There is this program that I listen to some weeks on NPR that the hosts always begin by sharing the the best news they have heard all week. Well the best GWTC news I have heard all week was the announcement by Race Directors Jack and Laura McDermott just prior to race start at last month’s edition of the GWTC Tallahassee Ultra Distance Classic. This race offers three distances: a 50 miler, 50K and a marathon. The announcement involved naming the 50K race the “Bill Hillison 50K” in recognition of Bill’s super human feat of running this outright eight times. Unbelievable! My understanding is that this was the brainchild of Allen Blay. Congratulations to Bill!

Hello members and welcome to 2025! As some of you may have noticed, we have a new, somewhat smaller voting Board this year and newly revamped bylaws. Please take a moment to check them out if you have not done so already. I would like to thank all Board members, both elected and appointed, for their service to GWTC this past year and all years both previous and into the future. Depending on your job, service to this club and keeping it functioning requires significant dedication. I am constantly amazed at how much volunteer time is willingly provided by some of our
members.

In terms of events, I note we have two social-type events happening in January which, according to our survey, is our members’ favorite thing to attend (maybe aside from races). The awards banquet at Goodwood on 1/26 , and a social/educational opportunity at Casa Grande on 1/16. Details will be out in “Running Shorts” but please save these dates.

Speaking of super socials, the holiday party was a resounding success, as always, thanks in large measure to Tina Bahmer who coordinated the event. Weather was perfect, good food, and drink, sketch artist, Santa, outside fire, live band, etc…members enjoyed a wonderful evening!

You may have noticed more columns by members in the Fleet Foot. I have begun asking members to submit stories of interest concerning things or events that were noteworthy in their past and submit to Robert Skrob for publication. Hey don’t wait to be asked… go ahead and write something in the 500-800 word range and send it in. I know I enjoy hearing of the ramp-up to someone’s first race or marathon, or a race in some unique venue where things may not have gone as planned. It just may inspire others to do the same. In tracking numbers generally, I have noted that in the last half of 2024, membership numbers and race participant numbers have been up in most races. Speaking of races, things are looking super for our hometown Marathon/Half in partnership with our title sponsor Bank of America. Race Directors, Geb Kiros and Tsige Tadesse, with significant support from many other GWTC members, will make this one of the finer marathons in the southeast.

Allen Blay has graciously agreed to share President column duties with me this year providing new perspectives into whatever he wishes to share. I do appreciate and wish to thank outgoing VP Jennifer Hay for her writings and insights over the last two years! Beyond the columns, Jennifer, Carter and new Board member Hawthorne Hay have and will continue to provide vital growth, ideas and opportunities to GWTC members.