About the Elite Team

History and Focus

Originally supporting regionally competitive, local talent, Atlanta Track Club had also seen national-caliber runners such as Benji Durden and John Tuttle represent the Club in the 1970's and 1980's. However, the desire to have Track Club runners winning local road races with an occasional athlete on the national stage evolved into the vision of having Olympians regularly wearing the iconic Winged A on their vest. Founded in 2016, Atlanta Track Club Elite was the next step of the Club's nearly 60 year commitment to competitive running and the establishment of Atlanta as Running City USA. Unlike many other professional clubs, Atlanta Track Club Elite began with supporting multiple disciplines. A middle distance group specialists was complimented by a long distance group of marathoners and half marathoners to stay true to our roots. A commitment to a diversity of event disciplines continued with the addition of horizontal jumpers, Paralympic category athletes, and sprinters. In 2023, Atlanta Track Club Elite renewed its focus on middle distance runners with a commitment to becoming the best 800m and 1500m training group in the country. With 12-14 athletes sharing common goals, Atlanta's identity as the center for professional middle distance training in the United States is solidified.

Philosophy and Values

Atlanta Track Club is a member-based, mission-driven 501 c(3) non-profit organization. We are different from other professional running organizations. We are committed to creating a healthier and more active Atlanta through running and walking, and while our athletes are professionals first and foremost, they also serve as role models and inspirations to 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 works part-time at Atlanta Track Club in roles ranging from finance to marketing and even 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 accolades.