Kelly Haug

Please share a little about yourself. : Truth be told, I started running consistently in 2021, and joined the Track Club shortly after that. If you don't see me on the pavement, you'll see me with my nose in a book, or my hands deep in a knitting project.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: I believe in the Track Club's inclusive outlook that we serve all skill levels and all abilities. The Track Club is about far more than just running, and being able to reach more individuals who are looking for a group is what I am most interested in. This modern era has left a lot of us feeling very lonely, and I believe this club allows for a safe and welcoming space for all.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: This past year I've had the pleasure of connecting with so many people as a member of the Track Club Ambassadors. Cheering everyone on during the Summer Series, seeing smiling faces at community events, and sweating it out at races. Track Club has become such a massive part of who I am and how I have grown over the last few years.

Is there anything else you want to share? : Running is not about the chip time, it's about the excitement and fun of being out with friends.

Katie Armstrong (Incumbent)

Please share a little about yourself. : I first got involved with the Traverse City Track Club as an early participant in the TCTC Training Program. Following a structured plan and running with the support and encouragement of others helped me improve dramatically as a runner, find new friends, and realize all the good that this club has shared with the five-county area over the years. I have since volunteered as a mentor for TCTC Training to help others achieve their own running goals and expand this community of support. I love running meandering dirt trails through the woods and escaping from cars on the TART, Boardman Lake Loop and Leelanau trails. I have run four marathons, but my favorite distance is closer to a half-marathon or 25k.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: It has been an honor to serve on the TCTC Board of Directors since first being elected as a director-at-large starting in 2020 and then secretary in 2023. I am proud to have helped the club navigate the financial challenges of the covid-19 pandemic, serve on the executive search committees for two executive directors, and help develop the club's new strategic plan. My favorite part of being on the TCTC Board is serving on the Charitable Giving Committee to amplify the club's mission by supporting impactful projects of other nonprofit organizations and schools. Now that we are hopefully in a more stable position, I hope to continue this work with our capable and dedicated staff and board to use the strategic plan to bring our mission to life through our own programs and community collaborations. As an organized and detail-oriented person, I am especially well-suited to take on the additional responsibilities of the secretary position.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: I try to live the mission of the Traverse City Track Club by setting a good example through my own active lifestyle, running and walking for its physical and mental health benefits and supporting other runners and walkers both in and out of competition. I love the community I've found through running and often consider the trails, sidewalks and fun run routes around town as the "third place" where we meet up with friends outside of home or work. In addition to volunteering for various TCTC events and TCTC Training, I also volunteer as a TART Trails Ambassador and co-lead the Boardman Lake Loop Trail maintenance crew. Having a safe, welcoming, and beautiful place for running or walking encourages so many members of our community of all ages to be active for their own health and well-being, so I am proud to be a small part of making that possible. Like TCTC's final core value of quality, I strive for continuous improvement and hope to be able to build upon the knowledge and skills I've developed on the board so far to help the club grow and improve over the next three years.

Is there anything else you want to share? : Just for fun, here's how I would answer if I got to be the subject of a Runner's World "This or That" column:

Hat <-- Headband
Hilly --> Flat
Rain --> Snow (I'd rather run outside in a blizzard than on a treadmill.)
Style --> Comfort
T-shirt <-- Singlet
Group --> Solo (I often run alone for the schedule convenience but running a lot with others brings my biggest improvements.)
Sun --> Shade
Watch <-- No Watch
Protein bar --> Protein shake (Protein shake if I have to, but a Bubbie's bagel sandwich after a long run is the best!)
Wave <-- Nod

Tracey Allers (Incumbent)

Please share a little about yourself. : The TCTC has been such a wonderful community for me and running has brought some of the best people into my life, many from this very group. I enjoy participating in the many events that TCTC has to offer including weekly fun runs, Summer Series and the numerous Track Club sponsored/partnered races. I try to be as present at as many of these as work and other life obligations allow. After an injury hiatus that plagued the first part of my first term, I am extremely happy to be able to be back running with our wonderful club! I would love to continue to represent and be a voice to such a wonderful organization. I am organized, a team player and am very invested in this community, TCTC and the TC area in general. Hope to see you out on the roads!

