About Us

The Bowling Green Running Club is a nonprofit organization of runners and walkers at all levels and abilities, who are committed to physical fitness and improving their community by encouraging, connecting, and supporting other runners and walkers within the region.

Bowling Green Running Club is a member of Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), the oldest and largest organization in the US dedicated to distance running.

Activities

Encourage local and out of town competitive road racing participation and provide notification of upcoming events and races.
Sponsor competitive road races and walking events.
Provide financial donations to local high school running programs. Boys & Girls Track & Cross Country Programs.
Conduct an annual Grand Prix consisting of selected local races, with custom awards to female and male category winners.
Support and assist in community efforts to promote running and fitness, such as the Greenways project.

Communications

Publish a monthly newsletter
Hold monthly meetings
Maintain a website
Follow us on Twitter
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Instagram

2019 Club Officers

Hank Campbell

President

Hank was born on a dark stormy night, on a roof top on the highest peak in the the Alabama mountains. His mother spent 36 hours in labor at which point his LARGE feet hit the ground running, literally. After years spent traveling the countryside as a share-cropper and blues musician he ran his first cross country race at the age of 12 for the Simmons Middle School Buccaneers or as some call them, the New England Patriots (of Alabama Middle School XC teams).

He went on to win EVERY EVENT in High School track AND FIELD. The rest of his life is all a blur because this is where he peaked. Now after 28 years of sliding decline, he is here to serve as your president.

Paula Hayes

Vice President

Running became “my time” several years ago when my father became ill and not only has it improved my physical health but has kept me somewhat level headed. Occasionally my husband will say, “You need to go run.” I can take a hint knowing that he means “Get the heck out of here.”

I have been slow from the beginning but have found the club members and the running community as a whole to be encouraging and welcoming. And supporting the local races and greenway cleanups go hand in hand with my desire to give back to the community.

Karen McGuffey

Secretary

I was born a Runner but didn’t become a “runner” until I was in my 30’s. Once I found out it is possible to earn medals for age group awards, I was hooked! I’m mostly a short distance runner, racing local 5ks. I run trails or road, though since injury in 2018, my feet seem to prefer the road. For recovery I’ve been swimming & aqua-jogging almost daily & have found it to be a great way to keep my running fitness without all of the pounding. I’ve been running for about 9 years now and am excited to finally support the club as an officer.

Peter Brandt

Treasurer

I did some running in my 20’s but that fell off until 7 years ago when my son talked me into competing in a triathlon with him as I was recovering from neck surgery. I was terrible at swimming, did okay in the biking, but found that I excelled at the running. I still do triathlons from time to time, but find that my competitiveness in running in my age group (& often YOUNGER age groups) is what drives me now. I run daily to keep myself fit and competitive (and so I can eat everything guilt-free that my wife cooks for me) and so I can enjoy the Quarterly Beer Miles we host (for registered BGRC members only). Great group of people to be associated with – Come join us!

Cindy Brandt

Grand Prix Coordinator

I’ve never been a runner. Had never run anywhere but errands and to the bathroom until a few years ago. I can say, even now, running is NOT my favorite thing – I’d rather go hiking or get in my kayak for an all day paddle. But joining Bowling Green Running Club has been a great decision. I love the Grand Prix competition and races. The folks belonging to this club are the most encouraging and upbeat group! They have accepted me regardless of how slow I am and always offer tips, opportunities and encouragement to improve.

And with the friendly competition among us, there’s always a good time every race, Grand Prix event, Beer Mile, Pub Run or banquet. And maybe after a few more races this year, I’ll even start to think of myself as a real runner!

Carrie Herrington

Social Media Manager

I started running a few years ago to try to become more active! I fell in love with running 5k races even though I am a slow runner. Running has brought me many friendships that I truly cherish! I love how the running community supports all runners whether they are slow or fast! Running friends become your second family.

Nitin Jhamb

Equipment Manager

Nitin Jhamb, Equipment Manager

P.J. Pethalsky

Website Administrator

As former club president, I love to see Bowling Green flourish as a running city. I also love to see our club members being great stewards of the city by participating in greenway cleanups and volunteering at other events. Giving of our time is the most valuable resource we can provide our community.

I love trail running first and foremost. I started, like most people, road running. But once I was introduced to the trails the rest was history. I love going trail running at Low Hollow trail in town and then I run with a group of people that routinely go to Mammoth Cave National Park on the weekends.