27 Jan 2004 PTCRC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE TOM CROFTON
Tom Crofton was one of the four individuals who founded the Peachtree City Running Club (1981). Tom’s contribution to and participation in club activities cannot be understated.
In 1983, Tom served as the third Race Director of the Peachtree Classic. Tom’s accounting and auditing background was put to good use in 1986 when he was elected as the club’s treasurer. He again held that position in 1993, 1994 and 1997. Tom maintained the club’s race calendar and processed race results in 1982, 1983, 1993, and 1994. He was the Newsletter Editor in 1982 and 1983. Tom was the Director of the Summer Track Series in 1995 and 1996. He was the original School Support Coordinator and held that position for 5 years from 1995 to 1999. While in that position Tom presented the very first Ronnie Godwin Scholarships. He was also the Race Director of the Billy Mitchell Race. And finally, Tom was the PTCRC President in 1998.
Tom was one of the first PTCRC recipients of the RRCA National Volunteer Service Award. In 2003, Tom received the Most Improved Runner Award. Tom is a past winner of the PTCRC Grand Prix Series.
It would be difficult indeed to find a member of the PTCRC who has been more successful as a runner. He has to his credit more than 25 sub 3-hour marathons (Boston, Marine Corp, etc.) and, in fact, ran three sub 2:55 marathons in a 3-week period. His running began while in the 8th grade and ran in high school (Chicago and LaGrange) and then on to West Georgia College, and finally to a successful road racing career.
Tom helped organize the very first PTCRC relay team. That team competed in Georgia’s First Annual Lake to Lake in 1988. Tom has participated on several relay teams including the Hood to Coast (Oregon); The Colorado Relay; and the Providian Relay (California); and, the Lake Tahoe Relay.
Tom’s PR’s are as follows: 1 mi = 4:27; 2 mi = 9:36; 5K = 15:45; 10K = 32:58; 15K = 53:30; Half Marathon = 1:13:10; and Marathon = 2:35.
Tom is particularly proud of this family and their history of running. His wife, Mary Ann, has run a 4:26 marathon; his son Kevin was on the 1997 McIntosh State Championship Cross Country team and ran cross country for the US Air Force Academy; his daughter Mary Katherine was a member of the 1998 McIntosh State Championship Cross Country team. Both Kevin and his son Michael have advanced in Scouting to the rank of Eagle Scout.