Honoring the Heart of Running City USA: Atlanta Track Club Celebrates 2025 Volunteer of the Year Awards

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, Atlanta Track Club celebrated the 2025 Volunteer All-Star Awards Banquet, honoring the individuals who make races and programs possible throughout the year. Volunteers are the backbone of the Club's mission, giving their time and energy to ensure every event runs smoothly, and every participant feels supported.

In 2025, more than 11,200 volunteers contributed over 58,000 hours of service, helping more than 140,000 race participants cross the finish line or participate in a program. Their efforts extend beyond race day, supporting training programs, youth initiatives and community outreach. Among these volunteers, 227 earned All-Star status by volunteering at more than 10 events this year, a testament to their passion for giving back to the community.

The banquet highlighted not only impressive numbers but also the spirit of service that defines Atlanta Track Club. From early mornings at start lines to late nights preparing for an event, volunteers make the Club's year-round calendar possible. Their impact is felt in every mile and memory created for runners and walkers across the region.

As the evening celebrations at SweetWater Brewing turned to individual recognition, the spotlight shifted to the 2025 Volunteer of the Year award recipients, whose contributions exemplify the very best of Atlanta Track Club's volunteer community. Atlanta Track Club staff members who work closely with each recipient presented each award, sharing personal stories about the volunteer's work and expressing their gratitude for all they did for the Club this past year, and beyond.

Below are the 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award recipients:

Clarence W. May Jr. Community Service Award: Yvonne Bryant

The Clarence May Jr. Community Service Award, one of Atlanta Track Club's most prestigious honors, recognizes volunteers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to serving the community. This year's recipient, Yvonne Bryant, embodies that spirit through her tireless commitment to events in Atlanta and beyond.

Bryant leads the Mile 2 aid station at the PNC Atlanta 10 Miler, managing logistics and volunteers with efficiency and positivity. Her impact extends nationally, including serving as crew chief at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in Orlando, a complex role supporting elite athletes. Despite living in Florida, Bryant regularly travels to Atlanta and other cities to volunteer at major sporting events, from the Super Bowl to SEC Championship games. Her unwavering passion for giving back makes her a deserving honoree of the Clarence May Jr. Community Service Award.

Road Race Volunteer of the Year: Mark Schmitt

The Road Race Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to support Atlanta Track Club's road races throughout the year. In 2025, that honor went to Mark Schmitt, the Club's Bike Lead, whose leadership and dedication have set a high standard for volunteer service. Schmitt logged more than 49 hours this year alone and has accumulated over 253 hours during his six years of volunteering. Known for arriving early to set up, staying late to break down and offering guidance to participants and fellow volunteers, he consistently demonstrates kindness, reliability and expertise. Whether serving as a crew chief or lending a helping hand at events, Schmitt's commitment and positive attitude make him a valued addition to the Club's road race volunteer team.

Ambassador of the Year: Cathy Stephens

As part of the extensive volunteer community, Atlanta Track Club ambassadors volunteer their time in community-focused ways, such as hosting local group runs, introducing and encouraging others to participate in events and, ultimately, spreading the mission of Atlanta Track Club wherever they go.

Cathy Stephens was honored as Atlanta Track Club's 2025 Ambassador of the Year for her exceptional commitment to promoting the Club's mission and engaging the community. Known for her enthusiasm and leadership, Stephens has played a key role in fostering connections among runners and walkers, representing the Club at events and encouraging participation in programs throughout the year. She dedicated countless hours during the year volunteering in multiple positions, and if there was a role needing to be filled, she took care of it, no matter what it required. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that drives Atlanta Track Club's success.

In addition to the three individual Volunteer of the Year awards, the Club also recognized members of Atlanta Track Club's Pace Team who regularly leads race participants to their finish goals in a half or full marathon, and volunteer crew chiefs who guide teams of volunteers at events. Additionally, all 227 All-Star Volunteers were acknowledged for their time and dedication, volunteering at more than 10 Atlanta Track Club events in 2025. The full list of All-Star Volunteers can be found below.