Without a doubt, running clubs run this city- we know it, they know it. We wouldn’t be able to have our races without them! That is why we wanted to give them the opportunity to introduce themselves. This week we are continuing the NYCRUNS Club Spotlight series by highlighting Goldfinger Track Club. The NYCRUNS Club Spotlight series will take a look at the diverse running clubs of New York City and celebrate the unique ways that they contribute to fitness and community across all five boroughs.
Jerry is from Brooklyn, Bed Stuy, born and raised, but his friends call him Parker or Coach.
How did you get involved with your running club?
I got involved with my running club since day 1, 2016. I’m the founder and captain of GFTC. We been going 5 years strong.
What is GFTC about?
Our mission is to bring change for the community, for the people and for the athletes. Using running as tool to help aid the Community while gaining speed and building relationships. I’m about the people, without them I can’t do none of this. The community fuels me to bring the people together.
Where does your club run?
We meet every Wednesday at Boys and Girls High School at 6:30am, Thursday evening at 7pm at 213 Stuyvesant Ave, once a month long runs and social injustice runs followed by “celebrate a black owned business in Brooklyn” community run. We just explore all parts of Bed Stuy and beyond every week to see new places we never ran into before.
How does your club give back to the community?
Everything we do is community. Our runs, our partnership and our brand. We want to help bring fitness and other things to people around our community who don’t have access to it, to help drive change through sports. Bring back the energy and vibes back home.
We know it’s hard but…which NYCRUNS race is your favorite?
Any 5K races in Prospect Park.
Tell us about your group traditions!
We love to eat so we go visit our favorite spot called Born Thai, black owned by our guy Pierre and his wife. Juice For Life is another black owned business where we go after the track work out.
How can we keep up with what GFTC is up to?
Follow @gftcnyc on Instagram, or goldfingernyc.com to get merch and updates.
If you are interested in being featured on our Club Spotlight series, please email us at theteam@nycruns.com