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: During my first term as Director at Large I have been able to help secure a key sponsor for the Bayshore Marathon and I was also picked to represent the TCTC at the RRCA National Convention this past year. After having the honor and privilege to serve on the board for these past three years and seeing all of the wonderful things the TCTC has done and is just getting started with, I would love to continue to be a part of the momentum with all of the wonderful things we are bringing to our community! 

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: The TCTC mission applies to me because I enjoy sharing/promoting health and fitness by sharing my knowledge on how to keep people running/walking healthy! As well as promoting fellowship, family recreation and competition by socializing with members at fun runs, Summer Series, etc, as well as encouraging participation in these events whether by running/walking or volunteering to all members of our track club.

Is there anything else you want to share? : I love this club and have had a great time serving on the board with our wonderful group! Looking forward to what's next!

Thomas Sampson (Incumbent)

Please share a little about yourself. : I am a retired public school teacher, principal and college education professor.
Wellness and fitness have been an integral part of my life story for many years. As I segwayed from high school & college, my former team sports of football & ice hockey became less relevant to my career & family situation. I followed a basic weight training schedule for many years. I did begin training for and running 5-K races in my mid-40's. I became hooked. Lifting and running became my wellness mainstay. I had no professionally designed training plan; however, I did know how to do taper week. Our family vacationed on nearby Elk Lake for many years. As time went on we would try our best to be scheduled for the cottage so I could run Cherry Fest & TC Turkey Trot. As a result I knew about TCTC when we retired & moved to Kewadin. I joined the club in the winter of 2019 just before COVID descended. I was able to get a running program designed by Mike H. and get into a TCTC training group. Doing so upped my game and 10-Ks became my race of choice. I plan to continue my wellness/running as long as I'm able and have the type of support I enjoy from fellow TCTC runners. As I tell former running friends "down state", if you lag behind in a TCTC run, someone will come back and get you.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: I am completing my first term as an at-large TCTC Board member. Since my coming on the board our good has moved toward great. At least in my former racing community of Lansing, our events have grown in reputation as professional in organization & fun in participation.
We are on the cusp of breaking through to recognition as a community bulwark in weaving a wellness fabric for all ages in the 5 county area, e.g., the Thursday am fitness walk/run operating out of the new TC Senior Center lead by TCTC ambassadors.
I like hanging out with positive people to work toward common goals, e.g., our recently completed strategic plan.
I hope to be re-elected so I can assist in continued progress.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: The TCTC mission has been part of who I am & what I do since I began teaching special needs students who were being removed from state institutions in the early 1970's. I went on to teach elementary general education students physical education. Try teaching 2nd graders to demonstrate functional pacing in a distance appropriate run. Ironically something I still work on myself, even now having a Garmin. At the college level in the physical education curriculum & instruction class I taught, students could earn extra credit by beating me in 5 basic fitness events. We had fun. Wellness & fitness should be fun.

Is there anything else you want to share? : If elected, serving another term as a TCTC Board member would be the opportunity to grow in being a good listener, advocating for giving back to the larger community and practicing fiscal responsibility.

Karl Bastian

Please share a little about yourself. : I've been a runner for the past 20 years. I've been active in our local running community for almost that long, participating in different TCTC events (Bayshore, Lighthouse Half, Jingle Bell Run, Summer Series, etc.). I've also been race director for some local 5K benefit events, including the Run For Shelter (supporting Goodwill Inn) and the Resolution Run (supporting Traverse Health Clinic). In short, I love to run and I would love to actively support those who want to enjoy this amazing sport here in the Traverse City area.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: Running has given me so much—good health, wonderful friends, the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors—that I want to give back. Being a member of the board would allow me to do this while being a part of a vibrant, inclusive running community.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: It's a mission I'd be proud to support and help put into action.

Is there anything else you want to share? : I participated in the B.I.T. (Bayshore In Training) group for several years. The first year I was in it, we were asked to write down the reasons for why we run. Here's what I wrote (this all still applies.)

I run because...

