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About Us
SOCIALIZING
RUNNING
WALKING
Welcome To The Grand Strand Running Club
Whether it’s the excitement of cheering on Pelicans Baseball games, soaking up sun-kissed beach days, or embracing the thrill of our weekly fun runs in partnership with your favorite shoe store, you’ll always be greeted by a welcoming and motivating community within the Grand Strand Running Club. Join us and unlock a world of camaraderie, fitness, and shared adventures that will have you lacing up your sneakers with a grin every time! Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of something extraordinary – where every step you take is accompanied by the echo of laughter, the warmth of encouragement, and the joy of new friendships. Come run, jog, or walk with us along the sandy shores and picturesque streets, and let the Grand Strand Running Club be your compass to a healthier, happier, and more connected lifestyle! 🏃♂️🌞👟🏖️
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Events & Challenges
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Years of Experience
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Expert Coaches
Our Vision & Mission
The mission of the GSRC is to promote a healthy lifestyle through the sport of running while enhancing the quality of life in the community.
Awards & Recognition
Grand Prix Rewards
GSRC Scholarship
Team
GSRC Board Members
President
Terry Terragna
In 2014, I fell in love with a runner and decided to move from Connecticut to North Carolina. Soon after, I started running myself. My first half marathon was at the beginning of 2016 — and boy, was it an experience! The Weather Channel called it a mini tsunami, and my wife said repeatedly that if it had been her first race, she would never have come back.
Crossing that finish line didn’t deter me, but a total hip replacement in 2018 almost did. It was discouraging to think I might not be able to continue doing something I had found such a newfound love and passion for. After doing my research, I found both a new hip joint and a surgeon I trusted. Just seven weeks after surgery, I completed another half marathon.
Since then, I’ve made a full recovery and continue to enjoy both the sport and the running community. My wife and I love traveling to as many running events as we can each year in our RV. When I’m not working the local finish lines, you can find me running, walking our dogs, or designing and building my next woodworking project.
I am a Past President of the GSRC and have many years of management and leadership experience. I’m excited to embark on this adventure again — leading what I believe to be one of the best running communities around — and I’ll be cheering you on every step of the way. I also believe the GSRC is your club, and I will lead us into the future in the best way possible. – Terry Terragna
Vice President
Tom Eng
I began running in 1984 with my middle school track team and later served as co-captain of my high school cross country team. After a hiatus, I returned to the sport in my mid-30s, racing regularly in local 5Ks and half marathons, and completing two full marathons in 2017 and 2018—just “two and done!” Along the way, I also got involved in triathlons, from local sprints to 70.3 Ironman events. My passion for the sport led me to become a certified USATriathlon Race Director and used my skills to direct a local sprint triathlon in Hightstown, New Jersey.
I developed a passion for long-distance swimming as well, having the opportunity to swim in the New York City harbor and across the Hudson River. I hosted open-water swim clinics at a Peddie lake to help local triathletes prepare for their races. Over the years, I’ve organized several 5Ks, a kids’ triathlon series, and a hometown half marathon in New Jersey before moving to the Grand Strand. I’m also a former USATF Level 1 coach (expired) and a current ACE-certified personal trainer.
After relocating to South Carolina in 2024, I joined the weekly group runs and, with encouragement from then club VP Dawn White, became active on a club committee. It’s been incredibly rewarding to deepen my involvement in such a welcoming and inspiring running community. – Tom Eng
Secretary
Susanne Smelzer
I started running at 50 with a big goal in mind: completing a triathlon. I already had the bike and swim down—but running was a whole new world. In 2017, I crossed the finish line of the NYC Marathon in 7:17:27—proving that determination can outrun speed. I’ve been running ever since.
After moving to South Carolina, I found the Grand Strand Running Club and quickly realized it wasn’t just about miles—it was about the friendships and encouragement that make those miles meaningful.
Outside of running, I am the Owner and Vice President of a resort housekeeping company that keeps me moving in a different way—but the same spirit applies: teamwork, persistence, and pride in every finish line. – Susanne Smelzer
Treasurer
Pat Hafey
I began running in 1974 on the girl’s high school track team, running the mile run. I captured fifth in the city in 1977 with a time of 5:41. After that I ran off and on, because of knee issues. I volunteered to help with the inaugural “Run in the Sun” Myrtle Beach Marathon in 1998. After a long hiatus I trained for and race walked the MB Marathon in 2002 for Team in Training, assisting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I then began running again and in 2008 joined the Grand Strand Running Club which Terry Layton had started. I served as secretary and maintained the membership roster. Since then, I have completed 43 half marathons and numerous 5Ks and 10ks. (But only one marathon, lol). I am happy that the GSRC has continued to grow, and we have so many new members! I love the running community we have here in Myrtle Beach within the GSRC. It is truly like a big family. I look forward to serving as Treasurer for GSRC. – Pat Hafey
Board Member at Large
Johnna Terragna
At age 40, I found myself sitting in a cancer center wondering what I had ever really wanted to accomplish for myself. As several thoughts came and went, one in particular stood out — and that day, I decided that once I got through my course of treatments, I would run a marathon.
