCAN for partnering with us to help runners with their fuel and hydration needs.