If you’re a runner, you probably have mixed feelings about the track. It’s where we go to chase speed, suffer through intervals, and push ourselves to the edge. But it’s also where we find rhythm, precision, and the kind of progress that can only come from deliberate, focused work. The track humbles us and rewards us – often in the same workout. The opportunity to run on a track is important. I can remember when my kids were younger driving to a high school track down the block from my mother-in-law’s house so that they could do their workout over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Unfortunately, in recent years, finding a track that’s open to the public has become a bit of a workout in itself.

Since the COVID pandemic, many local high school and university tracks that were once community staples quietly closed their gates, and a lot of them have stayed that way. During the height of the pandemic, schools limited access because of public mandates. But years later, those gates remain locked, and the reasons are less clear.

That’s why it’s great news that Leon County Schools recently reopened the tracks at Leon High School and Chiles High School. They’re now open at various times when school isn’t in session, giving runners, walkers, and families a chance to enjoy these excellent community resources again. It’s a big step in the right direction, and I’m grateful to the district and the wonderful principals of those schools for making it happen. I’m also thankful to Marc Anthony Weeks for all his efforts to push this message to school boards and others who made this decision. As I told Marc, now I can torture myself at my own will.

Unfortunately, our two local universities – Florida State and Florida A&M – have not followed suit. Their tracks remain closed to the public, even though both used to be popular spots for runners of all ages and speeds. For many of us, the FSU track was a second home on Tuesday nights with Gary Droze and Bill Lott. It was part of the rhythm of Tallahassee running life. It was also a safe space for students who didn’t want to venture off campus for their runs.

So why keep them closed?

There are a few possible reasons, and they’re not without merit. Universities worry about liability if someone gets injured. They want to protect their facilities from wear and tear. And sometimes, security or logistical concerns – like unauthorized group use or conflicts with student-athlete training – make open access seem complicated. In short, it’s easier to keep the gates locked than to manage access responsibly, and the universities argue that there is no requirement to open them. But here’s the thing: community access to tracks is good for everyone, including the schools.

Open tracks promote public health. They encourage exercise, connection, and a sense of community. They provide safety for students who want to get their exercise outside. I know several of the young women on FSU’s Club XC team and even they aren’t allowed to use the track! They express concerns about safety running around and off campus. I’ve always thought the claim of “they can just use the gym treadmills” is ridiculous. Frankly, that’s even worse than the torture of the track. Tracks also serve as visible reminders that running is one of the most democratic sports – anyone with a pair of shoes and some determination can take part.

Reopening also strengthens relationships between schools and the broader community. These are our public institutions, supported by our tax dollars, and when they share their facilities, it sends a powerful message: we’re in this together. It shows that fitness, wellness, and community engagement are values that matter.

And there’s a practical side too. Public access brings positive visibility. When local runners and families use a university track respectfully, it builds goodwill and pride in the institution. It’s also inspiring for young athletes to see college runners training – it connects the dreams of middle school track kids to the possibilities ahead. Further, I can’t actually recall a single instance where someone damaged the track, either intentionally or unintentionally.

That’s why Marc has moved on from his quest to reopen the high school tracks and has started a new petition to ask FSU and FAMU to reopen their tracks to the public during designated hours, much like Leon County’s model. We’re not asking for full access 24/7, just reasonable, managed availability that benefits the entire community.

The running community in Tallahassee has always been strong, inclusive, and supportive. We share trails, cheer each other on, and volunteer for races that make this one of the best running towns in the country. Having access to a safe, high-quality track should be part of that story too.

So, if you haven’t already, consider signing and sharing the petition. Here’s a link to it: https://www.change.org/p/reopen-fsu-and-famu-track

Note that this is not coming from GWTC – this is entirely coming from me and does not represent anyone else on the board or the club. I just feel strongly about the need for an open track on college campuses. Let’s show our local universities that there’s a real and respectful demand for access – and that we’re willing to be good stewards of these shared spaces.

The track will always be a place of sweat, struggle, and speed. We’ll always have that love-hate relationship with 400 meters of honesty. But we’d love the chance to experience it again – together, in the heart of our running community.

See you out on the trails (and maybe the tracks!)