Tom King was one of the founding members of the Nashville Striders Club when, in 1970, a group of local runners organized and adopted that name for its 17 members. Tom King was identified as the President. It would then be five years later in 1975 that the name of Nashville Striders was formally adopted. Tom King had continued to serve as Club President until passing the baton in 1977.

Tom continued to serve on the Board and as an active volunteer as the Striders continue to grow and play a significant role in the running community.

The Nashville Striders Board decided to honor Tom for his role in establishing the Club. The Inaugural Tom King Classic was held in 1995 and staged in Percy Warner Park as a Half -Marathon. In 2001, the event was moved to LP Field [then Adelphia Coliseum] and also added a 5K.

Ken Gupton, owner of Gupton Auto Dodge, Chrysler & Jeep, became the presenting sponsor of the event in 2005. With his support, we have been able to elevate the experience for the thousands of participants that have taken part in our Club’s annual signature event.

Tom King will again be among the participants. You will be able to spot him in the crowd as he wears his custom shirt that reads: I am Tom King.

Medals for All Half-Marathon Finishers Presented By Titans Cheerleaders.

A look inside Nissan Stadium, home of the Tennessee Titans.

Peter Pressman on the left has been the race director for years and works tirelessly to produce this great race every year and gets great speakers like Bill Rogers.

William Henry “Bill” Rodgers (born December 23, 1947) is an American runner and former American record holder in the marathon who is best known for his four victories in the Boston Marathon, including three straight 1978-1980 and the New York City Marathon between 1976 and 1980.

Photos and Video by Blair Ball Photography