Greater Derry Track Club
THE GREATER DERRY TRACK CLUB IS A NON-PROFIT CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION FORMED IN 1978
DEVOTED TO PROMOTE RUNNING RELATED ACTIVITIES AND IMPROVEMENTS OF OUR COMMUNITY
WHO WE ARE
We are a non-profit charitable organization formed in 1978 to promote running.
The club membership usually has approximately 100-130 members (individuals and families)
from ages 1 to 92 of all different running abilities.
OUR MISSION
To promote running as a recreational activity in the Greater Derry Community.
To provide scholarships for members attending college.
To provide activities furthering the running abilities of members.
OUR HISTORY
The Greater Derry Track Club was formed in 1978 by a group of runners: Mike Beeman, Art Cross, George Davis,
Ron Gaumer, John Noftle and Bill Uicker. The one active member in the club today is John Noftle. It should be
noted that Mike Beeman would surely be a member if he didn't live out of the state. This group of runners started the
Greater Derry Track Club as Charter Members and were pionners in their day because the Running Boom didn't
really happen until the early 80's.
They held a contest to name the club and John Noftle won, deservedly so, as he was the group's local running hero.
The group held monthly meetings in hopes of raising awareness of the club and tried to meet the running needs of
the community.
The club had MONTHLY races such as the "Treasure Masters 10 Mile", the "McDonalds 5K", the "Indian Head Bank
5 Mile", the "Beaver Lake Road Race", the "East Derry 10 K", the "Bensons Hardware 5.2 Mile", and the "Original
Turkey Trot", which was 5.9 miles during George Davis Race Director years.
As you can see the beginning years were very active for the founders.
Today the GDTC is in the midst of a resurgence in membership and interest. It wasn't that long ago that the club was
dying and membership levels were in the 50 family range and the annual dinner wasn't even held because of lack of
interest.
Fortunately that downward spiral has drastically changed and we are at record membership levels with over 130
family memberships.
The key to this resurgence are the people. We are a fun club with approachable people whose only goal is to
promote running at all levels of interest and abilities.
We have several long running signature events such as the Turkey Trot and Kids Summer Fun Runs, both 35 years old and
taken over by the club after it was formed. The latest, now legendary event, is the Boston Prep 16 Miler, in it's 14th
year.
We continue to grow but still maintain the small town mystique as a running club. We have also been identified as
the "best fun running club around" and hope to maintain that image.
We've come a long way as we celebrate our 30 years of existence and look forward to continue our mission of
Promoting Running and we continue to do that by attracting members with the same desires and goals.
Historical input by Mike Beeman
Authored by Jim Ewell
WHAT WE DO
We sponsor and conduct 4 races and 1 race series over the course of the year.
- Boston Prep 16 Miler Race, Derry (January)
- Foot health 5K Race, Beaver Lake, Derry (May)
- Kids Summer Fun Run Series, Pinkerton Track, Derry (6 weeks Jun-Jul)
- Mack’s Apple Cross Country 5K Race, Mack’s Apples, Londonderry (Aug)
- Turkey Trot 5K Race, Beaver Lake, Derry (Thanksgiving morning)
The Kids Summer Fun run Series and the Turkey Trot entry fees are a food donation and all food goes to the Derry Human Services Food Pantry for distribution to the needy in the Greater Derry Area.
BENEFITS
- Boston Marathon Number Lottery
- Coached Track Workouts (Summer)
- Weekly Fun Runs (Winter)
- Eldon’s Friendly Reminder Email
- Annual Dinner
- Team competition in the NH Grand Prix Series
- Chance to win a college scholarship
- Member of the year Award
CLUB OFFICERS
MEMBERS OF THE YEAR
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Every year the GDTC recognizes that certain member of the club that does
the extra things to help the club and promote running.
The membership each year votes for a member who has demonstrated the following: 1. Positive attitude and support for all club members. 2. Volunteer time and energy to benefit the club and it’s many activities. 3. Provide enthusiastic support at GDTC events. 4. Display community involvement. 5. Promoting and representing the GDTC. The winner is announced at the club's annual dinner in November and is awarded a token of appreciation. MEMBER OF THE YEAR HALL OF FAME: 2009 Amy Bernard & Rebecca Noe 2008 Paul Doe 2007 Barry Neill 2006 Jim Peters 2005 Mariano Santangelo 2004 Jim Ewell 2003 Collin O'Meara 2002 Mark Lutter 2001 Rosa Tejada 2000 Eldon Burkinshaw & Dave Breeden 1999 Maureen Knepp 1998 Vickie Kalil |
© 2010 Greater Derry Track Club | Updated on September 2, 2010 | Web by Mariano Santangelo | Hosted By 