The Excelsior Track Club was founded in January of 73 by four residents of 801 Excelsior Street, Bob Darling, Dan Best, Greg Moon, and Dean Williams. It was Dean’s idea to start their own club and he eventually put up the $25 AAU-Club fee. These former collegiate distance runners were able to recruit other likeminded individuals that were dedicated to the sport. Later that first year, the club won the first of numerous Pacific Association Championships. We were small, but we were being heard of!
Over the next few years, the club would begin to establish itself as one of the top competitive clubs in Northern California. By the 80s, the club’s roster expanded to include a very talented women’s team, that included several near-qualifiers for the first US Olympic Marathon Trials for Women.
Excelsior’s noteworthy accomplishments represents the clubs involvement at the top level of the local running scene for five decades. As our club continues to grow and develop, we will never lose our connection to the past and our history as a club!
“Rocket Bob” Darling Circa May 72
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