About the Elite Team

History and Focus

Originally supporting regionally competitive local talent, Atlanta Track Club also saw national-caliber runners such as Benji Durden and John Tuttle represent the Club in the 1970s and 1980s. As time went on, the Club's vision evolved into one with the desire to have Olympians wearing the iconic Winged A on their vests. Founded in 2015, Atlanta Track Club Elite was the next step in the Club's commitment to competitive running and the establishment of Atlanta as Running City USA. Atlanta Track Club Elite supported multiple disciplines when it began, from middle distance to the marathon to horizontal jumpers, but in 2023 turned its focus to middle distance runners, with a commitment to becoming the best 800- and 1500-meter training group in the country. With more than a dozen or athletes sharing common goals, Atlanta's identity as the center for professional middle distance training in the United States has been solidified.

Philosophy and Values

Atlanta Track Club is a member-based, mission-driven 501 c(3) non-profit organization, making us different from many other professional running groups. Both the Club and its Elite Team athletes are committed to creating a healthier and more active Atlanta through running and walking. While our athletes are professionals first and foremost, they also serve as role models and inspirations for the next generation; they just happen to run faster than most of our more-than 37,000 members! Our athletes work and train in the community and contribute to the rich diversity of Atlanta through their personal histories and volunteerism. Atlanta Track Club also believes in nurturing the whole person and providing balance in an athlete's life. All members of the Elite Team volunteer with the Club's youth programming, including our Kilometer Kids program, as a way to give back to the community. Most of the Elite Team work part-time at Atlanta Track Club in roles ranging from finance to marketing to event support. When these athletes retire from professional running, they will have resumes that include marketable skills and real-world job experience in addition to their athletic achievements.