Randy Schmidt, affectionately known in the running community as Guido, is the heart and soul behind GuidoSportif, "Home of the Average Athlete." A dedicated runner since his grammar school days, Randy excelled as a four-year letterman and two-time captain of the track team, and a three-year letterman in cross country at Jesuit High School.

In 1981, Randy founded GuidoSportif to celebrate the spirit of New Orleans running. Known for sporting hilarious t-shirts, Randy often managed club logistics with a brown Manila folder in hand, containing over 300 names and addresses of club members. If you've ever chuckled at a race t-shirt stating, "I might be slow, but I'm ahead of you," you have Randy to thank for that wit.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Randy orchestrated the "2 Mile Average" races, where the slowest runners started first, leading to thrilling finishes. His "Baby Stroller 5k" quickly became a cherished event for parents eager to introduce their young ones to the joy of running.

GuidoSportif also became known for its social activities, such as the annual lip-sync contest and the eagerly anticipated Christmas party. The club's motto, "Tuesday nights—where tears turn into beers," perfectly captures the blend of hard work and camaraderie that Randy fostered—encouraging runners to push their limits on the track and then unwind together over a few beers.

Randy's commitment extended to the New Orleans Track Club (NOTC), where he served as a board member for six years before taking on the role of race director from 2021 to 2022. Working often alongside his wife, Julie, the bookkeeper for NOTC, Randy played a pivotal role in strengthening the club's presence in the local running scene.

Though Randy was a fast runner, his true legacy is his relentless enthusiasm for bringing people together through running. His leadership was never about financial gain but about fostering a community bound by friendship and a shared passion for running. As we celebrate his induction into the Hall of Fame, we honor not just a runner but a visionary who created a community filled with friendship, fun, and a shared love for every mile. And one thing is for sure, Randy may be slow, but he's ahead of you