Originally coached by Ian White the club had its early beginnings in 1995 when some city residents set out to form the Royal City Track and Field Society. The club filed for registration in June of 1995 and was incorporated in the Societies Act in July of 1995.

Royal City Track and Field Club’s Junior Development program began in the fall of 1995 during the Cross Country season, with kids track training beginning the following spring with a call for experienced track coaches. Mike Lonergan, a professional coach at the time, was asked to join the team with a group of older athletes he was training. Shortly thereafter Mike took over the “running” of the club. In those days, the club ran under the name City Track, but was registered with BC Athletics as Royal City Track and Field Club. During this period, a number of Mike’s City Track athletes rose to competition prominence, most notably Leah Pells and Tina Connelly.

Leah Pells once ranked first in the world in the 1500 meters and represented Canada at three consecutive Summer Olympics, from in 1992 to 2000. Tina Connelly represented Canada at the 2000 Summer Olympics in long distance.

Mike remains on our club’s executive as an active participant and guide.

The JD program achieved early success with its coaches but faced challenges over philosophy. In 2007, the club settled on our current model of running all programs with volunteer coaches. Since that time the club has grown in numbers and success to become the area’s largest track club with a large group of dedicated, volunteer coaches.

Over the past 25 years the club has continued to grow in numbers, and remains committed to the development of youth in the sport of track and field in our community.