About TEAM 413

TEAM 413 - GRACERUNNER MINISTRIES is the world's largest ministry for endurance athletes. Our primary mission is to share Christ with "whosoever" along our journey.

 

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to "Get There & Share" the love of Christ in the athletic world through words and actions; Promote the physical, mental, and spiritual well being of the athlete; Minister to runners in road races across the country as we run "side by side!"


TEAM 413 OVERVIEW

TEAM 413 exists to share the love of Christ in the athletic arena, promote the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the athlete, and compete in road races across the country. We believe that the truth of "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" in Philippians 4:13 is our call to serve Christ in ALL we do.

 

Chris Gillespie’s story is one that will uplift your spirit and touch your heart. From one t-shirt to the largest ministry for endurance athletes in the world – Chris Gillespie calls TEAM 413 a miracle of God's grace. In 2003 Gillespie founded the non-profit ministry inspired by God's calling in his life. Even though he has had a very successful professional career in sports medicine, TEAM 413 is his passion – a labor of love for runners and other endurance athletes worldwide. Whether challenging others to walk a lap around a track or run a mile, change an attitude or improve a relationship, Gillespie shares a message of hope, confidence, perseverance, courage, and strength. His ultimate goal is to exhibit in his own life and to impart to others the truth of his life verse, Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

 

Chris has done much in his 33-year career as a certified athletic trainer. He served in many capacities in sports medicine at Samford University from 1982-2013. He retired from the Birmingham, Alabama institution in July 2013 and spent one year as Director of Athletic Training Administration & Mentoring at the University of Georgia where he was responsible for special projects as well as rendering sports medicine care to UGA’s athletes.

 

Among his many awards in the athletic training field are the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Service Award, the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association District Award, the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association Educator Award, and the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award. Chris was inducted into the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association Hall of Fame in 2008. The highest honor of his stellar career came in June 2012 when he was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame, an honor that exists to recognize the very best in the profession of athletic training.

 

Chris Gillespie's story is one of inspiration. He shares his words of encouragement, God's grace, and overcoming trials to running groups, churches, sports teams, and at marathons speaker series across the United States. Chris is the author of GRACERUNNER – FAITH ON THE RUN and GRACE-WORDS. He is currently working on a third book.

 

A native of Pontotoc, Mississippi, Chris and his wife, Kiki, and their dog, Willie, now live in Seacrest Beach, Florida. Chris has three daughters, a son, and one granddaughter.

 

He has spoken at athletic training and sports medicine seminars from coast to coast. He has also served on numerous athletic training committees at the state, district, and national levels. He has served as president of the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association and the Southeast Athletic Trainers' Association. In addition, Chris served as a member of the Alabama Athletic Trainers' Association Licensure Task Force and was a member and Vice-Chair of the Alabama Board of Athletic Trainers for more than a decade. He was an athletic trainer for track & field and the marathon at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

WHAT THEY SAY:

 

“Chris Gillespie is an inspiring person who has not allowed challenges keep him from achieving goals that only a few runners have achieved. He helps thousands of people improve the quality of their lives each year!”

Jeff Galloway

Olympian and World Renowned Running Coach

 


“Chris Gillespie and Team 413 bring something special to any race he is involved with. Whether it is an experienced, enthusiastic presence at the Expo, a knowledgeable and inspirational speaker, or a calming non-denominational service at the start-line, Chris is your man.”

Tracy Sundlun

Co-Founder, Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series

 

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Phone: 205-790-8413