I like good food—good bread, fat sandwiches, pizza, bread, carrot cake, bread….
There’s a fatter, slower me that’s constantly chasing me.
There’s an older me behind that slower, fatter me.
Running is a language. You can meet a total stranger who “speaks” it and have something in common.
I’m a watch watcher
We have an amazingly beautiful and diverse trail and road system.
47 degree days
The sunrise as seen from Detroit’s Ambassador Bridge
The sunrise…period
Knowing that if even everything else sucked today, at least I ran.
Non-judgemental people
I made a promise
I don’t have to buy hundreds or thousands of dollars of equipment to “play”
On some days…rare days…I feel like I’m flying.
I can going to bed tired, or sore, but completely happy.
Some people get it. Some don’t. And there’s something pretty cool about that.
A hot shower after a chilly run is one of life’s great feelings.
Encouraging people who accept me even though they don’t know me…where else does that happen?
It’s kind of religious and spiritual.
New shoes
Shorts
I see someone else running and feel a twinge of guilt if I haven’t run that day…even if it’s an “off” day.
It’s uncomplicated.
Seeing a mother deer nursing a fawn 10 yards away
The Black Forest
Learning shortcuts in town
Showing my surprised wife those shortcuts
The bay
Group runs
I get answers about myself…not all of them, but some.
I feel lees guilty about binge watching Grimm
It feels good when I stop
I get in a rhythm on long runs and the miles melt away
I sometimes feel fast.
Fall colors on the trail.
It’s absolutely the best way to explore/discover a new city
Being up before the city “wakes up”
Running in snow and wind and rain and having people tell me I’m crazy
Having people who run with me in snow and wind and rain

Because I still can.

Kelse Berndt

Please share a little about yourself. : I’m a Northern Michigan native who found a love for running just a few years ago, and it’s become such an important part of my life. What started as a personal challenge has turned into a true passion that I now share with my husband and kids and now our community. I’ve recently become involved with the Benzie School District’s elementary cross country program, helping to inspire young runners and encourage a love for the sport early on. I’ve also been working on improving my half marathon times and hope to take on a full marathon in the near future. Lately, I’ve been looking for meaningful ways to volunteer and give back to the running community, and I’d love for that opportunity to be with the Traverse City Track Club. For me, running is about connection, growth, and proving that anyone, at any age or ability, can find joy in the journey.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: I’m running for the Director-at-Large position because I truly believe in the positive impact running can have on people of all ages and abilities, and I want to help strengthen that sense of community within the Traverse City Track Club. Since discovering running a few years ago, it’s become such an important part of my life, something I now share with my kids and encourage others to try. I’d love the opportunity to give back to the organization that has done so much to inspire and support runners in our area, including myself. As Director-at-Large, I’d bring energy, inclusivity, and a genuine passion for helping others find their own connection to the sport, whether they’re just starting out or have been running for years.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: The Traverse City Track Club’s mission really resonates with me. I started running just a couple of years ago and quickly fell in love with it, and not just the sport itself, but the sense of community and encouragement that comes with it. I have kids who are also involved in running, so the club’s focus on family recreation and supporting all ages and abilities really hits home. I’m a huge advocate for running no matter where you’re starting from or what your pace looks like. To me, the TCTC’s mission isn’t just about fitness, it’s about connection, growth, and sharing the joy of running with others.

Is there anything else you want to share? : I'm really excited for this opportunity!

