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Our 2025 officers!
Darren Grant, President
Bridgette L. Collins, Vice President
Bridgette L. Collins, Vice President
Darren has served the Seven Hills Running Club and the running community as a whole for countless years. Darren was elected to serve as President again in 2025.
Bridgette L. Collins, Vice President
Bridgette L. Collins, Vice President
Bridgette L. Collins, Vice President
Bridgette has been a long-distance runner for over 25 years, participating in 19 marathons, 46 half-marathons, and numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, and 10-mile events. She has authored five books, three of which focus on living healthier mind, body, and spirit. Her story, "Never Give Up: My Journey to Become a Runner," is highlighted in the book "The Ultimate Runner: Stories and Advice to Keep you Moving." She has been a proud member of the Seven Hills Running Club for several years.
Lisa Sawka, Registrar
Bridgette L. Collins, Vice President
Ken Johnson, Treasurer
Lisa has been a runner since 2008 and has completed numerous 5Ks, 10Ks, and Half Marathons. She finds running to be inclusive for all people, and wants everyone to find their place in the running community.
Ken Johnson, Treasurer
Ken Johnson, Treasurer
Ken co-founded the club in 1985 and served numerous terms as President and Vice President. He began running in 1961 and racing in 1983. Ken has completed over 1,300 races, to include 101 marathons and ultra-marathons. His book, How to Put on a Road Race, has sold in all 50 states and many foreign countries.
Delma Lopez, Secretary
Delma was elected to serve as the Club Secretary for 2024 and re-elected to serve again in 2025.
Contact Us
first 2025 Officers' meeting!
A message from your officers...
In our first SHRC officers' meeting of 2025, we were thrilled to outline the Club’s vision, goals, and objectives for the year. We explored innovative strategies and new initiatives to enhance member engagement and discussed ways to bring them to fruition. We focused on you, our members, and expanded methods to support your running goals. Together, we aim to create more opportunities that will inspire and motivate you throughout the year.
OUr history
The beginnings...
We love our history. The Seven Hills Running Club was established at an organizational meeting in the First National Bank Building in Huntsville in September 1985. The initiative was spearheaded by Ken Johnson and Cheryl Sewell. Ken was elected president, and Cheryl, vice president. Jill Baine took the role of secretary, and Dr. Armond Start became treasurer.
The name 'Seven Hills Running Club' was selected a few weeks later from a list of around 50 potential names, most of which included the word 'hills.' Anyone who has run in Huntsville understands why 'hills' had to be part of the name. The name 'Seven Hills Running Club' was suggested by Sylvia LaRue, a secretary in the Texas Department of Corrections who was not a Club member.
ARTICLE IMAGE FROM THE LATE EIGHTIES...
The oldest Seven Hills Running Club roster is dated October 8, 1985. It listed 29 members: Don, Diana, Wun, and Gina Augustin, Jill Baine, Bill Carmichael, Bob Gooding, Barbara Hart, Ken, Marilynn, Lisa, Kenny, George, Mary, and Ben Johnson, Doug Moore, Art Mosley, Lonnie, and K. C. Odom, Dante Pena, Mike Pugh, Mark Renfro, Serena Rice, Cheryl Sewell, Pete and Lynne Springer, Armond and Judy Start, and Phillip Townsend. Many others joined as charter members in the subsequent months, boosting membership to around 150.
Besides meetings and a monthly newsletter, the Seven Hills Running Club organized dinners, guest speakers, and monthly Club runs, and initiated several races for the public. These included the Great Escape 10K, Raven Run (5 miles), Charity Mile, Texas 10K Run, and the Huntsville Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk. These races attracted many visitors to Huntsville, promoted running in the city, and profits were used for supporting local charities, purchasing race equipment, and managing the Club.
ARTICLE IMAGE FROM THE LATE EIGHTIES...
Unfortunately, in September 1995, ten years after it was formed, the Club floundered and was disbanded. The race equipment owned by the Club was donated to the YMCA and other non-profit organizations and the funds were donated to local charities. In July 1997, Sam Houston State University announced that they were dropping their annual Huntsville Quarter and Half Marathon after 19 years. This race had been held on the first Saturday of each October, in conjunction with the Fair on the Square in Huntsville. The attendance at the 1996 race had dropped to about 120 runners. Their decision to drop this race and the desire of former officers of the Seven Hills Running Club to take over management of the Huntsville Quarter and Half Marathon helped lead to the re-formation of the Club.
History continued... Article from the late eighties...
The Club was revived in July 1997. Marvin Dittfurth was elected president, Ken Johnson vice president, Esther Cousins secretary, and True Cousins treasurer. The first task was to plan the 20th annual race, adding a 5K run/walk to attract local runners and walkers. Managed by the Club, the 1997 Huntsville Quarter and Half Marathon and 5K Run/Walk drew 356 runners. The race's success was overshadowed by the death of Houston Police Officer Gary L. Price, who suffered a heart attack at 12½ miles in the 13.1-mile half marathon. The 1998 race, honoring Gary, saw 440 runners. In 1999, a record 579 runners participated. Due to increased participation in the 5K Run/Walk, the Quarter Marathon was removed in 2000 but reintroduced in 2012. Due to financial constraints, the last Huntsville Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk was held in 2023.
looking forward to the future! ARTICLE FROM THE LATE EIGHTIES...
It's now 2025! This year, our Seven Hills Running Club will celebrate 40 years of serving and supporting our running community. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of local running in Huntsville, Texas, we have come a long way and continue to inspire runners of all ages and levels. We are most grateful for our runners, affiliates, volunteers, and community support. Together, we are creating a brighter future for running enthusiasts in Huntsville and the surrounding areas. Our journey is a testament to the power of community and perseverance. We look forward to future events that will further strengthen our bonds and promote wellness through running. Join us in our upcoming races and community runs!
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