Greenville Track Club-ELITE - a post-collegiate, Olympic-development program
8 USA Olympic Trials Qualifiers
established 2012
8 USA Olympic Trials Qualifiers
established 2012
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 Greenville Track Club-ELITE's Jason Weitzel and Eddie Garcia finished first and second in the MGC Long Run 15K on a cold (32 degrees), but sunny Saturday morning in South Carolina's Capitol city of Columbia. The training partners led from the start and ran together for over half the race on a challenging, rolling route, in downtown Columbia. Due to the rolling terrain their mile splits varied significantly with a fastest of 4:36 and a slowest of 5:15 on the long uphill segments. Jason ran 45:53 (4:55 per mile) and won $500 for his victory and Eddie earned $250 for second with his time of 46:21 (4:58 per mile). Eddie had previously won this event the last time it was conducted (in 2020, pre-COVID-19) with a time of 46:32 on a different course.  Greenville Track Club-ELITE was established in 2012 and is entering its second decade as a post-collegiate, Olympic development program. The program produced four qualifiers for the 2016 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles, one qualifier/participant for the 2019 Pam American Games Marathon in. Lima, Peru, three qualifiers/two participants for the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta, GA and one qualifier and participant in the 2021 USATF Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 3000m Steeplechase. The program's runners set four South Carolina State road race records in 2020 (5K, 15K and Half Marathon--twice) and three (15K, 10-Mile and 20K) in 2021. GTC-ELITE also produced the South Carolina Men's 2020 Long Distance Runner of the Year.
The program is sponsored and supported by the 51-year-old Greenville Track Club, ASICS, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, UCAN energy products, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
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 GTC-ELITE'S Eddie Garcia (left) and Jason Weitzel (right) with winner James Quattlebaum (center) Greenville Track Club-ELITE's Jason Weitzel and Eddie Garcia placed second and third in the 44th GTC Run Downtown on a cold and brisk Saturday morning. The race was won by Greenville's James Quattlebaum, who is currently ranked first in the USATF South Carolina Road Race Rankings. Quattlebaum's time of 14:14 equals the record for the 5K event, which was set by former GTC-ELITE Austin Steagall in 2017 on a different course. Weitzel, the 2022 Run Downtown champion, who is ranked second in the SC Road Race Rankings, improved his time from 14:37 last year to 14:29. That is now the third fastest performance in race history. Garcia ran 14:40, which now ranks equal fifth in race history, equaling former GTC-ELITE's Adam Freudenthal's time from 2013.  All Time Fastest Performances at GTC Run Downtown 5K 1. Austin Steagall, GTC-ELITE - 14:14 (2017) 1. James Quattlebaum, Run In - 14:14 (2023) new course 3. Jason Weitzel, GTC-ELITE - 14:29 (2023) new course 4. Jason Weitzel, GTC-ELITE - 14:37 (2022) 5. Adam Freudenthal, GTC-ELITE - 14:40 (2013) 5. Eddie Garcia, GTC-ELITE - 14:40 (2023) new course 7. Walter Bugler, Run In - 14:41 (2020) 8. Cole Atkins - 14:41 (2020) 9. Adam Freudenthal, GTC-ELITE - 14:52 (2014) 10. Joe Niemiec, GTC-ELITE - 14:53 (2019) 11. Austin Steagall, GTC-ELITE - 14:54 (2018) 12. Eddie Garcia, GTC-ELITE - 14:56 (2020)
Greenville Track Club-ELITE was established in 2012 and is entering its second decade as a post-collegiate, Olympic development program. The program produced four qualifiers for the 2016 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles, one qualifier/participant for the 2019 Pam American Games Marathon in. Lima, Peru, three qualifiers/two participants for the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta, GA and one qualifier and participant in the 2021 USATF Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 3000m Steeplechase. The program's runners set four South Carolina State road race records in 2020 (5K, 15K and Half Marathon--twice) and three (15K, 10-Mile and 20K) in 2021. GTC-ELITE also produced the South Carolina Men's 2020 Long Distance Runner of the Year.
