Club Spotlight: Westerly Track & Athletic Club (WTAC)
Tell us about your club!
The Westerly Track & Athletic Club (WTAC) was established in 1975 and is a IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports recreational and competitive running. Proceeds from our events allow us to continue to support local youth running programs.
Who is your club open to?
The WTAC is open to all walkers and runners. Our target geographical area is Westerly, Charlestown, Richmond, Hopkinton, Stonington, and North Stonington. Most of our 100+ members come from these towns in southwest RI and southeast CT, although we do not restrict membership to any specific geographical jurisdiction.
When and where do you typically meet to run?
Our weekly summer WTAC Fun Runs in Misquamicut is where the largest number of our members gather to run. We have a diverse group of road runners, track runners, and trail runners. Many of our members participate in the various weekly Fun Runs in Westerly and nearby CT towns.
Do you host any other non-running events?
The WTAC hosts an annual holiday party each December, with an optional “Jingle Bell Run”.
Aside from the Grand Prix, are there any other races that your club attends/competes in as a team?
While we have competed as a team at USATF-NE events in the past, more recent team races and series include the RI Grand Prix, the RI/CT Border Patrol Challenge, and the RI State Police 5K.
Does your club offer any coaching or assistance with training plan development?
We do not offer any formal coaching or training plan assistance, although many of our members will share and learn from others’ running experiences.
Does your club support any philanthropic efforts?
The WTAC is a non-profit corporation. We have an annual scholarship program to seniors enrolled in public high schools in our target geographic area. Last year, we awarded two $1,500 scholarships. We also support local schools sending track or cross-country teams to national championships, as well as selected other charitable opportunities.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your club?
We are celebrating our 50th anniversary as a club! Each month this year we are visiting and participating in a selected Fun Run / running club in RI and CT, often getting together post-run. We host nine events annually, including four free summer events as a way to give back to the local communities.
If someone is interested in joining your club, what is the best way to reach you?
The best way for people to learn more about our club and join is through our website membership page.
