How Gulfwinds Gives Back to the Tallahassee Community

Gulfwinds (GWTC) gives back mainly by organizing road and trail races in and around Tallahassee, hosting free community gatherings, and running a volunteer-driven podcast and race calendar that keep local runners connected. The clearest evidence of this is the club's own description of itself as "Tallahassee's premier running organization" that knows how to "put on the best road and trail races in the south," plus its recurring Town Hall events and volunteer-hosted media. If you're looking for a way to run, volunteer, or just meet other runners in Tallahassee, these are the entry points.

Races as the Main Community Contribution

GWTC's most visible form of giving back is its race calendar. The site lists upcoming events with dates and "More Info" links, including:

These span short road races, trail races, a holiday tradition, and a full marathon weekend — so there's a distance and format for most runners. The Turkey Trot is a long-standing local fixture: the club notes it began in 1976 and is marking its 50th running, with a podcast episode ("50 Years of Tradition – the Turkey Trot Story") covering its history and name changes.

Free Gatherings and Member Connection

Beyond races, GWTC hosts a Summer Town Hall as an open board meeting for members. The July 2026 event was held at Momo's in Market Square from 3:30–5:30 p.m., with the club providing the first drink and free pizza, plus a short program from the board. The president's column later described the Annual Town Hall as "a good and fun event" focused on socialization and sharing club information in person. This is a low-barrier way to meet the board and other members without racing.

Volunteer-Run Media and Storytelling

The club's "We Run This Town" podcast is volunteer-produced and hosted by Mickey Moore. Episodes highlight community members and local running stories, including:

• Cross country coaching — three Big Bend middle and high school coaches discussing the full cross-country experience and relationship-building.
• Family Ties to Family Tris — a father-daughter triathlon duo, Clement and Jamila Allen, on their shared journey.
• Turkey Trot history — an inside look at 50 years of the event.

This is a form of giving back that documents and celebrates the local running community rather than just organizing races.

Regular Workouts Open to the Community

GWTC also supports ongoing group training. Tuesday morning intervals moved to the track at Holy Comforter Episcopal School (2001 Fleischmann Road) effective September 1, 2026, starting at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday evening intervals continue at the Skate Park/Rattler Snake location. These recurring sessions give runners a structured, no-race-required way to train with others.

How to Take Part

• To race: check the volunteer race calendar and follow the "More Info" links for each event.
• To meet members: watch for the next Town Hall announcement; past ones have been free to attend with food and drink provided.
• To train: join the Tuesday morning or evening interval sessions.
• To listen or contribute: follow the "We Run This Town" podcast, which relies on volunteer hosts and community guests.

The through-line is that GWTC's community role is built on volunteer effort — races, podcasts, and gatherings are all run by and for local runners.