Ray Nichols

Bio

Ray Nicholas - Runner, Community Builder, and RTC Founder Ray Nicholas is a passionate distance runner and the founder of RTC (Ray's Track Club), one of North Dallas's premier training groups that has helped dozens of runners achieve breakthrough performances and Boston qualifying times. Athletic Background: Ray's running journey began in high school in Orange County, California, where he evolved from a casual cross country participant to a standout athlete. After initially joining the team to support a friend, Ray discovered his talent for distance running and made the difficult decision to leave basketball - his first love - to focus entirely on running. His dedication paid off as he achieved remarkable times including a 15:32 5K and 4:18 mile, helping his team reach third place at the California state championships. Ray also holds a California high school record as part of the 4x1 mile relay team. The Comeback Story: Following a successful high school career and two years of collegiate running, Ray stepped away from the sport for 15 years, during which he explored basketball leagues, Olympic-style weightlifting, and other athletic pursuits. His return to running began serendipitously when a military veteran friend asked him to help train for a half marathon. What started as casual coaching quickly reignited Ray's own competitive fire. Marathon Excellence: Ray's marathon progression is nothing short of remarkable. Starting with a 3:42 debut at the Dallas Marathon in 2014, he systematically improved through dedicated training and strategic race selection. His breakthrough came at the 2019 Houston Marathon, where he ran 2:48 - a stunning 15-minute personal record that he attributes to his best training block ever, surrounded by elite DFW athletes including Melanie Lawson, Jennifer Pope, and Brett Whittle. Community Impact: Recognizing the lack of competitive training options in North Dallas, Ray co-founded RTC (Ray's Track Club) with fellow runner Melanie Lawson. What began as informal track sessions has grown into a 60-member organization that consistently produces Boston qualifiers and sub-3-hour marathoners. The club's success reflects Ray's philosophy that surrounding yourself with faster, dedicated athletes elevates everyone's performance. Current Goals: Now in his early 40s, Ray continues to chase ambitious goals while balancing his running with family commitments - he and his wife Laura actively volunteer with their local high school's award-winning marching band program. His next marathon target is 2:43, as he aims to maximize his remaining years of peak competitive running. Ray's story exemplifies the power of community, consistent training, and never giving up on your dreams - proving that remarkable breakthroughs are possible at any stage of life.