Memphis Runners Track Club (memphis_runners) : Member Profile : Thoos

Memphis Runners Track Club is a non-profit organization run by a 15-member Board of Directors who have a passion for running and want to promote all types of running in as many ways as possible. The club administers races in the Memphis area and provides an encouraging environment to the running community.

The Memphis Runner's Track Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and fitness through programs of amateur road racing, cross country, and track and field, in the spirit of fun and competition.

The running club, which was originally called Memphis Striders, was informally organized in 1975 by Bud Joyner, who was proprietor of the first running store in Memphis. Bud's wife thought that Memphis Runner's Track Club sounded better than Memphis Striders, so that became the name. Judge John Colton was the first member, and the late Dr. Jack Rockett was the second.

The club went along on this informal basis for three years until 1979 when it was officially incorporated. Jack Rockett, Mike Cody and Bill Butler met at the Healthy Trading Food Store and flipped a coin to see who had to be the first President. Jack lost the toss and thus became the first president of the Memphis Runner's Track Club. Mike Cody was tasked with being the first Vice President and the first newsletter was sent to press in August 1979.

With a membership of over 1500, Memphis Runner's Track Club is considered one of the largest and most active running clubs in the nation. Manning water stations, operating time clocks and organizing races are just some of the activities that show how the club's presence has shaped Memphis running as we have come to know it.

MRTC is a proud sponsor of the St. Jude Memphis Marathon & Half Marathon, MRTC Road Race Series, RRCA Women's 5K Series, Tennessee State Park's Hill & Dale 8-Miler and the Winter Cross Country Race Series.

Groups Runs:

See the website for more information:

http://www.memphisrunners.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=site.display&pageId=56&parentPage=56

See also on website:
Women in Running Training Program
Official Race Calendar