Many running, walking groups in area

There are plenty of groups for people of all ages and abilities who want to run or walk with others.

For walkers, Don Jolley is the person to keep up with.

Jolley used to do a lot of running until knee problems forced him to quit several years ago. Instead of being completely sidelined, Jolley started a group for people who walk together. They head out from the West Central area every Monday and Wednesday after work. There’s also a walk each Saturday.

“It helps a lot because you have people around you,” Jolley said.

If people are interested in walking with the group, they can call Jolley at 327-9285.

Another great resource for running and walking groups is the Web site of the Bloomsday Road Runners Club. The site lists weekly runs and walks. Jim Hoppe, the secretary, also sends out an e-mail list of weekly events. Hoppe said the Road Runners group welcomes people of all ability levels.

“If someone is just starting out, they’re really good about trying to bring them up to speed,” Hoppe said of group members. “It’s a really accommodating group.”

The Sunday Slugs have their events listed on the Web site. That group meets each Sunday at 8 a.m. at the Manito Park duck pond for a walk or run.

The Web site of the Bloomsday Road Runners Club is http://www.brrc.net.

– Trinity Hartman