At Delta Hawks Racing Team, our mission is to foster the development of confident and competitive elite distance runners in the Sacramento region, and to pave the way for the next generation of exceptional athletes. Our programs are designed to support athletes aged 7 and up, with a minimum age requirement of 7 years old as of January 1 of the current calendar year.
We aim to do this while committing to these VALUES:
We aim to do this while committing to these VALUES:
- SHOW UP: Hawks make a commitment to show up to practices and races because teammates are counting on them.
- GIVE YOUR BEST: Hawks give their best at practice and races - no more, no less.
- BE SUPPORTIVE: Hawks support their teammates and coaches.
- SHOW RESPECT: Hawks respect themselves, their teammates, coaches, other competitors, meet officials, and all parents.
- HAVE FUN: Hawks work hard but they know how to have fun too!
Meet Our Coaches
Co-Coach, Eric Thronson
Coach Eric grew up in Eastern Washington State, where he was a stand out distance runner. He qualified for the state cross country meet 3 times, finishing 13th his senior year. He set his 3200m high school record of 9:17, and also ran 4:17 and 1:58 for the 1600m and 800m respectively. Out of high school, Coach Eric was recruited to run at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he ran personal bests of 3:55 for 1500m, 8:32 for the 3000m, 15:00 for the 5k and 30:40 for the 10k. He also led his XC team to the NCAA Division I National Championship Meet his junior year. More than anything else, Coach Eric believes in the life lessons and camaraderie that come with the development and growth of a distance running team, and wants to share those values with the athletes he has the privilege of coaching.
Coach Eric grew up in Eastern Washington State, where he was a stand out distance runner. He qualified for the state cross country meet 3 times, finishing 13th his senior year. He set his 3200m high school record of 9:17, and also ran 4:17 and 1:58 for the 1600m and 800m respectively. Out of high school, Coach Eric was recruited to run at Tulane University in New Orleans, where he ran personal bests of 3:55 for 1500m, 8:32 for the 3000m, 15:00 for the 5k and 30:40 for the 10k. He also led his XC team to the NCAA Division I National Championship Meet his junior year. More than anything else, Coach Eric believes in the life lessons and camaraderie that come with the development and growth of a distance running team, and wants to share those values with the athletes he has the privilege of coaching.
Co-Coach, Galen Farris
Coach Galen grew up in Fresno and ran cross country and track in his youth, with some success. After completing graduate school, he rekindled his love of running, and has been heavily involved in the Sacramento-area running community for years. He has competed in road, cross-country, track, and trail events across a variety of distances. In 2019, he ran 15:59 for 5k, 1:13 for the half marathon, and 2:37 for the marathon. He continues to train hard and compete as a masters athlete, and though his body complains more now than it used to, he hopes to continue to train and compete (and lower his PR’s) for years to come. He also now greatly enjoys running with his two daughters. Coach Galen loves the sport of running—especially the camaraderie, fun, and healthy competition it promotes. He is excited to share this with the next generation of runners with the Delta Hawks.
Coach Galen grew up in Fresno and ran cross country and track in his youth, with some success. After completing graduate school, he rekindled his love of running, and has been heavily involved in the Sacramento-area running community for years. He has competed in road, cross-country, track, and trail events across a variety of distances. In 2019, he ran 15:59 for 5k, 1:13 for the half marathon, and 2:37 for the marathon. He continues to train hard and compete as a masters athlete, and though his body complains more now than it used to, he hopes to continue to train and compete (and lower his PR’s) for years to come. He also now greatly enjoys running with his two daughters. Coach Galen loves the sport of running—especially the camaraderie, fun, and healthy competition it promotes. He is excited to share this with the next generation of runners with the Delta Hawks.