Have you ever thought about becoming a runner? Running is a great way to stay in shape, improve your health, and have fun in the process.
The Lynchburg Road Runners is the official running club in Lynchburg http://www.lynchburgroadrunners.org/. Joining is easy and reasonably priced. You can find a paper application at the club’s website or at Riverside Runners, located at 2301 Rivermont Avenue.
Annual dues are $15 for an individual or $20 for a family. Student membership is $10 per year for full-time students.
When you join the Road Runners, you also become a member of the Road Runners Club of America.
A newcomer on the Lynchburg running scene is The Aid Station, located on Avalon Drive in Forest. This store started as an online company but opened it’s Forest location in November. Although The Aid Station’s primary focus is trail running, they also offer road running equipment and running clinics.
As a member of the Lynchburg Road Runners, you receive discounts at several of Lynchburg’s outdoor stores and other retailers:
- 10% off at Riverside Runners
- 10% off at Bikes Unlimited
- 10% off at Outdoor Trails
- 10% off at Ragged Mountain Running Shop
- 10% off eye exams and glasses at Dr. Frank Villa
- 10% off orthotics at Lynchburg Orthopedic
Lynchburg Road Runners sponsors an annual race series. In 2011, there were nine running events in the series. For 2012, here’s how the Road Runners’ calendar looks:
- 5th Annual Point of Honor 5K on April 7
- 6th Annual Godparent Home 5K Run for Life on April 21
- 15th Annual Central Virginia Kidney Association 10K on May 26
- Annual Presbyterian Home 5K on June 18
- 6th Annual Downtown Academy One-Miler on July 4
- Annual Percival’s Island 5-Miler on July 21
- Lynchburg Half Marathon, 5K, and Youth Run on August 11
- YMCA 5K and Youth Run on August 25
This group of runs is just the tip of the iceburg in Lynchburg’s running community. Riverside Runners www.riversiderunners.com currently lists over 40 events on their 2012 calendar. These include marathons, trail runs, and fun runs. Also included are a pair of Lynchburg classics.
This year’s Virginia 10 Miler www.virginia10miler.com will be the 39th annual running of Lynchburg’s premier race, held in September each year. In addition to local runners, elite runners from around the world run in the 10 Miler.
The Angels Race Triathalon www.angelsrace.com will be held in April. This event began in 2003, in memory of local teen Brittany Groover who died in a car accident. Participants choose their angel to honor during this event, a person living or departed, who helped make them into who they are.
The last fun run of 2011 will be held on New Years Eve at 9am at Riverside Park. The fun runs are a great way for the whole family to enjoy running or walking.
The first run of 2012 listed on Riverside Runner’s calendar is the Arctic 5K Trail Race on January 28 at 9am at Snowflex. Paper registration is available now at Riverside Runner’s website and online registration will open soon. The Arctic 5K is part of the Liberty Mountain Trail Series.
When thinking about New Year’s Resolutions, consider starting a good habit in addition to breaking some bad habits. Running is good for your heart and your body. You should consult your physician before beginning to run to avoid injuries.
