[Skip to Main Content]

Women's Track History

Vassar College was founded by Mathew Vassar in 1861 on the principles of providing a complete education for women. An early advocate of exercise and physical health, the college field day provided the first opportunity in America for women to compete in track and field events ranging from the 100 yard Dash to the "running broad jump." Field day continued annually until 1937, after which a "sports day" continued to foster other athletic events for women at the college.

The Vassar Student Association Track Club was founded by members of the cross country team and head coach Ron Stonitsch in 1985, competing against other schools with NCAA varsity programs. As the club evolved, it also took on sponsoring indoor competition & road races, and expanded to serve both competitive intercollegiate track racing and the campus running community at large. The team has sponsored an annual 24 hour relay a round Main Building on campus, and in 2005 and 2006 traveled to Arizona for spring training. The VSA Track Club, now known as RunVassar, continues to sponsor indoor competition and serve the Vassar community's running interests outside of intercollegiate track competition.

Additional Links: