Columbia Track Club earns City Award for Youth Mentorship
Local running club recognized for its impact on young athletes and inclusive community programs
Columbia, Missouri – The Columbia Track Club (CTC) has been awarded the Mayor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Mentorship. This city-level recognition celebrates CTC’s long-standing commitment to welcoming runners of all ages and helping young athletes grow on and off the track.
The nomination came from a local parent who was especially impressed with the club’s Summer Youth Program, a four-week track and field series that runs every summer at Rock Bridge High School. Their nomination praised the club’s various events and, most importantly, its inclusive and encouraging environment. Whether a child is sprinting down the straightaway or jogging their first mile, CTC has built a culture that celebrates personal bests over podium finishes.
Running with Purpose
The Summer Youth Program is the heart of CTC’s mentorship efforts. Designed for ages 3 to 18, the program includes events like the 50-yard dash, 100- and 200-meter sprints, 400- and 800-meter runs, the mile, long jump, and shot put. Kids get to pick their events, track their progress week to week, and build confidence through movement.
“It’s not about being the fastest,” said a CTC volunteer coach. “It’s about showing up, having fun, and realizing what your body can do.” That’s the kind of mindset that makes running more than just a sport, it becomes a lifelong habit and a community.
What Sets CTC Apart?
Columbia Track Club doesn’t just host races, it builds relationships. Every event is volunteer-led and community-driven. CTC’s leadership understands that mentorship doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It happens when seasoned runners cheer on a 6-year-old finishing their first lap. It happens when a high schooler teaches a younger kid how to use starting blocks. That peer-to-peer encouragement is a key ingredient of CTC’s success.
Program Details
Summer Youth Program Dates: May 28 to June 18, 2025
Time & Location: Wednesday evenings at Rock Bridge High School Track
Registration Opens: May 1, 2025
Cost: $5 per child or $10 per family for all four meets
Register Online: runsignup.com/CTCYouthProgram
The program caps at 300 participants, and no on-site registration is allowed, so families are encouraged to sign up early.
A Club for Everyone
CTC’s mission goes far beyond youth programming. The club hosts races, fun runs, and fitness events all year long for runners and walkers of all levels. From beginners to sub-3 marathoners, everyone finds a place at CTC.
Being recognized by the Mayor’s Council is more than an award, it’s a reflection of the values Columbia runners live out every week: inclusivity, encouragement, and a shared love for movement.