GCR Hall of Fame

Class of 2004

Ann Taylor

Ann was a leader for the NCH Wellness program in the early 80"s and quickly became a positive force for many locals to begin running. Ann would often take her Wellness group to the local races. She became a very accomplished runner with great times at marathons from New York to London. In 1987 she qualified for Boston. Ann joined the GCR in 1986 and through the years served on the Board of Directors and as an officer. She was also the race director of the very successful Heart Run 10K.

Perry Silverman

Perry got "re-interested" in running through the NCH Wellness program in the 80's. In 1990 he became the Vice-President of the GCR and in the spring of 1991 became President, serving until the summer of 1993. He remained on the Board of Directors until 2002. From the time he first became involved with GCR in 1990 until this day he has always "been involved". He has either organized or helped out at nearly every function and race that GCR has had from 1990. It was his inspiration and hard work that brought the 1/2 Marathon to national prominence. And through all this he was a top national age group runner with PR's of 19:14- 5K; 39:45- 10K; 1:30:13 -1/2 marathon ; and 3:18-marathon. Perry is the "godfather of Naples running".

Class of 2003

Bill Briant

Bill was part of the original group of runners that started Gulf Coast runners in the late 70's. He was the first president of the club and one of its outstanding runners in the 1980's. During his running career with GCR, he ran many marathons and ultra marathons, and won many awards as a master's runner. Bill was retired from the marines when he moved to Naples and worked as a mechanic at the Naples Airport. Bill and his wife Mary now reside in Gainesville Florida.

Some of Bill Briant's race times

RACE TIME

Tangerine bowl ½ marathon 1980 1:24.48 9th

RRCA National 100k championship 1980 9:16.57 7th

Miami 50 mile ultra marathon 1980 7:04 1st overall

Mary Briant

Mary was considered one of the best female runners in Naples and the surrounding area in the early to mid 80's. She consistently was the first female finisher in most of the races she participated in. She was on the board of directors for GCR for many years and for most of it was Secretary/treasurer. When not running, Mary worked at the day care center at the YMCA. She and her husband Bill reside in Gainesville, Florida.

Some of Mary Briant's race times

RACE TIME

Tangerine bowl ½ marathon 1980 1:31.32 6th overall

Law Day 5k Naples 1980 21:35 1st overall

Heart run 10k 1981 44:13 2nd overall

3rd Annual Pippin 5k 1981 20:21 2nd overall

River walk Ale House 10k 1982 39:28 1st overall

Carlos Conejo

Carlos attended Naples high School in 1971 then he returned to Coast Rica until 1978. Upon his return he became reinvolved in running and helped to form GCR. Carlos was the second president of the club, and held the position for both 1981 and 1982. He was considered the top runner in the area in the late 70's and early 80's with wins in virtually every race he competed in. Carlos was the cross country and track coach at Naples high School from 1981 to 1999. He resides in Naples as he has since 1978.

Some of Carlos Conejo's race times

RACE TIME

Pippins 5k 1980 15:52 1st overall

Naples Beach Hotel 10k 1980 32:18 1st overall

Law Day 5k 1980 16:19 1st overall

Naples High Eagle run 5k 1980 16:06 1st overall

John Clay 5 mile 1980 25:03 2nd overall

River walk ale House 10k 1981 32:49 1st overall

Clay Bailie

Clay was present and helped form Gulf Coast Runners in 1979. He was the founder of the Summer Run for Fun program and was the race director for the Pippins 5k for many years. Clay was a consistent top finisher in many races during the 80's, until an unfortunate injury ended his running career in the mid 80's. He remains an active participant by volunteering to help at many races including the Marco island hill run and the Naples Daily News ½ Marathon, and he a resident of Naples.

Some of Clay Bailie's race times

RACE TIME

2n annual Pippins 5k 1980 18:05 6th overall

Marco Island 5k 1980 17:58 2nd overall

2nd River walk Ale house 10k 36:58 6th overall

3rd annual Pippins 5k 1981 17:38 4th overall

Heart Run 10 k 1982 36:11 3rd overall

Law Day Run 5k 1982 16:50 2nd overall

Mark Mcgarity

Mark met Bill and Mary Briant in New Orleans in 1979. They invited him to visit Naples so he could train for the 1980 Olympic trials. He liked it here so much that he became a permanent resident, and with the Briants, Carlos Conejo and Clay Bailie was part of the organization of GCR. Mark was considered one of the premiere road racers of the 80's and early 90's. He narrowly missed going to the Olympics for the marathon and won virtually every local race he participated in. Mark was President of GCR in 1986, though 1989. He has been track coach at a number of the Collier County High Schools and is the current track coach at Lely High School. He is considered and award winning teacher in science.

Some of Mark Mcgarity's race times

RACE TIME

Sun Bank Rotary heart run 1985 25:06 1st overall

Madd Dash 5k 1985 32:30 1st overall

Pippins 5k 1985 15:12 1st overall

Raymond James ½ marathon 1986 1:10.45 1st overall

MADD dash 4 miler 1986 21:00 1st overall