New club off and running

Ron Pietroniro, This Week photo Members of the R U Running Club start out at a leisurely pace on a Saturday morning in Hampton. The first-year club is hoping to attract new members with similar interests..

HAMPTON - They're everywhere you look. Quiet country roads have them, as do sidewalks that meander through quiet neighbourhoods or the downtown.

Runners.

While running can be a lonely pursuit, those out pounding the pavement attempting to maintain a healthy lifestyle have the opportunity to gather on a weekly basis with those sharing a similar interest.

The R U Running Club based out of Hampton is in its infancy this spring, hoping to attract runners from throughout the municipality who want to belong to a group.

The brainchild of Debbie Mackey and Heather Pereira, the new club is offering a unique opportunity to area residents.

" Last year I started running and knew of a lot of people who had to travel to Whitby to belong to a club and I thought there was such a need here," says Mackey of identifying the opportunity for a running club to be established a little closer to home in Clarington.

With the help of Pereira, who was operating a small club out of her home but needed another outlet, the two formed the R U Running Club in the spring, attracting seven dedicated runners. As word has circulated about the formation of the club, interest has grown.

" It gives people a chance to get into a social group and learn how to run," says Pereira, who adds the club is open to both genders and runners ranging from beginners to more seasoned veterans.

" For beginners, there's an introduction and they can get into it gradually and continue on. So many people start out and get injured or get tired and then give up.

" We'll give them the basics and allow them to stick to a program."

Pereira began running cross-country in high school, and continued on through university as part of her training with the swim team. Along the way, she has completed half-marathons, 10km runs and various distances of triathlons.

Mackey has also completed a half-marathon as well, but cited the goal of the new club to be a little less daunting, hoping to work up to a 10km distance by season's end.

The group meets Saturdays at 9 a.m. in Hampton. For more information, contact Mackey at 905-263-8164.

Apr 21, 2004
Brad Kelly, Sports Writer
Clarington This Week