Evy Barnett

Over the past few years, I've given many hours (and miles) to PPTC. I'm so proud to have supported the rapid growth of our club and fortunate to have learned so much from the members of our community. I say it all the time, but I could never say it enough; I could never reciprocate the amount of love and support I've received from our PPTC community.

I'm incredibly honored to be running for President of PPTC. I vividly remember sitting with my laptop, still a student in college at the time, looking for running clubs to join. I thought maybe I'd go once a week for a run and meet a few friends, I was about to have a lot of time on my hands. As soon as I joined, I was welcomed with open arms and I remember everyone being very friendly, which is why I came back. So much for coming once a week!

In 2020, I became involved with the Diversity Committee and over time I joined the Race Committee and Social Committee. I also served on the Board of Directors from 2022-2024 and I am currently co-chair of the Social Committee. I've spent the last few years learning the ins and outs of our club operations and our Brooklyn running community. I am confident in my ability to serve as President and continue to support our club's mission.

I've supported our club's growth to well over 2,000 members and put on countless club events and races. I introduced Bake-Offs and supported non-running events like Singles Night and Talent Show as a way to recognize and celebrate our community outside of running events. People are dynamic and it strengthens our relationships to understand each other more in depth, which is why we have developed non-running events.

The friendships I've made through PPTC have been unlike any other relationships. Yes, they support me on my runs and through the toughest workouts of my life, but they also support my ambitions beyond the finish line. I've been through some difficult times, however, I had such a huge support system and that made such a profound impact on my life and made these difficult times easier to navigate. From long runs that ended with tears, to achieving dreams I've never thought possible, I wouldn't have been able to grow as a runner, or as a person, without PPTC.

I get in my head on long runs, I get nervous for races, and a bad day will throw me off, but I've always had a shoulder to cry on or someone to listen. When I knock it out of the park, hit a PR I've worked hard for, or crush that speed workout I've tried three times, I know my friends are right there to celebrate. However, I also admire my friends and I am continuously impressed by their character and drive to challenge themselves and achieve their own goals. We are a group of runners, but we are also an incredible group with diverse individuals who all bring different perspectives to our greater community. I've been fortunate to learn what a great community can be and how it can provide for others.

In a seemingly endless pursuit to give back to the community that has provided me so much, I hope you'll consider me for President.