The Performance Team

Our mission is to promote and foster the development of adult runners in the Philadelphia area in their pursuit of ever-faster times, team championships, and Olympic dreams.

We provide a structured support system to help our members excel, both individually and as a team. With four support levels—Team Support, Development Support, Sub-Elite Support, and Elite Support—we offer a clear progression path for athletes of all abilities. All members receive foundational benefits like coaching, training plans, and discounts at Philadelphia Runner. As members meet performance standards and actively compete, they can access additional perks such as travel support, race registration reimbursement, and premium gear drops. This system ensures runners at every stage have the resources to grow, compete, and achieve their goals.

For more information on PRTC’s Performance Team and Momentum Program, please contact Performance Directors Zach Michon and Elaine Estes at philadelphiarunnertc@gmail.com

What We Provide for Standout Athletes

Incentives for Excellence

PRTC celebrates achievements with performance-based incentives. Athletes can earn $250 for setting club records, $100 for top finishes in the USATF Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix, and $500 for qualifying for the Olympic Trials or USATF National Championships. Additionally, strong USATF participation can contribute to team prize money ranging from $500 to $5000, further supporting our mission to excel as a club.

SUPPORT FOR USATF PARTICIPATION

USATF competitions are integral to our club’s success, and members seeking Development, Sub-Elite, or Elite support are encouraged to participate in USATF certified events at the regional and national level. We cover USATF dues for our Elite support athletes and reimburse all athletes with high participation in the USATF Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix.

By competing in USATF races and championships, members not only represent PRTC but also help the club qualify for prize money that funds future opportunities. It’s a win-win.

EXTRA SUPPORT FOR NEW COLLEGE GRADS

If you are 24-and-under and have a Sub-Elite or Elite support qualifying time (approx. 15:03 5K for Men and 18:25 5K for Women, or equivalent) and join PRTC before August 31st, 2026 you may be eligible for waived dues via our Momentum Program.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO TRAVEL TO COMPETITIVE FIELDS

Our Athlete Competition Fund helps alleviate financial burdens for members traveling to races. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with funding available for group travel, individual races, and major team events. Whether covering lodging, registration, or shared travel expenses, the Competition Fund allows members to focus on their racing goals.

In 2025, we disbursed several thousand dollars to support travel to events such as USATF Club XC Nationals, Grandma’s Marathon, the HOKA Festival of Miles, the Hartford Half Marathon, and the Detroit Free Press International Half Marathon.

Non-binary Athlete Support

PRTC is proud to offer a tailored support system for that promotes inclusion and competitiveness for all individuals, regardless of gender identity. Members who identify as non-binary have opportunity to pursue competitive standards and receive support to access competitive fields across the nation. We are committed to evolve our standards as the sport progresses.