The program is sponsored and supported by the 51-year-old Greenville Track Club, ASICS, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, UCAN energy products, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
Sometimes you just have a bad day. That's what happened to Greenville Track Club-ELITE's Mackenzie Lowe in Sunday's Chevron Houston Marathon. She had race goals of lowering her personal best of 2:48:50 and seemed on her way to do so as she passed 5K, 10K and the Half Marathon with split times of 19:41, 39:13 and 1:23:03, respectively. That pace could potentially lead to a sub-2:47:00 final time or faster. However, she soon began to encounter gastro-intestinal issues that required a visit to a port-potty in the 16th mile. Her stomach issues remained throughout the final ten miles and her pace slowed considerably. She finished with a time of 2:57:25 and placed 75th of the 2,372 female finishers. "I felt really fit and strong going into this, and really believed I was ready to run 2:40-2:45, but a warm and muggy day (and tummy issues probs as a result of that) caused me to really struggle in the second half." Mackenzie explained. "I have never been so happy to get to a finish line. Thankful that I have so much support and a good God that loves me and doesn't define me by results. Ready for a little rest & reset, but you better believe I'm gonna get back to work and get after it next time. I can always gain fitness and lessons/experience from a bad race." Greenville Track Club-ELITE was established in 2012 and is entering its second decade as a post-collegiate, Olympic development program. The program produced four qualifiers for the 2016 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles, one qualifier/participant for the 2019 Pam American Games Marathon in. Lima, Peru, three qualifiers/two participants for the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta, GA and one qualifier and participant in the 2021 USATF Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 3000m Steeplechase. The program's runners set four South Carolina State road race records in 2020 (5K, 15K and Half Marathon--twice) and three (15K, 10-Mile and 20K) in 2021. ASICS GTC-ELITE also produced the South Carolina Men's 2020 Long Distance Runner of the Year.
The program is sponsored by ASICS, the 51-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.  Greenville Track Club-ELITE's Jason Weitzel is ranked second for the 14th consecutive month in the South Carolina Road Race Rankings published this week by South Carolina's USATF record keeper Bill Marable. He is only behind Greenville's James Quattlebaum, who was the 2019 and 2021 South Carolina Long Distance Runner of the year and has led the SC rankings for quite some time. GTC-ELITE alum Ricky Flynn, also of Greenville, is ranked third. South Carolina Road Race Rankings |
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Congratulations to ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE's Alison Parris on her beautiful wedding yesterday at Aurora Farms near Greenville, SC. She married Matt Leonard with family and friends in attendance. Among those were her former teammates; bridesmaids Kimberly (Ruck) Mahoney and Carolyn Watson. Her brother-in-law and GTC-ELITE alum Avery Morris was also in the wedding party. Joining in the festivities were other alum/teammates Chelsie (Woodruff) Townley and Chris Caldwell as well as GTC-ELITE director/coach Mike Caldwell and president Bill Keesling. Alison's college coach and family also attended.
Alison was the second woman to join ASICS GTC-ELITE. She had worked for three years in her home state of Maryland following her 2011 graduation from James Madison University. With the intention of pursuing post-collegiate running once completely healthy after some persistent injuries during her collegiate career, she was selected to attend the RRCA Run Pro Camp, where her interest spiked and she contacted ASICS GTC-ELITE. After her successful interview visit, she relocated to Greenville, SC in May of 2014. During her time with the program Alison competed in almost 40 races and finished among the top five 30 times, including 14 victories and set five course records. She competed in three USATF Club Cross Country Nationals with two top 40 finishes (26th and 33rd). Parris and her teammates placed 8th at those championships in 2015 in San Francisco. She ran personal bests of 16:29 for 5,000 meters, 27:13 for 8K and 35:12 for 10K. She also placed 6th at the 2015 Peachtree Road Race. Alison was employed by ScanSource, Inc. as part of our Adopt An Athlete program. After experiencing a semi-chronic foot injury during the latter part of 2017, Alison retired from competitive running and decided to make a career change and accepted a full-time employment position in her adopted home of Greenville. She is currently completing her education in Cyber Security.
Alison was the second woman to join ASICS GTC-ELITE. She had worked for three years in her home state of Maryland following her 2011 graduation from James Madison University. With the intention of pursuing post-collegiate running once completely healthy after some persistent injuries during her collegiate career, she was selected to attend the RRCA Run Pro Camp, where her interest spiked and she contacted ASICS GTC-ELITE. After her successful interview visit, she relocated to Greenville, SC in May of 2014. During her time with the program Alison competed in almost 40 races and finished among the top five 30 times, including 14 victories and set five course records. She competed in three USATF Club Cross Country Nationals with two top 40 finishes (26th and 33rd). Parris and her teammates placed 8th at those championships in 2015 in San Francisco. She ran personal bests of 16:29 for 5,000 meters, 27:13 for 8K and 35:12 for 10K. She also placed 6th at the 2015 Peachtree Road Race. Alison was employed by ScanSource, Inc. as part of our Adopt An Athlete program. After experiencing a semi-chronic foot injury during the latter part of 2017, Alison retired from competitive running and decided to make a career change and accepted a full-time employment position in her adopted home of Greenville. She is currently completing her education in Cyber Security.
ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE was established in 2012. The program produced four qualifiers for the 2016 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles, one qualifier/participant for the 2019 Pam American Games Marathon in. Lima, Peru, three qualifiers/two participants for the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta, GA and one qualifier and participant in the 2021 USATF Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 3000m Steeplechase. The program's runners set four South Carolina State road race records in 2020 (5K, 15K and Half Marathon--twice) and three (15K, 10-Mile and 20K) in 2021. ASICS GTC-ELITE also produced the South Carolina Men's 2020 Long Distance Runner of the Year.
The post-collegiate, Olympic development program is sponsored by ASICS, the 50-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), The Borch Foundation, generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
The post-collegiate, Olympic development program is sponsored by ASICS, the 50-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), The Borch Foundation, generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
Two ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE athletes are ranked in the South Carolina Road Race Rankings published this week by South Carolina's USATF record keeper Bill Marable. Jason Weitzel is ranked second for the 13th consecutive month. He is only behind Greenville's James Quattlebaum, who was the 2019 and 2021 South Carolina Long Distance Runner of the year and has led the SC rankings for quite some time.
In the Women's rankings, Mackenzie Lowe is sixth. She recently placed second the Magic City Half Marathon in Birmingham, AL, although that race was out-of-state and does not affect her ranking.
In the Women's rankings, Mackenzie Lowe is sixth. She recently placed second the Magic City Half Marathon in Birmingham, AL, although that race was out-of-state and does not affect her ranking.
South Carolina Road Race Rankings
as of December 3, 2022
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ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE was established in 2012. The program produced four qualifiers for the 2016 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles, one qualifier/participant for the 2019 Pam American Games Marathon in. Lima, Peru, three qualifiers/two participants for the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta, GA and one qualifier and participant in the 2021 USATF Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 3000m Steeplechase. The program's runners set four South Carolina State road race records in 2020 (5K, 15K and Half Marathon--twice) and three (15K, 10-Mile and 20K) in 2021. ASICS GTC-ELITE also produced the South Carolina Men's 2020 Long Distance Runner of the Year.
The post-collegiate, Olympic development program is sponsored by ASICS, the 50-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), The Borch Foundation, generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
The post-collegiate, Olympic development program is sponsored by ASICS, the 50-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), The Borch Foundation, generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
Florida State University Track & Field Coach Bob Braman was so kind to bring us a framed Seminole singlet to honor Laura and her time as an FSU athlete. Laura relished her time at FSU and will always be a Nole. We thank Bob for his thoughtfulness.
The inscription reads "Laura Ledbetter Caldwell - Seminole Great - 1972-1976"
Laura was one of the first female scholarship athletes at FSU, where she competed on the Women's Cross Country and Track & Field teams. She held school records in the 800 and 1500 meters. She graduated with a BS degree in Social Work and Psychology and then earned a MS in Counseling and Human Systems. She also was a graduate assistant coach at FSU.
The inscription reads "Laura Ledbetter Caldwell - Seminole Great - 1972-1976"
Laura was one of the first female scholarship athletes at FSU, where she competed on the Women's Cross Country and Track & Field teams. She held school records in the 800 and 1500 meters. She graduated with a BS degree in Social Work and Psychology and then earned a MS in Counseling and Human Systems. She also was a graduate assistant coach at FSU.
Mike Caldwell and Coach Bob Braman
  Ran with her late coach Laura Caldwell's initials on her wrist. |  Mackenzie Lowe - 2nd place |
Mackenzie and Coach Laura in April 2022. ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE's Mackenzie Lowe placed second among women in the Magic City Half Marathon on Sunday in Birmingham, AL. Running in her first race since recovering from COVID-19, she ran 1:21:24 and earned $400 in prize money.
She commented following the race, "I felt really strong!! Slower time for me but I feel really good about getting a good long effort in! Started conservative and really tried hard to stay mentally engaged and focused, especially miles 8-10 when I usually lose focus in a half! My last couple miles were my fastest (5:47 final mile). I basically ran alone the entire time, there was really no one around me except one guy about 200m ahead of me, which helped me have something to focus on and stay mentally engaged in the race. Also used this race to practice grabbing cups since I’ll have to do that at Houston!"
"I wrote Coach Laura's initials on my wrist as a reminder to look at during the race" Laura passed away on September 20, 2020 after suffering a brain aneurysm rupture in June.
