The strength of the Twin City Track Club lies not only in its races, activities and programs, but in the people who generously give their time and energy to make those experiences possible. In 2025, two individuals stood out for their extraordinary commitment, enthusiasm, and spirit of service. We are proud to recognize Dan Bradley and J.K. Curry as our 2025 Volunteers of the Year.
Between them, Dan and J.K. volunteered at 19 club events this past year. Their contributions spanned everything from multiple Hanes Park cleanups to race-day support at Frosty Fifty, Ultimate Runner, Beat the Heat, Hobby Trails, and Salem Lake. They even opened their home to host the St. Patrick’s Day Hash Run in March 2025—an example of the personal touch they bring to building community within TCTC.
Dan’s connection to TCTC goes back nearly three decades. He joined in the mid-1990s after being talked into showing up for a Monday Fat Burner run—a decision he credits as a life changer. Over the years, Dan has participated in countless races, marathons (including Boston), and the Ultimate Runner race. In recent years, he has taken charge of organizing the Ultimate Runner 5K course, ensuring a smooth and well-run experience for participants.
When asked why he volunteers, Dan puts it simply: he wants to contribute and not be a freeloader—and, as he adds with characteristic humor, “it’s actually pretty fun, mostly.” That attitude has made him a steady, reliable presence at club events year after year.
J.K.’s running journey began around 2012, when she joined a Fleet Feet training program to try a 5K. From there, she progressed through longer distances, mentoring others along the way, and ultimately completing multiple marathons and a Frosty Fifty. In recent years, she has also dedicated her running to supporting others by lending her legs to Ainsley’s Angels riders at several races each year.
For J.K., volunteering is about connection. She and Dan value the social and community aspects of TCTC—from winter seminars and hash runs to trail cleanups—and see volunteering as a natural extension of belonging to the club. As she notes, events like Beat the Heat, Frosty Fifty, Salem Lake Trail Races, and Ultimate Runner don’t happen by magic; they happen because volunteers step up.
Outside of running, J.K. is a professor in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Wake Forest University, and Dan is retired after a long career in IT. They are the parents of twin sons, Lucas and Zeke Bradley, both TCTC members and occasional volunteers—continuing the family tradition of giving back.
Dan Bradley and J.K. Curry exemplify what it means to support a running club: show up, pitch in, welcome others, and help create a community where everyone belongs. We are deeply grateful for their service and thrilled to honor them as our 2025 Volunteers of the Year.
