At age 78, John Hrones wonders what will happen to the Needham Track Club when it’s time for him to step down as director after more than 40 years. The club has introduced generations of Needham children to track and field events. “For many years it was only a summer program,” said Hrones. “And the coaches were all parents of the children involved.” Now, the track club hosts four programs a year, and high school students help with the coaching. “It’s not only for the children. It’s growth for the counselors. Some even stay with the program through college.
“The program is hard to replicate,” said Hrones, who believes inclusiveness is a key to its success. There is no division by ability, and all children — regardless of any mental, physical or emotional challenges — are welcome to participate. Although the program has a somewhat different focus than competitive running clubs, it does produce standouts who go on to run track in college.
In part, Hrones’ musings stem from some health issues that slowed him down. A pacemaker has put a new spring in his step and put off any need to reassess his commitment. That’s good news for the thousands of people each year who benefit from his passion and dedication to the Needham Track Club, which started around 1980.
Hrones’ own two kids got involved in the program in 1983. Three years later, when the club was looking for new leadership, Hrones stepped up. He had run the 400 meter in high school and college, and despite having a full-time job as a corporate trainer for Liberty Mutual, he made time to get involved. He retired from his corporate job in 2009 and has run the track club ever since.
In 1989, Hrones organized the Needham Youth Classic that drew hundreds of runners from as far away as Bermuda. And although that race became too much work to continue, the Great Bear Run, which he also founded, lives on.
Hrones has been around long enough to get to know generations of runners. Both my daughters were in the track club 30 years ago and now have passed the torch to my 5-year-old granddaughter. The “young man” I remember running around with his bullhorn back in the ’90s is still there organizing relays.
“Word of mouth keeps the club running,” Hrones said. Now 35% to 40% of the participants come from nearby towns. “I once had a family from Sandwich come all the way to Needham to participate.”
When asked what the Needham Track Club has done for him, Hrones said, “It’s been my lifelong passion. I’ve been successful in developing a lot of programs, and I’ve met a lot of folks on the track.”
Hrones recognizes running the club is a ton of work, but apparently he’s not ready to hand in his bullhorn … just yet.
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