Well, actually the club hits the half-century mark in 2027, but we wanted to kick off a year of celebration for the club that has given so much to our city.
And since we always seem to go to John Danforth as a founder of TCTC to give his recollections (he wrote about the club in 1987, 2017 and 2022!), we figured we’d stick with tradition.
So here are a few musings from John …
How did this whole thing get started?
I was part of the founding four people in 1977 when after an All Comers Track Meet at Forsyth Country Day School, I invited Carlos Cespedes, Kitty Consolo and Terry Startsman to our home on Foxhall Drive off Polo Road for beer and brownies that my wife Carol made. It just happened to be 100 degrees at 6 p.m. before the events began with about 15-20 brave runners participating. The four of us would soon become the first club officers.
What were the big races in those early days?
The earliest races I can recall were the ones put on by the Wake Forest ROTC Department and the courses involved Wake campus roads and that of Graylyn and into Buena Vista. Later, after our club got more organized and with help from Bill Walker and others, we were a certified club. One of the biggest races was Streetscene, but it was always way too hot around Labor Day. Salem Lake trail races became huge later in the ’80’s and ’90’s along with the Summer’s Ultimate Runner which became extremely popular and wound up being featured in Runners World after Don Kardong competed in all 5 events.
Where did you all get your gear?
Sports City, Omega Sports and 4 Runners Only in Reynolda Village became very popular running stores with many club member connections. Steve Bennett was the man for 4 Runners Only. Craig was our man at Omega Sports for many years. All the stores were keys to the growth of running in the Triad and this growth was significant to the club for sure.
Were you a run with a Walkman guy?
I ran with a Walkman one time and didn’t like it since I love feeling the fresh air and listening to the birds and other creatures while running.
Favorite running routes?
Wake’s old and “new” XC course was a popular running route, plus the big field and all the trails in Reynolda Gardens, Graylyn and Buena Vista. Salem Lake was extremely popular, of course, especially on Saturdays. Our group would start at the William G. White Y at 8 a.m. and run to Reynolda and come back to the Y after an hour. Another route was meet at the Gardens and run for an hour around Wake to Polo Road and back to the Gardens.
Least favorite running routes, but you did them anyway?
The Wednesday hill workouts were the toughest and the worst, so I didn’t do them regularly, but others did.
A memory or a person that stands out to you and why?
So many friends that I loved running with include John Dunkelberg, Dave Corn, Dennis McNeil, Wayne and Ann Yarbrough, Dave Cook, Freddy Needham, Bill Goff. Ann and I ran together 4-5 days a week for over 20 years. She is still running. Bill Walker stands out for his long time service to the club for Races and Equipment Director and everything else. His stride was so great I needed two of mine to match one of his strides. Top-notch distance runner in North Carolina like Wayne Yarbrough.
What would you say to a new member about your experience over the years?
To new members I would say that being in the TCTC from the beginning has helped me love running and love meeting new friends of all ages and sharing the common goal of building relationships and having fun through social activities like club parties, trips to races, especially marathons and helping each other grow as responsible citizens of the world.
Any thoughts on this big anniversary?
My time with the TCTC has given me lifelong friendships and many achievements and wonderful memories that will last a lifetime!!
But wait, there’s more!
We will continue to bring you memories of our club from each decade over the next year. So start digging up old photos, great stories and funny moments. YOU are the heart of this club, and we look forward to celebrating all of you.