Claire Grucella

Please share a little about yourself. : I always say that I am a Northern Michigan girl through and through. I was born to run on the dunes, swim in Lake Michigan, and appreciate the changing seasons. I grew up here, and it was an easy decision to return here after college and build a life. I currently live in Downtown Traverse City with my wonderful husband, Ian, and I know I've chosen the right place to live. My day-to-day responsibilities include owning a business, a brand and a website design studio, where I work with entrepreneurs and small businesses to create brands that have meaning and websites they are proud of. Outside of my work, I love experiencing all that the community has to offer. Before owning a business, I worked for over a decade in the hospitality industry and have an immense appreciation for those who serve us food and beverage. While I am no longer in the industry, I take advantage of sitting on the other side of the bar, trying new foods, and finding the perfect side of French friends (currently, Hotel Indigo or The Burrow has my heart). I am a 10,000-step-a-day gal, someone who's become friends with my 80-year-olds who go to my gym, and a wife whose claim to fame is that she infused a love of running and working out in a man who had never seen the inside of a gym or stepped foot on a track before they met. Whether I am walking the boardman trail, taking a stroll downtown to grab a coffee, or walking on my walking pad at my desk, I swear I'm doing it with a smile.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: Picture this: an eighth grader at a new school, admittedly very awkward (as we all were), and gently forced by her parents to join the school's cross country team. Shy, but not quiet, and wildly stubborn, I walked into my first practice at Grand Traverse Academy with a singular thought, "as soon as my parents let me, I'm going to quit." The first practice was brutal—no training, no friends, and the wrong mindset. I was on mile 2, running a soccer field, and my track coach ran up to me and said something that would shape all of my future decisions and thoughts. "You can slow down, but never stop." From that day, I've never stopped being a part of the fitness and wellness world. I ran cross-country and track throughout middle and high school, joined fitness clubs at Michigan State University, and have completed the M22 Challenge, as well as 5Ks, a half-marathon, and a full marathon in my late twenties. Fitness and wellness are a part of who I am, both in the way I live my life and in how I show up for others. The reason for my interest in serving as a TCTC Board Member is simple: a single sentence about running in a small-town cross-country practice changed the trajectory of my life in a wholly positive way, and I want to be part of something that does the same for others. I'm sure as I write this, another unsure eighth grader is stepping into practice for the first time and has no idea their life is about to change. My joy for them is unfathomable.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: My friends call me their "fitness influencer," and while I am not someone who posts daily walk videos or workout routines, I am constantly encouraging my friends to become more active. Anyone around me knows that if there is something wrong, my first suggestion will always be to take a walk or drink some water. Although I don't have any formal training in fitness or wellness, I intentionally incorporate it into my everyday life. If a friend wants to catch up, I suggest a walk. When my husband wanted to do something together, we signed up for his first and my 100th(ish) 5k. When my best friend wanted to make some drastic changes in her lifestyle, I invited her to the gym. I believe that one day your body will become a priority — whether by choice or by consequence. This is my motivation. My origin story is intertwined with being active. I come from a "play outside" family, have parents who could be heard from miles away on a cross-country course shouting encouragement, and surround myself with "let's take a walk" friends.

Is there anything else you want to share? : I have a catch phrase that I say. "Runners are the best kind of people." Now, admittedly, I am heavily biased, but nothing compares to it. There is nothing like the feeling of standing in a group of hundreds of people, all anxious in their tennis shoes, seeing the early morning fog burn off as the sun starts to rise, and waiting for the gun to go off and the race to begin. Running is the great equalizer. Sure, you can buy better shoes, eat fancy energy gels, and wear only the best quality clothing, but at its core, running requires grit and determination. The only thing it asks of us is patience.

Scott Nutt

Please share a little about yourself. : Ex hockey player turned runner. Been battling some achilles issues the second half of 2025 but should see me at the starting line again soon! Six time marathoner PR 3:25:35, Grand Prix champ 2023, Grand Prix 2nd place and Summer Series Top 10 in 2024. This fall as I been rehabilitating my achilles I have had the honor of being one of the assistant coaches for Glen Lake's 3rd & 4rd grade Pop Warner football team... Go LAKERS!!!

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: I feel like TCTC is in need of new blood and new ideas.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: Community, Active Lifestyle, Quality - it's not just the TCTC mission but something I live by now as a coach.

Is there anything else you want to share? : Keep Hammering!

Lewie Rasho

Please share a little about yourself. : I am a Traverse City native who lives on a third generation farm. On our farm I have the home course for the Traverse City Central cross country team. I have been involved in running since 1970. I ran my first track club event in 1971. I have run in track club events, off and on, ever since. I am still running fun runs, summer series runs, and Grand Prix races. I participated on the track club racing team and am currently an ambassador for the club. I also gained experience with youth by coaching t ball, little league baseball, softball, and soccer.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: Having 55 years of running experience in the Grand Traverse region, I feel that I can bring that perspective to the board. Even though I am fairly set in my ways, I feel that I can be open to change in any direction that aids the club and running in our community. I am especially passionate about promoting running to the young people of our community and would hope that participating on the board might give me more opportunity to further that desire. Thanks for your consideration.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: The mission of the club closely aligns with my personal mission of promoting health , fitness, and recreation through running activities. My personal goal is to be able to inspire young people to make running a lifetime endeavor, as I have.

Is there anything else you want to share? : I personally know most of the people who are currently serving on the board and feel that I could work closely and positively with them. Thanks again for your consideration.

