This past weekend, thousands of runners took over the streets of America’s Finest City for the annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon San Diego—but one large group of runners came with a unique level of passion and preparation defined by a professionally coordinated training program at San Diego Track Club.
From the shakeout to the final push across the finish line, SDTC showed up in force. Wearing club singlets, trading high-fives, and cheering louder than anyone else on the course, they embodied the notion of a running family. As their coaches know well, a strong community elevates everyone's individual effort in training and on race day.
SDTC members and Coach Paul Greer before the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
Founded in 1959, SDTC has long been a cornerstone of the Southern California running community and stands as the oldest and one of the largest Run Clubs in the region. With structured programs for beginners and elite athletes alike, SDTC offers training opportunities across disciplines: track, trail, road, and everything in between. Whether members are preparing for their first 5K or qualifying for Boston, they benefit from the club’s deep well of knowledge, inclusive culture, and decades of tradition.
And at the heart of that tradition stands one of SDTC's coaches, Paul Greer who has been coaching for 40 years. A former elite miler and San Diego State University All-American, Coach Greer has led SDTC’s training programs concentrating on middle and long distance conditioning ranging from the 800m to Marathons. He is a frequent speaker, Professor of Exercise Science, and recent author of Going the Distance, Strategies from the First Stride to the Finish Line. Coach Greer's energy, insight, and care for each runner has shaped the club’s unique identity: competitive, yes—but always encouraging.
Coach Paul Greer—40 Years as a Running Coach
Race weekend wasn’t about any one person—it was about the team. SDTC had athletes competing in every event: the 5K, half marathon, and marathon. Some were racing for time, chasing PRs months in the making. Others were simply soaking in the atmosphere, proud to cross the finish line after weeks of training. Regardless of goals, what unified them was a shared sense of purpose—and the unmistakable support system of a club that celebrates every step.
In a sport that can often feel solitary, SDTC offers something rare and lasting: community. The kind that extends beyond workouts and race days into friendships, mentorships, and a sense of belonging that doesn’t fade with the finish line. For many runners, joining the club isn’t just about getting faster—it’s about finding your people.
SDTC Runners at a "Track Tuesday" workout
If this year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon was any indication, the San Diego Track Club is more than a training group. It’s a community in motion! A celebration of what runners can achieve when they show up for each other—not just on race day, but every day.
San Diego Track Club is open to all runners of any ability who are interested in improving their fitness and performance on the track, the road, or the trail. At SDTC you will learn how to adhere to a progressive training program, develop your fitness, speed and technique as well as the finer points like breathing, nutrition, race strategy and injury prevention.
Coached Workouts twice a week:
Track Tuesdays @6pm (2 locations)
- Balboa Park: 6th & Olive St San Diego
- San Marcos: Discovery Lake, 650 Foxhall Dr San Marcos
Tempo Thursdays @6pm
- Mission Bay "Runners Bathroom": 2540 E Mission Bay Dr San Diego
