NEWS AND VIEWS
Everyone appears to love this running weather- race events have been packed. Temperatures have been perfect and skies are sunny. No excuses-don’t wait- get out there and register for all the upcoming races- if you can’t run or walk- than volunteer. The GSRC has been busy – elections were held and new officers elected to the board. Many Halloween events were held. First Strides® has completed their fall session with a 5K. Don’t miss our November social Trivia night. Please remember to wear your reflective gear when running as our days are shorter and darker now- be safe!
Annual Meeting & Elections of Officers
GSRC elections were held Tuesday October 24th with a large turnout. Elections were held after a group run and pizza was served.
From Roscoe Griffin, President:
“Thank you for your confidence in electing me for another tern as president, to continue serving with our secretary, Angela Boyd. We’re both excited to now be joined by Dawn White as vice president and Pat Maccareilla-Hafey as treasurer. Both new board members are long time runners and active members who, over the years, have contributed much to making our club the success it is. In their new rolls, this will continue. I’m also thrilled over the enthusiasm I witnessed from the sixty five + who showed up at our recent meeting. We received an excellent response to our call for members to become more active in the club and to serve on one or more of our standing committees. For those of you who stepped up, I believe this will make your involvement in the GSRC even more enjoyable and rewarding. We can still use more help. though. If you are willing and can contribute an hour or so a month, please contact Dawn White. She’ll match your skill and interests with a committee that needs your assistance. We’ll all benefit from your support.”
We’ve organized our new GSRC Communications Committee, with Ethan Richardson as its leader, to take responsibility for the monthly newsletter starting in December
Dawn White, Vice President
“Like many people, I began running as an adult and currently my life revolves around various aspects of this great sport! I am a long distance runner (marathons are my favorite) and I wake up early each morning eager to run and hoping to inspire others to get active. As a Running Coach and Race Director, I have a wide platform to encourage and show others how wonderful running can be and how it can change your life with that first step! My introduction to the GSRC was back in 2012 when I found myself in the middle of the annual Winter Run during one of my own training runs. I stayed on the sidewalk off the race course but eventually found my way to Terry Layton, one of the club founders, and we talked for a very long time. I joined the club sometime after that and one of the many reasons I moved to Myrtle Beach in 2013 was to direct the BFF Pink Ribbon Run and coach the GSRC training teams. I’ve also been involved as the Communications Committee Lead, planning club events, and volunteering at races.
I am excited to serve as your Vice-President and look forward to continuing the excellence of the Grand Strand Running Club!”
Pat Maccariella-Hafey, Treasurer, 
“I began running in 1974 on the girl’s high school track team, running the mile run. I captured fifth in the city in 1977 with a time of 5:41. After that I ran off and on, because of knee issues. I volunteered to help with the inaugural “Run in the Sun” Myrtle Beach Marathon in 1998. After a long hiatus I trained for and race walked the MB Marathon in 2002 for Team in Training, assisting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I then began running again and in 2008 joined the Grand Strand Running Club which Terry Layton had started. I served as secretary and maintained the membership roster. Since then, I have completed 43 half marathons and numerous 5Ks and 10ks. (But only one marathon, lol). I am happy that the GSRC has continued to grow, and we have so many new members! I love the running community we have here in Myrtle Beach within the GSRC. It is truly like a big family. I look forward to serving as Treasurer for GSRC.”
The club participated in the 2023 Treats for Special Kids event being held at Medieval Times on Friday October 27th.
Treats for Special Kids is an opportunity for individuals with disabilities to trick or treat in a barrier free environment. Thank you to all members who volunteered!
Run Ocean Isle Beach
The Run OIB race was held on Saturday Oct. 28th in Ocean Isle, NC. Over one thousand participants completed the 5k, half marathon, or 1 mile run. The weather was perfect- with sunny skies and cool temperatures. As always Coastal Race Productions produced an amazing race- with a great course involving a spectacular view from the bridge over the intracoastal waterway. Each participant received a beautiful medal at the finish line, followed by the after party with food and beverages. The highlight of the race was following Michael Warner’s 1st half marathon.