Trevan Thompson

Please share a little about yourself. : I’ve been an athlete my entire life, but I became an avid runner about ten years ago. My wife, Stefani, and I both grew up in Northern Michigan. After spending several years away, we moved back in 2018 to be closer to family. On our very first day here, I joined the Wednesday night fun run—and I’ve been active in the running community ever since.
We live in town with our golden retriever, Maple, and enjoy traveling together, sailing, biking, and spending time on, in, or around the water. Professionally, I’ve spent the past decade working in hospital supply chain management.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: The Track Club has given me so much over the years, and I’m eager to give back. I want to use my passion for running and helping others to further the mission of the club and build on the fantastic reputation our organization has earned.
As a former board member of the Osceola County Community Foundation's Youth Advisory Council, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of scholarships, grants, and events that give back locally. I’m drawn to being part of something bigger than myself—something that will outlive me and continue to make a difference in our community for years to come.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: I’ve always been deeply committed to health and fitness, and I strive to be an active, engaged member of every community I’m part of. I thrive on connection—friendships, shared experiences, and the inspiration that comes from hearing the stories of others.
While I’m not as competitive as I once was, the friendly competition at Track Club events continues to push me beyond what I think I can do. That spirit of encouragement and growth is incredibly motivating and aligns perfectly with the club’s mission.

Is there anything else you want to share? : I’ve completed several triathlons, marathons, and ultramarathons, and I’ll celebrate my 10-year running streak on January 1, 2026. I especially love running when we travel—exploring new places on foot is one of my favorite ways to experience the world.
I’m active on CityStrides and have run every street in Traverse City, as well as in 140 cities across 10 different countries. Running helps me set and reach goals, and it’s a huge part of who I am.

Jonny Tornga

Please share a little about yourself. : My passions in life revolve around music, running, food, and community — and I love embracing everything life has to offer. Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to become the best version of myself. While there’s always more to learn and room to grow, I’m proud to see that dedication beginning to pay off. I now feel ready to give back to the community that has given me so much, and I’d be honored to serve on the Traverse City Track Club board as a Director-at-Large.

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: When I moved back to Traverse City, I didn’t know many people apart from a few high school and college friends I’d grown apart from. After joining TCTC’s weekly fun runs, I quickly found my tribe. Those runs introduced me to some of my closest friends—people I’ve since traveled and raced with all over the country. TCTC has had a profound impact on my life, and I would be honored to give back to the community that has given me so much.

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: I believe movement and community are some of the best forms of medicine. I discovered running during a really difficult time in my life, and through the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other, I was able to rebuild myself and gain a new sense of confidence. That experience changed me, and ever since, I’ve made it a goal to help others feel that same empowerment by creating a welcoming, supportive space for anyone wanting to give running a try.

Is there anything else you want to share? : I work for TART Trails, which is a major beneficiary of the Traverse City Track Club grants program. If considered eligible and elected, I would be more than willing to recuse myself in any situation that might be deemed a conflict of interest.

Jennifer Worden

Please share a little about yourself. : I grew up in Traverse City and running was always an outlet for me and a way of keeping my mental health in check. After graduating from Central High School I moved out to Los Angeles and then decided to check out the world. I moved to London England, Chicago, Philadelphia, Sioux City and then back to Traverse City to raise my children. I joined the Track Club when I moved back, originally to get fit and meet new people. After joining I have now run 5 marathons, 4 world majors, many half marathons and never ending 10ks/5ks!

Why are you interested in serving as a TCTC Board Member?: Joining the Track Club really did change my life, as cliche as that sounds.

I have met some of my very best friends, have been able to run with so many incredible people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.

In 2024 I had the opportunity to join the Bayshore Committee and work closely with many board members. Helping put together such an incredible race and volunteering all throughout the event really made me want to do more. I would love to help be a positive voice for the community and represent the members of the club that I love so much!

How does the TCTC mission apply to you?: Our community is inclusive of everyone and that is so important to me. Running is truly for EVERYONE…no matter your pace this club really just brings everyone together. I wouldn’t be the runner I am today if it wasn’t for the positive relationships I have built from this club.

Is there anything else you want to share? : In a time where everyone is feeling uneasy with all that’s going on. It is important to be there for one another. Traverse City Track Club creates such a welcome environment to enjoy something we all love and keeps us all living longer healthier lives.