In 1972, WTRC was started by Gene Adams in Brownfield, Texas, after noticing Brownfield didn’t have a running club. Gene was determined to maintain his fitness, so he ran on the high school track. James Morris, Brownfield’s track coach, noticed Gene, and the two struck up a friendship.

That summer, during the Firecracker race, James and Gene pitched the idea and sparked the interest of several runners. The WTRCs first race, a five-mile course, occurred a month later, in August, at Coleman Park.

For a few years, the two founders assumed responsibility for writing, printing, addressing, and posting a newsletter to members. Along with other charter members, they developed ingenious and innovative ways to ensure the accuracy of runners’ times and attract more runners to races. 

In the 1970s and early 80s, WTRC organized races in Amarillo, Midland-Odessa, San Angelo, Lubbock, and Brownfield. By the mid-1980s, members of the WTRC started clubs in their communities, and registration numbers exceeded 400 people. The running boom was on.

Since its start, numerous individuals have contributed to shaping the WTRC into what it is now: an organization committed to fostering a passion for running. The WTRC still sees incredible success with up to 250 members!