'A Big Thank You To Atlanta Track Club'

The Atlanta Relays

A Georgia Runner

Mar 05, 2020

Rich Kenah of Atlanta Track Club

(photo Dan McCauley)

Rob Mullett of Atlanta Track Club (Olympic Steeplechase for Great Britain)

(photo Dan McCauley)

Dear Atlanta Track Club,

I want to thank you, as an organization, for what you're doing for our Sport in Atlanta and Georgia. As someone who grew up running in the USATF circuit as youth during the early 2000s, working in the stock room at the local running store as a middle schooler, and competing within GHSA as a high schooler, I've seen the work you've done to lay the foundations for the success you're currently seeing. As someone who grew up logging miles at the River, the trails at Kennesaw Mountain, and braving Peachtree each July 4th, it was an honor to be present at the birth of not only a new, iconic course, but the establishment of Atlanta as more than just a venue capable of delivering a premier experience, but a desirable, welcoming destination -- one that understands and appreciates running culture. That, at its core, is what I believe you've done so beautifully. This sport deserves such appreciation and exposure, and the way in which you've presented our sport to our city, and the wider audience, is greatly respected.

Eric Heintz of Atlanta Track Club

(photo Dan McCauley)

Now that I coach a team of my own, I'm more aware than ever that visibility -- both in terms of seeing others and being seen -- is important to our kids. What I saw on the streets all day were high schoolers in awe that their running idols, largely inaccessible beyond social media, were right in front of them. The accessibility you provided is unparalleled, and the care with which you took to ensure that our youth were directly integrated into the event, that speaks to the character and heart of the Atlanta Track Club. The impact this opportunity will have on future generations, I fully believe, will be immeasurable. We now have thousands of boys and girls who just saw men and women, some of whom they may have known and others they'd never heard of, display just how many individuals are pursuing this sport at an elite level in our country. The recognition that this wild pursuit of self-betterment through running consists of opportunities such as the ones you offer: Wingfoot Classic, The Atlanta Relays, Peachtree, the Trials, ATC Elite, etc. -- that is what will drive the next generation to exceed the accomplishments of those before it. And that, in my eyes, is among the most admirable qualities an organization or individual can possess -- the desire for others to see just how capable they are.

Thank you for continuing to be the best ambassador of running that Atlanta and Georgia could ask for.

With sincere thanks,

The Quenton Cassidy residing within each of us..