GoldFinger Track Club: Building Brooklyn Runners in a Global Community

In March 2016, a fun relay race in New York City ended in an unexpected victory for a group of friends. Once people heard they had won, everyone started asking about them, and from that initial spark of success, GoldFinger Track Club was born. Founder Jerry decided to turn the one-off team into a real running crew, but one that was very different from any other. He envisioned a global collective of runners who could train on their own terms but unite with a shared purpose and identity.

The philosophy of GFTC, driven by founder Jerry, is centered on action and inclusivity over speed. Their focus is clear: "We don’t care how fast we are, but we only care about being active." This ethos creates a welcoming space for a diverse group of athletes, ranging from elite runners who win underground races to those focused on completing their first race. The crew's passion lies in making an impact on their community, particularly by "building new runners from the ground up" and celebrating their success stories, with a special focus on the "Brooklyn knights who never ran before."

The community of GoldFinger Track Club is a diverse group of athletes from different parts of the world, united by the "same grind and focus." Their unique structure allows them to operate without a weekly schedule. Instead, they have built a powerful community that exists digitally and comes together physically for key moments. This allows members to maintain their individual freedom while still being part of a supportive and motivating collective.

The culture of GFTC is event-driven and celebratory. While they don't have regular weekly meetups, their identity comes to life when the crew unites for races, special events, and parties. It is in these moments that their diverse members—from the elite to the novice—come together to support each other and represent the GFTC name. It's a culture that proves a strong bond can be forged without the need for constant, structured training sessions.

GFTC extends a special invitation to new runners, particularly those in Brooklyn, who are seeking a supportive and inspiring community to help them begin their journey. Their model is ideal for those who want to "run freely" while still being part of a team. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with them via their official social media channels to be part of their next big event.

GoldFinger Track Club offers a unique, event-based model within New York City's unparalleled running ecosystem. The city is a global hub for running crews, including the women's collective Girls Run NYC, which has its home base in Brooklyn; the community-focused Boogie Down Bronx Runners; and the pioneering BridgeRunners. This rich and diverse network ensures that every type of athlete can find their community.

New York City, and especially the borough of Brooklyn, provides the perfect backdrop for a crew like GFTC. Brooklyn is a vibrant and diverse hub of culture, art, and community, with a fierce sense of local pride. Its streets, parks, and bridges are a sprawling playground for runners, offering an endless variety of routes and experiences for the "Brooklyn knights" that GFTC aims to empower.

The members of GFTC use the iconic running landscape of Brooklyn as their personal training ground. A central hub for the borough's running community is the magnificent Prospect Park, with its famous 3.35-mile loop and extensive network of paths. The scenic routes through Brooklyn Bridge Park, with their breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline, and the journey over the Brooklyn and Williamsburg Bridges themselves, offer challenging and unforgettable running experiences.

The running calendar in New York City is packed with world-class events where the GFTC community comes together to shine. The premier race in their home borough is the RBC Brooklyn Half, the largest half-marathon in the United States, which takes runners on an iconic journey to the Coney Island boardwalk. Members also participate in the TCS New York City Marathon, representing their crew and their borough on the world's biggest running stage.