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! Kenny Vogel FTC President
by Luis Sordo Vieira
It is wild to think that the Florida Track Club has been around since 1965. How many runners, whether amateur or professional, have ran the streets of Florida wearing that FTC logo since then? It is an amusing thought to think of the impact that FTC has had, whether by scholarships, providing people’s first races, or the social aspects of it (see Sergio’s story below).
Recently, we got a glimpse of the early days of FTC from Hans Gottgens, an FTC member over almost 50 years ago. His son, Leo, wanted an FTC shirt for Hans’ birthday. My friend Kenny (FTC Prez) got Hans an FTC shirt and this is his reply.
“What a wonderful surprise! My son wanted to give me a Florida Track Club T- shirt for my birthday. Only singlets were available, however, and those really do not work well for a 72-year old who no longer runs. My son lives overseas which added some complications. Fortunately, Kenny Vogel, your FTC president, came to the rescue. He found a regular shirt in the warehouse and mailed it to me. He even added a pair of FTC socks! Thanks Kenny! The shirt and socks brought back great memories of long trail runs, road races, track competition and lasting friendships. Originally from the Netherlands, I lived in Gainesville from 1977 until 1993 and was an FTC member all those years. Competing in races from the mile to the marathon, I gained a genuine appreciation for the tireless work of the FTC to build a fantastic running community in and around Gainesville. Sharing the roads and trails with some of the greatest runners of that time, who used Gainesville as a home for their race preparation, was a real motivation for me.
When our family moved to Ohio for work, I switched to soccer and became used to the practice of ‘contact sports’. Since retirement, we mostly live in the Netherlands where biking is a way of life. I will certainly be the only one wearing the FTC logo on the bike there! No, I am no longer running -just hiking and biking- but my years of running in Florida have given me lifelong endurance and a sincere appreciation for the physical and mental fitness that comes with living our sport.”
– Hans Gottgens
Recovering through community
by Sergio M Gutierrez Laredo After graduating high school in Bolivia, I lived in different states and countries. Throughout these geographic changes for education or work purposes, I struggled feeling a part of and sensing that I belonged. By 2022, I started a new way of life in Gainesville. Early on my recovery, the friendship I developed with a runner inspired me to rediscover dreams and work for my goals. My running journey had started running half an hour every morning. Little did I know, I had found a new interest, and I started developing structure in my life.
Eventually, I signed up for my first half marathon in Saint Petersburg. That first time experience showed me that I did not have to do it on my own. In 2024, I also ran the Tom Walker half marathon by Florida Track Club with a fractured wrist (not the smartest decision). At the start line, I saw a friend from recovery. Having that conversation with him at this local event opened my perspective. There were more people in Gainesville who also shared this passion with me, I was not alone!!! Yet, I was somehow still hesitant to share my journey with people and let them in my life.
A few weeks after, I also signed up for a local “Turkey Trot.” It was Thanksgiving Day, and I was feeling lonesome. Running that 10k trail with other athletes helped me feel a part of. At the finish line, I got to meet another runner who I got vulnerable with. From our conversation, I learned that we share recovery and a passion for running. Later that year, I signed up for my first marathon. During the preparation, I did not follow many of the suggestions that the friend I made after the “Turkey Trot” had given me. After completing the Ameris Bank Jacksonville Marathon, the choices I had been making started catching up and I ended up physically injured. Frequently, I learn my lessons the hard way so I kept running with my limited experience until the pain would not let me run at all.
Deep inside, I knew I had to be honest with myself and ask for help. Therefore, I decided to reach out to Team Florida Track Club. That is how my journey with the team started early this year. The healing process took time, and it was uncomfortable but, I went through it with a coach and my running peers. I was able to relate with people who had experienced similar injuries and that identified with my feelings. What a relief!!!
Being part of this team has allowed me to share the physical aspect of my running journey. More importantly, I am being able to get outside of myself by listening, identifying with my running mates, connecting with them through our vulnerability and developing friendships. Today, I recognize the value of community, and I feel grateful to Florida Track Club and Team Florida Track Club members for making me feel a part of!!!
Race recap of FTC Summer Trail Run
by Luis Sordo Vieira June 7th was a warm but beautiful morning to run on the trails of San Felasco. Trail runs always hit differently. Roots are hiding, the ground is soft, and the trees are beautiful. Seventy runners lined up for a race around the trails of our very own State Park. Matthew Veretto from Gainesville won the male category with a chip time of 25:42. Agatha Wigham from Hawthorne won the female category with a chip time of 30:07.
Thank you to our volunteers for keeping everyone hydrated! Prizes included bars from MV Alimentos Pro (@mvalimentospro) and FTC Swag.
Upcoming Events
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. After the running is complete, stick around to see the crowning of the King and Queen of the race. 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 47th Jack Gamble Melon Run on July 4th. Sign up here.
Call for Newsletter Stories
Ran your first mile? Finished your first 5K? Completed your first run after injury? Do you have a story to share with other FTC members? Reply to this email if you are interested in sharing a story with the FTC community. Select stories will be featured in upcoming newsletters.
Sponsors
We thank UCAN for partnering with us to help runners with their fuel and hydration needs.