President’s Corner
We’re almost halfway through 2026, and you know what that means, our first big race of the year is coming up. The Jack Gamble Melon Run on July 4th has always been an iconic Gainesville race. As always, the awards will be watermelons, and we will crown the first-place male and female runners as the Watermelon King and Queen. There will also be plenty of post-race watermelon to enjoy. Run or walk, it’s a great family event. (If you want a race tank from the Melon Run, be sure to register by June 19!)
As we celebrate July 4th and America’s 250th birthday, it’s a great reminder that running brings people together in a uniquely American way, neighbors cheering neighbors, families spending time together, and communities gathering to celebrate healthy lifestyles and shared traditions. Whether you’re racing for a PR, walking with friends, or simply enjoying a slice of watermelon after the finish, we hope you’ll join us in celebrating another great year of running together.
While I’m trying not to think too much about the hot, humid summer days ahead, let’s focus on a couple of our Fall and Winter races instead (I’m already feeling cooler temperatures!). The Tom Walker Half Marathon in November and the Mary Andrews Full and Half Marathon in January 2027 recently opened on RunSignup. We had record crowds at both races last year and hope to see even more runners this season. Sign up now, as prices will continue to increase closer to race day. And of course, start building those base miles for the final push toward race day.
Happy Running!
Squirrel Ridge 4-Miler Recap
On June 6, runners returned to Squirrel Ridge for a chance to race along the iconic Tobacco Road. Thanks to unseasonably cool weather, 95 runners took part in the event, ranging in age from 8 to 76.
Katelyn Greenleaf led the women’s field with a winning time of 26:38, while Tyler Miletti claimed top honors for the men in 24:34.
Age group winners received their choice of an FTC hat, scarf, or gloves… perfect for when Florida eventually cools down.
A special thank you to race director Katie Avery for organizing another successful event. We also appreciate the volunteers who helped set up the course, check in runners, clean up afterward, and handle the countless details that make our races run smoothly.
Shared Miles, Stronger Connections
By Kate Kowalczyk
A group of friends and colleagues first connected through group fitness classes at Gainesville Health & Fitness. Half of the group works together at Santa Fe College, the rest knew each other from the gym, but over time, shared workouts turned into shared friendships. Friday evenings became a tradition—not just for the workout itself, but for the conversations that followed.
After class, the group would linger, talking about work, weekend plans, and whatever challenge seemed worth pursuing next. It was during one of those conversations that someone (big shoutout to Krista!) suggested running the Gate River Run.
As race day approached, training runs found their way into busy schedules, and a group text became a hub for pace screenshots, encouragement, and the occasional complaint about sore legs. The miles added up, but so did the camaraderie.
Crossing the finish line at Gate River Run was a fun and memorable accomplishment, but it also sparked a new question: What’s next?
That answer came through friends who encouraged the group to explore the Florida Track Club.
Some of us initially assumed FTC was reserved for seasoned and competitive runners. It was quickly learned that FTC welcomes runners at all levels of skill and experience. During the Archer Braid 5K and 10K, what stood out wasn’t the race itself—it was the people. Volunteers cheered from intersections, runners encouraged one another along the course, and finish-line celebrations felt personal, regardless of pace or placement.
The experience reinforced what the group had already begun to discover: running may be an individual sport, but it thrives in community.
Since then, Florida Track Club events have become a regular part of the group’s routine. Race mornings, checking volunteer opportunities, and training runs have provided more than goals; they’ve created opportunities to build relationships throughout Gainesville’s running community.
Now, the group is preparing for its next challenge together: the Tom Walker Half Marathon. Although months away, training plans are being shared, long runs are being scheduled, and encouragement continues to flow through text messages and post-workout conversations. Just as before, the journey and progression is where many of the most meaningful moments happen.
For this group of friends from Santa Fe College and Gainesville Health & Fitness, the Florida Track Club has become another thread connecting fitness, friendship, and community. Whether training for a first race or a personal best, runners find encouragement from people who genuinely want to see them succeed.
What began as a few conversations after class has grown into something much bigger: a community built through shared miles, mutual support, and the understanding that every runner’s journey is stronger when it’s shared.
Upcoming Events
48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
Gainesville’s best 4th of July Tradition! Join us for three hilly miles starting at Westside Park and ending with free watermelon. Be sure to sign up by June 19 if you want the collectible race tank top.
FTC Summer Social
Racing in the Florida heat and humidity is the best… said no one ever. That’s why we substitute a our August race for a fun social gathering. Come hang out with the Gainesville running community for an evening of food and fun. Location to be announced soon!
Short and Long Trail Run
Get off the road and onto the Trail on Sept. 12 as we head to San Felasco for a little trail running. Choose between the 4 mile or 8 mile loop and experience the deep woods of Alachua County.
Half and Full Marathons
Registration is open for two of our biggest races. The Tom Walker Half Marathon and the Mary Andrews FTC Half and Full Marathon. Now’s the time to start building that base if you want run these classic races. Plus, prices increase the longer you wait to sign up.
Earn race entries by volunteering
Looking for a fun way to give back to the running community and score a free race entry? Volunteer with the Florida Track Club!
Club members who volunteer at four races will earn a free entry to either the Mary Andrews Marathon or the Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5K. Volunteer at three races, and you’ll earn a free entry to the Melon Run.
To be eligible, you must sign up to volunteer through the RunSignUp page for each event so your participation is properly tracked.
It’s a great way to support your fellow runners, stay involved in the club, and earn your way to the starting line.