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Rocky Run YMCA's new running club prepares you for annual 5K trail run


Caitlin Kummeth runs the 10K race last year.
The warmer spring weather is a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and exercise outside.

“With the race season starting, I wanted to give our members an opportunity to get training advice and tips from our wellness coaches or possibly even others in the group and to build a social network and community among the members,” says Mike Bream, Rocky Run YMCA’s Wellness Director.

The new Rocky Runners Club meets at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Sundays in the Y lobby. Led by Running Coach Francie McNally, the runners take off on a few scenic miles run around the Y property. 

“I love how simple running is. I can walk out my door and just go for a run. I love how great it makes you feel afterwards. There are so many mental and physical benefits to running,” says McNally.

McNally brings enthusiasm and over 14 years of running experience to the club. She was a member of a running club over a year ago, but lost the time to go to the runs and workouts.

“I thought that the running club would be perfect at the YMCA, so I put in the suggestion box. This club is very beneficial for members because you are not stuck inside when the weather is gorgeous and there is motivation to go out and run. Everybody benefits from working out with people. Running is the same way. It makes a huge difference when you are running with someone,” says McNally.

The new running club is a great way to introduce runners to the picturesque trails behind the Y. Runners of all ages can sign up now for the annual Rocky Run 5K and 10K Trail races, set for Friday, May 19. The 5K and 10K trail races both begin on the outside track and enters into the trails behind the Y. The downstream portion of the trails parallels Rocky Run creek, rolling hills and impressive rocky stream vistas. Those picturesque views are what inspired the annual trail run.

“The trails behind the Y are so beautiful.  I had wanted to direct a race for a while and one day decided that we could do it right here on the grounds.  It was complicated back in the trails, but we are very diligent in marking the trails so that no one gets lost.  It is quite a pretty run,” says Mary Curcio, Rocky Run Y’s Associate Executive Director.

With so many 5K road races in the area, Curcio says the trail run is distinctive in several ways.

“I feel that this race is unique because it is a trail run. There aren’t many trail runs in Delaware County and this is on a Friday night which makes it fun because we all go out afterwards to talk about the challenge,” says Curcio.

The trail run benefits the Y’s Annual Campaign, which helps nurture children, strengthen families and build communities by providing financial assistance to community members who need it the most. 

“I love the community this race brings together.  We bring companies and community and camaraderie.  It’s a great race for a good cause,” says Curcio.

Kids Fun Run  starts at 6 p.m. - $10
10K Trail Run  starts at 6:15 p.m. - $30
5K  Trail Run  starts at 6:30 p.m. - $30 
Register online. Volunteer opportunities are available. T-shirts for the first 150 registered participants.

The Rocky Runners Club meets at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 9 a.m. on Saturdays in the Y lobby. Anyone can participate. For more information e-mail Mike Bream.

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