I spent the entire course of treatment obsessing over all things running — from shoes to training plans to races. I was 100% in, and even though I hadn’t yet taken my first actual step, running got me through that very uncertain and challenging time in life.
Afterward, I began training, and although it wasn’t easy, I kept going. After completing my first race, I was so impressed with how supportive and encouraging the running community was — I couldn’t believe I had been missing this my whole life. So I kept going. I ran so much that I often didn’t know if I was running away from something or toward something new, but either way, I was finally moving in a positive direction.
After moving to the coast, I joined the GSRC. Though it took me several weeks to work up the nerve to show up for a group run, I not only found a running club — I found a family.
I often say that while cancer changed my life, running saved it. I’m deeply dedicated to promoting the joy of movement, honored to serve my club, and excited to keep moving forward — together. – Jo Jo
Board Member at Large
Chris Hickman
I never really thought about running. Every now and then, I’d go for a jog just to get some exercise — nothing serious. Then, later in life, in my late 30s and early 40s, two things happened that changed everything.
First, I met a girl — and she was a runner. She pushed me to join her, and I’d trail behind, gasping for air but determined to keep up. Around the same time, I was working with Roscoe Griffin, president of the Grand Strand Running Club, and started volunteering at races. I’d be up before sunrise, in the heat or the cold, mixing Gatorade and handing out water. I remember watching the runners laughing and cheering each other on and thinking, “I want to be on that side of the table.”
Not long after, my friend Michael Shank, who was with NS Promos, was putting on a race called The Myrtle Beach Mile. I decided to sign up — my first official race. I trained, I prepared… and then, the night before race day, I celebrated a little too hard.
Race morning came. I showed up in my black and red jumpsuit, matching T-shirt, and high-top sneakers — I looked more like I was going to a party than to a race. My runner friend and Roscoe were both there to cheer me on. That one mile felt like forever. I thought about stopping more than once, but somehow, I made it to the finish line.
From that one mile — the longest mile of my life — I found something new. I joined the club, and the volunteering never stopped. The friendships grew, the miles added up, and before I knew it, running had become a part of who I am.
Now I look back and smile. I’m not exactly sure where here is, but I know it’s been one incredible journey getting to this point. – CH
Board Member at Large
Colette DeThomas
I’m 68 years young, and even though I like to stay on the go, I’m happily on a permanent vacation from the retail management world. When I did work, what made the job great were the people in the next-level positions—the ones who balanced what had to get done with what needed to work.
I feel the same way about running. I set a goal, I know what it takes to reach it, and I get there through motivation and discipline. Motivation is the spark that gets you moving;
discipline is the steady determination that carries you across the finish line. Put them
together, and you can accomplish anything you set your sights on.
I honestly never pictured myself becoming a runner. It just… happened! My journey
began at age 63 when I joined a women’s walk/run group called First Strides, founded
by Jane Serus. It’s an 11-week program where every woman moves at her own pace,
and through encouragement and community, you build strength, confidence, and
endurance.
I loved it so much that I’m now a First Strides mentor—along with mentoring for She Moves, founded by Johnna Terragna. Both organizations are incredible groups that motivate and inspire women to keep moving forward.
My first race was the Turkey Trot 5K in Calabash, and I was so excited to run it. Five years later, I’m still surprising myself with new accomplishments. Whether it’s a 5K, 10K, or 15K, I am proud of myself for finishing, each one getting stronger with my finishing time. I’m especially proud of completing several half marathons—from the Mini-
Marathon to the Wilmington Battleship Race— A huge accomplishment for me was
running the Myrtle Beach Marathon in March 2025.
These are huge milestones for me. My family are my BIGGEST supporters, my husband Steve, and my two children. My
daughter, who ran with me through the Bringing in the Summer Solstice. My son and
the love of his life (my daughter-in-law) and most of ALL my Little Chicklet, my granddaughter who is my BIGGEST supporter and gives me her energy to the finish line. HOW LUCKY I AM!!
I love volunteering at races, pushing a chariot with Ainsley’s Angels, and—one of my
favorites—guiding my friend Brian through racecourses while sharing plenty of laughs
along the way. This running community is truly like family. They welcome you with friendship, understanding, and support, and they lift you up every step of the way.
My motto: Strength is the wisdom through this journey of life.
I keep moving forward—my way—and I never look back, let’s see what I can accomplish through the years to come! Can’t wait! – Colette DeThomas
Testimonials
Our Members Satisfaction
Hold onto your sneakers, because we’re not just any running club – we’re the absolute cream of the crop! When it comes to the world of running clubs, we’ve raised the bar so high that even the clouds have to stretch to reach it. So lace up those shoes and get ready for the time of your life – because being a part of the best running club ever is like experiencing a runner’s paradise on Earth! 🏆🏃♀️🌟
Runner
This is the best running club I've ever been in.
shoe salesman
Running? Nope, I hate it. I'd trade my sneakers for a fireball shot any day!
Fireball Dealer
I used to be the official waterboy, but check me out now – I've upgraded from hydration hero to running renegade! 🏃♂️💦