Get to Know Your Running Clubs - Greater Boston Track Club

In this edition of Get to Know Your Running Clubs we chatted with Shaun Dever (Third grade teacher by day, distance running pizza enthusiast by night) about the Greater Boston Track Club. This is a club rich with a history of legends such as Bill Squires, Bill Rodgers, Alberto Salazar, and more!

Want to learn more about them? Read on!

What part of the city does your group usually run in/around?

Boston - Charles River, Arnold Arboretum, Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center

Tell us a bit about your club history, how long has the club been around?

Greater Boston Track Club (GBTC) was formed in 1973 by a group of post collegiate athletes training in the Boston area. Under the supervision of legendary Coach Bill Squires, GBTC's earliest teams were some of America's top distance runners, including Bill Rodgers, Alberto Salazar, Greg Meyer, Bob Hodge, Randy Thomas, Dave McGillivray, Toni Reavis, and many more.

Tell us a bit about your membership? What level of runners do you cater to?

In the modern era, GBTC is made up of over 200 post-collegiate and masters athletes, all racing and training in Massachusetts. The majority of our team competes in USATF-New England road events, open track & field meets, and cross-country. Our athletes are most often former college runners hoping to continue competing at a high level. We continue to compete for top honors in local events and have had numerous athletes represent our club at Olympic Trials and National Championships.

Where/when does your club usually meet/run?

Formal practice is on Tuesdays at Madison Park High School and/or Reggie Lewis Indoor Track in Roxbury. Other groups get together throughout the week in various locations for long runs, track workouts and other fitness sessions.

Any cost to be a member/join?

$75 annually

Is your group affiliated with any events?

  • Friday Night Lights 10k (FridayNightLights10k.com) - Annual Track 10k (summer)
  • GBTC XC Festival @ Elm Bank - Annual Cross-Country Race for Youth & Adults
  • GBTC Indoor Invitational - Annual Indoor Track Meet (Winter)

Any cool routes/ favourite areas to run in your city that you would like to recommend to other runners? Why do you like those?

Charles River - Mostly uninterrupted loop through various city neighborhoods Boston Marathon Course - Train where you race!

Do you have any favourite local races? Outside of anything that you’re affiliated with of course :)

We typically have 30-40 athletes participate in the Boston Marathon. It's our home turf. If our members aren't racing, they're out along the course proudly decked out in GBTC Red.

Anything else that we should know?

If you're in search of a club that works hard and also plays hard, check us out. The social aspect of our club is a huge part of the club's culture. We train together, race together and celebrate together.

Want to learn more?

Want to connect with the Greater Boston Track Club, or just learn a bit more about them? Check out their information below:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Strava

 

Find more runs around Boston

Looking for runs in and around Boston? The RunGuides Boston race calendar can help you find upcoming runs and running races in the area - www.runguides.com/boston/runs

Published on Nov 29, 2016