Treasure Coast Community
Running News
Treasure Coast Running makes headlines across the region for its dedication to promoting fitness and community involvement. Whether it’s hosting well-attended races, supporting local schools, or bringing runners together through social events, TCRC plays a visible role in shaping a healthier, more connected Treasure Coast. Their efforts regularly draw coverage from local news outlets, reflecting their growing impact across Stuart, Jensen Beach, Palm City, and beyond. Scroll below to explore recent articles featuring the club’s contributions to our vibrant running scene.
Luminaries | Treasure Coast Newspapers
Monday, April 7, 2025
Running community donates money for Stuart track
John Trahan, Treasure Coast Running
STUART — The Treasure Coast Running Club recently presented a $4,000 check to the City of Stuart Commissioners to help maintain and improve the Russell Holloway Jr. Track.
The club joined with three other fitness groups — PSJ Crosstown Running, The Gohon Running Club, and the Hutchinson Island Triathlon Club — to plan an all-ages track meet earlier this year. The funds will be used to assist with upgrades and maintenance at the city track.
The Treasure Coast Running Club is spearheading an effort to improve track and field accessibility in Martin County by organizing community events, providing free athletic training facility, promoting the community health, fostering athlete excellence, and providing safe, accessible space for runners of all levels to pursue their fitness goals, while specifically nurturing the local youth running community.
The project represents a distinctive public-private partnership aimed at preserving and enhancing athletic infrastructure in the area, which was originally built in the late 1980s, to ensure it remains usable for schools, clubs, and the broader community. John Hathaway Jr., a beloved local figure and advocate for youth athletics, located within the Guy Davis Sports Complex in Stuart, where the track bears his name, is a cornerstone of the Stuart community for over 30 years and provides open access for residents.
For more information about Treasure Coast Running, visit tcrunning.org.
Stuart Mayor Campbell Rich accepts a check from John Trahan and Betty Hickok of the Treasure Coast Running Club.
(Photo provided by Misti Guerin)
WPTV | West Palm Beach
February 17, 2025
65-year-old Jensen Beach woman runs 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents
Laurie Copeland crossed the finish line of her 72nd marathon in Miami on Feb. 6, the same day she completed the World Marathon Challenge
By: Joe Fisher
JENSEN BEACH, Fla. — At 65 years old, Laurie Copeland had already run 65 marathons before beginning the World Marathon Challenge which added seven marathons to her total.
Making her accomplishment even more remarkable is that she completed the seven marathons — or 183.4 miles — in seven straight days on seven continents. Copeland was one of 62 runners from 21 countries who crossed the final finish line in Miami Beach on Feb. 6.
“Even people who are runners just think this is way more than you should do,” said Copeland before the race. “I have nothing to prove. I am just going to go have fun.”
Copeland is a Jensen Beach native and self-described adventure-seeker who started running 45 years ago after college. The retired accountant says running always provided relief from sitting for long hours behind a desk. These days, she is still running almost every day and enjoys the social aspect as a member of The Googan Coffee Running Group and Treasure Coast Runners.
Over the years, Copeland has amassed dozens of finisher medals — from 72 marathons, 15 ironman triathlons and a 100-mile race across the Himalayas. Copeland has completed the Boston Marathon 10 times. She completed 17 marathons in 2024 alone, including four marathons in four days in four states — Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Utah.
“How lucky am I? Can you believe? I am 65 years old and still running marathons,” Copeland said.
The World Marathon Challenge put 62 runners on the same private jet. They completed 26.2 mile races in Ultima Base, Antarctica; Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza, and Miami between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6.
“What people can do is amazing,” Copeland said. “I have 60 new friends. I had a lot of fun. We had a great time. It’s the people that make it special.”
Copeland’s cheer squad who showed up to the Miami race said they are proud but not surprised.
“She’s adventurous. She is always open to do new stuff,” Katie Tibbetts said. “She is just such an amazing person and then she goes off and does amazing things.”
Copeland credits her positivity to her success on the open road.
“It’s a choice. You get up every day. You chose who you want to be that day,” Copeland said. “And I chose to be happy and love life.”
Copeland is already running toward her next goal: to run a marathon in all 50 states. She has 19 states to go.
“It’s good to be out and doing stuff and not just sitting at home,” Copeland said. :There are so many things in the world to do if you just look.”
Laurie Copeland finishes a marathon in Australia as part of the World Marathon Challenge. The marathon involves running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents.
(Photo by: Runbuk)
Laurie Copeland enjoys the social aspect as a member of The Googan Coffee Running Group and Treasure Coast Runners.
(Photo by: WPTV)
The World Marathon Challenge put 62 runners on the same private jet. They completed 26.2 mile races in Ultima Base, Antarctica; Cape Town, Perth, Dubai, Madrid, Fortaleza, and Miami between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6.
(Photo by: Runbuk)