She commented following the race, "I felt really strong!! Slower time for me but I feel really good about getting a good long effort in! Started conservative and really tried hard to stay mentally engaged and focused, especially miles 8-10 when I usually lose focus in a half! My last couple miles were my fastest (5:47 final mile). I basically ran alone the entire time, there was really no one around me except one guy about 200m ahead of me, which helped me have something to focus on and stay mentally engaged in the race. Also used this race to practice grabbing cups since I’ll have to do that at Houston!"
"I wrote Coach Laura's initials on my wrist as a reminder to look at during the race" Laura passed away on September 20, 2020 after suffering a brain aneurysm rupture in June.
ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE was established in 2012. The program produced four qualifiers for the 2016 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles, one qualifier/participant for the 2019 Pam American Games Marathon in. Lima, Peru, three qualifiers/two participants for the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta, GA and one qualifier and participant in the 2021 USATF Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 3000m Steeplechase. The program's runners set four South Carolina State road race records in 2020 (5K, 15K and Half Marathon--twice) and three (15K, 10-Mile and 20K) in 2021. ASICS GTC-ELITE also produced the South Carolina Men's 2020 Long Distance Runner of the Year.
The post-collegiate, Olympic development program is sponsored by ASICS, the 50-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), The Borch Foundation, generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
The post-collegiate, Olympic development program is sponsored by ASICS, the 50-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), The Borch Foundation, generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
Eddie Garcia, who rejoined ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE this month, won the Zoom Through the Zoo 5K on a clear, but chilly, Saturday morning in Greenville, SC. Eddie recently returned to training following a bout with COVID-19 after competing in the World Championship marathon last summer. He used the race to test his current fitness level as he begins his preparation for the 2023 BAA Boston Marathon. He ran about 5:00 per mile pace until the final mile which wound through the Greenville Zoo.
Eddie joined ASICS GTC-ELITE in March of 2018 and improved his times, including a then-personal best of 2:18:50 at the 2019 Houston Tenneco Marathon. He was named South Carolina Long Distance Runner of the Year in 2020 after setting SC State records at the Half Marathon distance twice. He also placed 12th in 2019 Pan American Games Marathon (2:19:12) in Lima, Peru.
He represented ASICS GTC-ELITE until July 2021, when he resigned to devote more time for his upcoming wedding to his now wife, Sydney. He then ran for McKirdy Trained until his recent decision to rejoin his former program. In late 2021, Eddie ran a personal best of 2:17:45 at the California International Marathon and then represented the US Virgin Islands over that distance at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, OR.
Eddie joined ASICS GTC-ELITE in March of 2018 and improved his times, including a then-personal best of 2:18:50 at the 2019 Houston Tenneco Marathon. He was named South Carolina Long Distance Runner of the Year in 2020 after setting SC State records at the Half Marathon distance twice. He also placed 12th in 2019 Pan American Games Marathon (2:19:12) in Lima, Peru.
He represented ASICS GTC-ELITE until July 2021, when he resigned to devote more time for his upcoming wedding to his now wife, Sydney. He then ran for McKirdy Trained until his recent decision to rejoin his former program. In late 2021, Eddie ran a personal best of 2:17:45 at the California International Marathon and then represented the US Virgin Islands over that distance at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, OR.
ASICS Greenville Track Club-ELITE was established in 2012. The program produced four qualifiers for the 2016 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Los Angeles, one qualifier/participant for the 2019 Pam American Games Marathon in. Lima, Peru, three qualifiers/two participants for the 2020 USA Olympic Trials Marathon in Atlanta, GA and one qualifier and participant in the 2021 USATF Olympic Track & Field Trials in the 3000m Steeplechase. The program's runners set four South Carolina State road race records in 2020 (5K, 15K and Half Marathon--twice) and three (15K, 10-Mile and 20K) in 2021. ASICS GTC-ELITE also produced the South Carolina Men's 2020 Long Distance Runner of the Year.
The post-collegiate, Olympic development program is sponsored by ASICS, the 50-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), The Borch Foundation, generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
The post-collegiate, Olympic development program is sponsored by ASICS, the 50-year-old Greenville Track Club, Joy Real Estate (Adopt an Athlete partner), The Borch Foundation, generous individual contributors and partnerships with Performance Therapy, Carolina Spine and Rehab, Roll Recovery products, FinalSurge (on-line training log), ElliptiGO, NormaTec Recovery Boots, Cocoa Elite recovery products, Stryd Running, Coach Bob Williams Pace Calculator, the DorsiFlex (stretching device), the MOBO board (balance & mobility), On Pace Wellness (nutrition coaching) and LEVER Movement (treadmill body weight support). The club is a proud and active member of both the Road Runners Club of America and USATF.
