PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The Friends of the GTM Reserve received a donation of $1,000 from JTC Running, the largest running club in Northeast Florida. The contribution was presented by JTC Running President Larry Roberts and Race Director Mark Ryan to Ellen Leroy-Reed, executive director of Friends of the GTM Reserve and Lia Sansom, assistant manager of the GTM Research Reserve.
“JTC Running has been a welcome contributor to Friends of the GTM Reserve for several years now, helping us to support and enhance environmental education, stewardship of natural and cultural resources, and scientific research at the Reserve,” said Leroy-Reed.
The club held the sixth Guana 50K &12K Back to Nature Trail Races at the GTM Research Reserve trails in December 2017. The race’s main focus is for people to get out and enjoy the area. The success of this event is due in part to the behind-the-scenes help, such as MCM Timing, which provides race timing.
“One of JTC Running’s missions is to provide funds to worthy running-related events or causes in the area,” said Roberts. “We appreciate the use of the trails at the GTM Research Reserve. Besides, we feel it’s a great resource for the area and want to support it.”
“There were 233 runners signed up for the December race, which is approximately 35 more than the previous year,” added Mark Ryan. “The race is a team effort and simply could not happen without the support and help of the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Reserve!”