2007 Tom Bolt (President’s) Award – Marty Clarke

presented by

David C. Purinton

Most of the awards presented here tonight are based on either what a person has contributed to our club from a volunteer perspective or what they have done from a performance perspective. It is rare that a person who is recognized for their selfless contributions to the club is also one of the club’s top runners. Tonight I am honored to present the Tom Bolt Award to just such a person. A member who is a strong performer, but who also takes time to give something back to the club. That person is Marty Clarke.

Most of us are well aware of Marty’s performances at races. For a number of years Marty has continued to consistently run well. He and I often joke about whose turn it is to beat the other one at races. But tonight we recognize Marty for something else. We award him tonight not for his performance, but for what he has done off the road.

Beginning in 2002 Marty took over the Harry Williams Track Meet. This task involves not just one event, but coordinating several different track events, with each event having itself a number of heats. When the city of Huntsville was awarded the Alabama State Games a few years ago they came to the HTC for help in conducting the track and field portion of the games. Marty took on the challenge. This meant that in addition to the local people interested in running the event, Marty had to coordinate with entrants from all over the state, as well as the organization responsible for the Alabama State Games. Marty had to obtain and coordinate even more volunteers as well. Marty not only did this, but did so with the professionalism that runners in our area have come to expect from HTC events.

In addition to directing the Harry Williams Track meet, Marty has for several years also served as an assistant race director for the Autumn Chase runs. This event, which participant wise is the club’s biggest event, takes coordination with Huntsville Hospital, several area schools, as well as the city.

And while those events are the only ones you will see Marty’s name officially connected to, that list does not tell all of what Marty does for our club. Marty can often be seen before races start, helping to set-up, even when he will be racing the event. I have seen Marty stay long after most of the runners have left to help clean up facilities to ensure the HTC would leave a good impression and be able to use those facilities for years to come.

In addition to the assistance he gives at races, Marty also has been leading track workouts for a number of years, serving as not as just a point of contact, but organizing the workouts as well. Recently Marty has also been helping coach one of the area school cross country teams.

It isn’t often that you see a person who runs a majority of the club’s events also make a significant contribution to the club from a volunteer perspective. Marty is one of those few. He not only pushes us to run faster, but his example pushes us to give back as well. Please join me in congratulating Marty Clarke with the 2007 Tom Bolt Award.