In this edition of Get to Know Your Running Clubs we chatted with Elizabeth Reynolds Lupo about the Boston United Track & Cross Country Club. 

Want to learn more about them? Read on!

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

Boston United Track and Cross Country Club is a 501(c)3 organization that was founded in the summer of 2010 by former USA track and field star, Said Ahmed with the support of Tony DaRocha, Alexandra Merceron, Ted Loska and Barbara Hamilton. His vision was to have one track and cross cross club that would bring together athletes from all of Boston Public Schools and offer them high quality coaches and facilities to develop their potential's and build a supportive community. Shortly after, nationally renowned coaches such as James Dilday and Sekou Dilday joined the club. Under their guidance, numerous Boston Public School athletes went on to top universities, such as the University of Arkansas, Providence College and Bucknell University with athletic scholarships. Boston United have also gone on to gain national and international recognition such as Omar Abdi and Ahmed Ali. In 2015, Mr. Ahmed step down as president and passed the torch on to Sekou Dilday. Under his expert guidance the organization has grown to support and far exceed the expectations of its former president.

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

Currently, Boston United serves 200 promising young athletes ranging in age from 4 to 18, from 17 communities in and around Boston. We coach our athletes to compete in all running events from cross country to the 50m dash, and field events which include shot put, javelin and discus. The majority of our team competes in USTAF-NE youth meets and developmental meets and youth cross country meets. Our athletes are recruited from local elementary schools and middle schools, Pop Warner teams, swim teams and work of mouth to train with our coaches - three of whom are former division 1 collegiate track and field athletes.

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

Our practices are held in Roxbury at the Cass Center and the Madison Park High School track but we compete all over North Eastern New England. 

Any cost to be a member/join?

We are the only free all comers track club in the Boston area; we welcome anyone who is interested in working out with us and having fun.

Is your group affiliated with any events?

We are not currently affiliated with any events, but we hope to change that in the future.

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

We love running at the world-class Franklin Park Cross Country Course. This is our home course and we love to train where we compete.

Do you have any favourite local races?

We love the Adidas Boost Games and the New Balance Grand Prix. These are special events for us because our youth athletes get to compete in the same event as professional athletes, it gives them a chance to see what's possible.

Anything else that we should know?

We are 501(c)(3) and 100% volunteer coached and operated; we love what we do and find inspiration in being with these promising young runners. We take pride in introducing the sport of track & field to the youth of Greater Boston and encouraging them to go out for the middle school or high school teams. If you are looking for a great club to be a part of or love coaching we are always looking for new energy to support our athletes.

Want to learn more?

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

Website | Facebook

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