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                                      Parkway Track Club - Post Collegiate Training Group

 

Parkway Track Club, founded by Mark Tompkins, Ronald Wallace, and Collin Anderson, is dedicated to providing a competitive environment for post-collegiate men and women who are serious about distance running in the Williamsburg area. With Mark Tompkins’ proven record of success over 22 years, the club will focus on a conservative, progression-based approach to training that minimizes the risk of injury.

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Mark’s coaching philosophy emphasizes gradual mileage increases and thoughtful workouts, allowing athletes to develop while staying healthy and injury-free. The club fosters an energetic, determined, and supportive atmosphere, promoting both athletic and personal growth.

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For more info: Contact Coach Mark Tompkins at marktompkins1@gmail.com or 757 784-2281

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    GWDRC High School Home School Running Group (Open to advanced 5th to 12 graders)

​Iron Eagle, Cross Country Prep, GWDRC Regular Season - (Beginner 3rd to 8th grade, Advanced group 5th to 12th grade  

July 1st to Dec 31 membership - $200.00

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Iron Eagle Camp Dates and Times:  (Sports Physical needed to participate in GWDRC)

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Thursday, July 17th, 6:45-8:15 am

Saturday, July 19th, 8:00-9:30 am (Long run) 

 

Monday, July 21st, 6:45-8:15 am 

Tuesday, July 22nd, 6:45-8:15 am

Wednesday, July 23rd, 6:45 -8:15 am

Thursday, July 24th, 6:45-8:15 am Weight room 8:15-8:45 am)

Saturday, July 26th, 8:00-9:30 am Long run

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Monday, July 28th, 6:45-8:15 am 

Tuesday, July 29th, 6:45-8:15 am

Wednesday, July 30th, 6:45 -8:15 am

Thursday, July 31st, 6:45-8:15 am Weight room 8:15-8:45 am)

Saturday, July 19th, 8:00-9:30 am (Long run) 

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Cross Country Home School Prep Practices:

Monday, August 4th, 8:15 to 9:30 am

Tuesday, August 5th 8:15 to 9:30 am 

Thursday, August 6th 8:15 to 9:30 am 

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Monday, August 11th, 8:15 to 9:30 am

Tuesday, August 13th  8:15 to 9:30 am 

Thursday, August 14th 8:15 to 9:30 am 

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Monday, August 25th 5:00-6:15 pm​

Wednesday, August 27th 5:00-6:15 pm

Thursday, August 28th 5:00-6:15 pm

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September 2025 Practice Schedule - GWDRC Beginner and Advanced Group 

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM

  • Monday, September 1

  • Tuesday, September 2

  • Thursday, September 4

  • Monday, September 8

  • Tuesday, September 9

  • Thursday, September 11

  • Monday, September 15

  • Tuesday, September 16

  • Thursday, September 18

  • Monday, September 22

  • Tuesday, September 23

  • Thursday, September 25

  • Monday, September 29

  • Tuesday, September 30

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 October 2025 Practice Schedule

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM

  • Thursday, October 2

  • Monday, October 6

  • Tuesday, October 7

  • Thursday, October 9

  • Monday, October 13

  • Tuesday, October 14

  • Thursday, October 16 (last practice) 

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​Meet Schedule: 

 +9/20 (Sat) – RVA Relays (Tentative) Evening Meet - Open Race 1.5 miles (Cost $10 or $15) - Pole Green Park

 +10/12 (Sat) – RVA Showcase (Tentative) Open Race HS - 8:00 am - (Cost $20?)  Pole Green Park

   10/12 - Middle School race late morning - ($10 or $15)  Pole Green Park

 + 10/19 (Sat) - MS State Championship (Tentative)  Pole Green Park 

     Possible Post Season meet based on individual basis

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(Cross Country, Indoor Track, Outdoor Track)

The Greater Williamsburg Distance Running Club (GWDRC) is expanding its offerings to serious-minded high school homeschool athletes. We are seeking dedicated runners who wish to compete in local cross country and track races, including open meets at Pole Green Park, Virginia Beach, and possibly Christopher Newport University (CNU).

Training and Practice

 

GWDRC aims to develop committed runners through consistent training, including 4 to 6 days of running per week. Training will cover three traditional seasons:

  • Cross Country (Fall)

  • Indoor Track (Winter)

  • Outdoor Track (Spring)

 

Summer Training:

  • 1 to 2 in-person practices per week

  • Weekly training guide and remote support via email or phone

 

Fall and Winter Training:

  • 2 to 3 in-person practices per week

  • Participation in GWDRC races and local open meets

Cost:

  • $200 per session (Fall: July to December, Winter/Spring: December to June)

Coaching Philosophy

Under the leadership of Coach Mark Tompkins, GWDRC follows a conservative, progression-based training approach to minimize injury risks while building endurance and performance. Mark’s philosophy centers on gradual mileage increases and thoughtful workouts, fostering a positive and supportive training environment.

Coach Mark Tompkins - Biography

Mark Tompkins, a Palo Alto native, is a highly accomplished distance running coach with over 22 years of coaching experience. He has competed at the high school level, the United States Naval Academy (USNA), and the Greater Boston Track Club. Since 2016, Mark has served as the Head Cross Country and Track Coach at Jamestown High School in Williamsburg, VA.

 

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Mentorship and Coaching Experience

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Mark’s coaching journey has been shaped by mentorship from prominent distance running coaches, including:

  • Hal Daner: Gunn High School, Palo Alto

  • Al Cantello: USNA, Hall of Fame Coach

  • Tom Deridian Greater Boston Track Club Head Coach: Author of The Boston Marathon

Mark has also coached at Coronado High School, Menchville High School, Bruton High School, and Jamestown High School, achieving remarkable success with numerous athletes.

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Team and Athlete Achievements

Jamestown Boys' Cross Country:

  • State Meet Qualifier (18 consecutive years)

  • State Champions (2001, 2008) (Coached by Howard Townsend)

  • Region 4A Champions (2022, 2023, 2024)

  • Bay Rivers District Champions (2022, 2024)

Jamestown Girls' Cross Country:

  • State Meet Qualifier (9 consecutive years)

  • State Champions (2023)

  • Region 4A Champions (2019–2024)

  • Bay Rivers District Champions (2022–2024)

Notable Athletes Coached

Athletes with Notable Times:

  • Caroline Bauer: 10:32 (3200m), 16:54 (XC), 4:53 (1600m)

  • Kylie Brooks: 10:36 (3200m), 17:38 (XC), 4:58 (1600m)

  • Jeffrey Linton: 1:53.75 (800m), Two-time 1000m state champion

  • Jonathan Grimm: 15:19 (5K), Adidas Nationals 2-mile Champion

Division I Athletes:

  • Caroline Bauer – University of Florida

  • Kylie Brooks – James Madison University

  • Claire Bauer – Mercer University

  • Raini Mayo – Liberty University

  • Kaitlyn Ardrey – Christopher Newport University

  • John Vogel – Christopher Newport University, University of Richmond

  • Jackson Giesendaffer – VMI

  • Garland Gray – VMI

  • Clara Wincheski – UNC Asheville

  • Kirsten Long – George Washington University

Division II Athletes:

  • Catherine Wingart – Wingate University

  • Carley Shannon – Ball State (Division I)

Division III Athletes:

  • Jake Ruzevick – MIT

  • Kelly Kingma – USMA

  • Cimon Everrett – Mary Washington

  • Luke Tompkins – Christopher Newport University

Contact Information

📩 Mark Tompkins (757) 784-2281
✉️ marktompkins1@gmail.com

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GWDRC SPRING SESSION 2025
DISTANCE RUNNING FOR 3rd TO 8th GRADERS

HOME SCHOOL DISTANCE RUNNING FOR HOME SCHOOL 9TH TO 12 GRADERS

📅 Session Dates: March 10 – May 7, 2025
🕔 Practice Time: 5:00 – 6:00 PM
📍 Eligibility: Runners must be able to complete 1 mile in under 10 minutes without stopping.

 

Practice Schedule:

  • March 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 28, 31

  • April 2, 14, 16 (April 18 – Run the Dog 5K), 21, 23 (Mini Meet), 28, 30

  • May 5, 7 (Mini Meet)

  • (Total: 16 Practices)

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Registration & Fees

  • 3rd-12th Grade: $100 for the season

  • AAU Membership: $20 (required) – Register after Aug. 1, 2024, for full-year coverage.

  • AAU Club Code: W376BE (Sign up at AAU Sports)

How to Join

 

Special Events:

🏃 April 18 – Run the Dog 5K
🏅 April 23 & May 7 – Mini Meets

For more information, contact Mark Tompkins:
📧 MarkTompkins1@gmail.com
📞 (757) 784-2281

Questions Email: MarkTompkins1@gmail.com
GWDRC Club Coach

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GWDRC Fall Cross Country - 2024

GWDRC returns as the Girls' Middle School Club State Champions and Boys' Middle School State Runner-ups! Jonathan Grimm set a 4K state record (12:45) and recently broke his 5K road race record with a 15:19 at the Dog Street Run. Amelia Valenti was the state runner-up, while Isabella Strumke claimed the Girls' Elementary School State Championship and continues breaking 10-and-under records!

Read the full story at The Spikesburg Story!

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Practice Locations

  • Green Spring Trail / Jamestown HS Track

For questions, contact Coach Mark Tompkins:
📧 MarkTompkins1@gmail.com | 📞 757-784-2281

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GWDRC is a non profit 501c3 organization. 

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Vision statement: To inspire a new generation of distance runners.

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Mission:

Creating a lifetime passion in Greater Williamsburg area youth for distance running through instruction, training, and racing.  

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Things we do:

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a. Provide instruction and education in youth distance running.

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b. Host youth cross country and track and field events to promote the health of young athletes.

 

c.  Host special events in the promotion of youth cross country and track and field.

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Since 2014, the Greater Williamsburg Distance Running Club (GWDRC) has provided a team opportunity for 3rd to 8th grade boys and girls who have an interest in distance running (3+ miles).  Our youth club runners live in James City County, Upper York County and Williamsburg, VA, though the club is open to anyone in the region.  

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