by Matthew Veretto [edited by Luis Sordo Vieira]
When I first connected with the Gainesville running community, I knew right away that it was something special. The support, the energy, and the friendships were unlike anything I had experienced before, and it played a big part in my family’s decision to move here. I’ve never been a part of a community before, and FTC and Team FTC quickly showed me what I’ve been missing. The people in the running community are so much more than just who I run with, they are some of my closest friends. They are my family.
This experience inspired me to bring the same feeling of community to the kids here in Gainesville. So we started Team FTC Kids, with the goal of giving young runners the same sense of belonging and support that I found with the Gainesville running community and FTC. It’s not just about getting faster or winning races. We want to help instill a lifelong enthusiasm and love for running that will stay with them for the rest of their life!
Running builds confidence and shows kids that they’re capable of so much more than they think. And in a group setting, this shared journey also makes friendships blossom! My oldest, Brooklyn, is only five, and she already practices and races with the team. Watching her make new friends and get genuinely excited to run has been incredibly rewarding. Having my own family so involved makes this all even more meaningful, and none of it would be possible without my wife Brandi’s support. She’s right alongside me making it all work.
That’s what FTC means to me. It’s about more than the races. It’s about community, belonging, and building something that lasts. With Team FTC Kids, we’re trying to pass that spirit down to the next generation!
It was time for the FTC Short and Long Trail Run
by Luis Sordo Vieira
As always, running on the trails of San Felasco offered a beautiful venue for a run. 36 runners laced up their shoes for the 3.8 mile distance, with Harlan Carney (Gainesville, FL) winning the male category with a gun time of 29:19, and Cacie Beades (Scarsdale, NY) winning the female category with a gun time of 29:59.
54 runners took the 8.3 mile challenge, with Matthew Veretto (Gainesville, FL see featured story of this newsletter ) taking the male category at 59:22 and Maggie Schricker (Demand, FL) taking the female category at 1:03:23.
And we capped the morning off by celebrating Doug Waldo’s (FTC Treasurer) birthday!
Upcoming Events
Tom Walker Preview (5K & 10K) Get a leg up on the field by previewing part of the Tom Walker Half Marathon course on October 11th. This race is FREE for Florida Track Club Members and $20 for non-members. The race will start at Boulware Springs Park: 3300 SE 15th St, Gainesville, FL 3264.
Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5K The iconic and
popular Tom Walker Half Marathon & 5k will return to the beautiful Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail on November 9th. Deadline to register and get a guaranteed shirt is coming up on October 17th! Preview below. This year, the Tom Walker Half Marathon starts and ends at First Magnitude Brewery. Every 21+ runner and volunteer receives one free beer.
FTC Jingle Belll 5k and Holiday Join us on December 13th this holiday season for a family-friendly 5k jog around Haile Plantation! It’ll be followed by food, socializing, and some reindeer games.
🚨🚨🚨🚨 🚨🚨🚨🚨 Volunteering opportunities
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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 Tom Walker 5k and 10K preview. Sign up here.
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The Tom Walker Half Marathon is one of our two biggest races of the year. Due to the large amount of runners (we are expecting over 300 runners!!), having volunteers like you at the race is of utmost importance. Sign up here to volunteer. If you are 21+, you even receive a free beer from First Mag!
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.