What we are looking for: 

The ideal athlete:
  • Is a citizen of the United States. 
  • Agrees with and commits to the philosophy of the program – gradual yet progressive performance improvement over several years as well as the development of a well-balanced, successful person.
  • Can adapt and to our coaching methodologies and trust our experience and philosophies: be willing to believe in the training.
  • Has an unwavering desire to achieve full potential in mid or long distance running and the maturity and integrity to be a professional athlete in a team environment.  
  • Possesses the athletic potential to develop into a national class mid or long distance runner.  
  • Understands and is committed to the long-term focus (2 - 4 years) and commitment necessary to reach maximum performance ability.
  • Possesses a “champion’s mentality” and enjoys competition. 
  • Believes that further improvements can be made at distances from 1500m, 5,000m and 10,000m as well as long distance events such as Half Marathon and Marathon.
  • Should be very durable with no or few injuries in the past.
  • Must get along well with others and exhibit mental maturity.
  • Would never consider or use illegal performance enhancing drugs.
  • The ideal athlete possesses current personal records as described below (achieved within last 18 months):

Event
1500 meters (track)
​Mile (track)
3000 meters (track)
3000m Steeplechase
5,000 (track)
10,000 (track)
13.1 mile half-marathon
26.2 mile marathon
GTC-ELITE Men "A"
3:43.0
​4:01.0
8:05.0
8:45.0
14:05.0
29:25.0
1:05:30
2:18.00
GTC-ELITE Men "B"
3:45.0
​4:04.0
8:12.0
8:55.0
14:20.0
29:40.0
1:06.00
2:20.00
GTC-ELITE Women "A"
4:18.0
​4:36.0
9:15.0
9:50.0
16:10.0
33:30.0
1:15:00
2:37:30
GTC-ELITE Women "B"
4:22.0
​4:45.0
9:25.0
10:00.0
16:30.0
34:10.0
1:16.30
2:40.00
Athletes (must be USA citizens) selected to join the GTC-ELITE training/racing group, and meeting the "A" standard, will be eligible, but not guaranteed,  to receive:
  • professional coaching
  • ASICS training and competition footwear and apparel
  • housing in one of our program residences 
  • travel assistance to approved competitions
  • physiological testing & evaluation
  • access to periodic massage
  • access to Active Release Therapy when needed
  • access to Chiropractic and Kinesio taping when needed
  • use of state-of-the-art equipment and training facilities in the Greenville area
  • assistance in seeking part-time employment (preferably approximately 20-25 hours per week) with local Greenville businesses
    • there is no guarantee of employment
Athletes (must be USA citizens) selected to join the GTC-ELITE training/racing group, and meeting the "B" standard,  will be eligible, but not guaranteed,  to receive:
  • professional coaching
  • ASICS training and competition footwear and apparel
  • physiological testing & evaluation
  • travel assistance to approved competitions
  • access to periodic massage
  • access to Active Release Therapy when needed
  • access to Chiropractic and Kinesio taping when needed
  • use of state-of-the-art equipment and training facilities in the Greenville area
  • assistance in seeking part-time employment (preferably approximately 20-25 hours per week) with local Greenville businesses
Athletes who are USA citizens and have met one or more of the above performance standards within the last 18 months and are interested in becoming an GTC-ELITE athlete should submit the application @ http://www.gtc-elite.org/apply.html.