Runners find new people and places
A new running group spearheaded by Kathy Webber, the organizer of the North of 89 Trail Series, brings together both seasoned and aspiring runners in order to build community, showcase local trails and improve health and wellness.
Webber decided to launch the Creemore-based run club when she noticed that since the pandemic there were more people out running and she wanted to do something to bring them together.
“It’s a really nice thing to just come out and have a casual run with people who you can get to know,” said Webber. “When running in groups people chat and the kilometres just tick by. Basically it’s great for your mental health and your physical health.”
She is also motivated by the multitude of public access and private trails in the area and is happy to introduce people to areas they have not yet explored. Those who wish to join in the free weekly runs will visit a new trail each Thursday evening at 6 p.m., exploring Dufferin County Forest, Creemore Nature Preserve, the Bruce Trail, and some lovely backroad routes.
“This is not a fast run but if you feel like going faster there are people who will go faster with you. If you feel like going slow there’s me,” Webber said with a laugh. “We accommodate every pace, every stage of the journey, whether you’ve been running for years or you’re just getting into it. We want to make it an accessible group and it’s a really welcoming group of people that have been coming out.”
There is a running coach that has been running with the group fairly regularly, and Webber is able to point people in the direction of several good online tools to help people get started if they want to take up running.
Webber said routes can be altered for those who are just starting out and who will be alternating between running and walking.
“We all learn to run when we’re kids, it’s when we get a little older when career and family takes over that we don’t run as much and running does not come as easily as it did when we were children,” said Webber.
She said for those starting out, a slow and consistent approach is the best path forward to success, adding running is fairly accessible and all that is really needed is a good pair of trail running shoes. Webber also hopes to host demo days to connect businesses and runners as opportunities arise.
For more info, contact run@n89. ca. There is a Facebook group and a Strava group, both with the name N89 Run Club. The runs are published a few days in advance.
Contributed photo: N89 Run Club met up this month at the Main Tract of Dufferin forest for a 7 km run.