“A massive thank you to everyone who’s been cheering me on, offering words of encouragement and wisdom. Your belief in me means the world.
I just wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the incredible running community, friends and family. You’ve been such an amazing source of support this entire year.
The journey from a Spinal Cord Injury beginner runner to tackling this 13.1-mile challenge has been both exhilarating and challenging. But your unwavering support, advice, and encouragement have been my driving force.
Shelly made me believe anything is possible and encouraged me everyday to BECOME that post injury endurance athlete that God created me to be. Last year she said, “Honey, what about Ocean Isle Run Ocean Isle Beach 2023
So here we are, with a little help from my friends we are going to make this happen. It’s time to….
“Fly with your WHY” ” Michael Warner
“This A-M-A-Z-I-N-G human being showed so much guts… love… determination … and inspired us this morning !!!!! Talk about flying with your why!!” Kelly Chandley
“A little over a week ago I had the honor of watching a dear friend reach what was thought to be an impossible milestone-running his first half marathon.
At one point in life, Michael was paralyzed and told he would never walk again. He and his beautiful wife, Shelly, wrote a touching memoir about about his journey. Michael and Shelly are hands down the KINDEST, most encouraging, giving, and inspirational people I have ever met. Unfortunately, Shelly passed away in January, but her spirit was with us that entire half marathon (believe me when I tell you I was holding back tears that ENTIRE race).
You did it bud, Shelly would be so proud and we all are. Thirteen miles shared with the kindest souls and best team. It was an absolute honor being your camel and paparazzi to document your journey. Thank you for spreading joy in this world. And thank you to Johnna and Terry Terragna for providing an encouraging race atmosphere that is so loving and welcoming to all.” Chelsey Richardson
“Holy Cow Shelly Warner we did it – I can’t put into words the depth of my gratitude for the incredible support I’ve received from the running community, my friends, and family. With an amazing support team by my side, I was able to achieve something I once thought impossible – completing my first half marathon!
As most of you know this journey has been especially meaningful because it comes after the loss of my Shelly, the promise I made to her, post spinal cord injury and while battling a seizure disorder. It’s proof that with hard work, perseverance, and an unwavering support system, anything is possible.
Thank you to each and every one of you who believe in me, cheered me on, and lent a helping hand. Your love and encouragement have been the wind beneath my wings. I’m not ready to sign up for another one yet, but I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next.
“ROCK ON” Michael Warner
The Monster Mash
The Monster Dash was a spook-tacular success! Our runners truly embraced the Halloween spirit with incredible costumes that added a thrilling twist to the race. Mother Nature even played her part, blessing us with fantastic weather for our hauntingly delightful event. The course was nothing short of fantastic, and we couldn’t be happier with the turnout. Thanks to all the ghouls and goblins who joined us for this fang-tastic run!
First Strides®
“First Strides® has had another very successful season!!
75 number of women completed the First Strides® 5k in NMB sports park this Thursday November 9th.
We had 24 mentors guide 112 women through the training program with much enthusiasm and encouragement!
49 were new members of Grand Strand Running Club this season!
The race was a success in no small measure due to a great showing of volunteers from GSRC that manned the course, cheered them on and guided spectators to the best spots to see their loved ones!! We are indebted to Jim Troxell for providing timing and finisher medals!!
We at First Strides® are so grateful for the support of GSRC, Fleet Feet, the City of NMBEACH and McLeod Health!”
Kelly Chandley
The following are sentiments shared on FB:
“Every step in your 5K was a testament to your strength, determination, and the unstoppable spirit that propels you forward – your race recap is not just a story, but a celebration of your relentless journey to conquer every mile.” Michael Warner
“Thank you- Michael Warner you truly know how to capture the joy of this event!!! Thank you for being there for us each season. With your time, talent and huge heart.” Kelly
“Thank you Kelly and all the mentors for your dedication and the encouragement you gave us each week and especially during the 5k.
Wow! As a first-timer, this was such an amazing experience and I’m looking forward to the next First Strides season.” Michelle
“Thank you to Jane Serues for creating such an awesome program and to all the sponsors and mentors for your efforts! We will be back.” Lynn