Author: LRC Support

Brian Heipp’s journey into running quickly transformed from a supportive gesture for his wife into a passion that led him to become a leader and coach in the Lakeland Runners Club. His willingness to lead and encourage others has not only strengthened the running community but also provided countless runners with an opportunity to improve.

Sharon Nance’s enthusiasm for the Lakeland Runners Club is infectious, and her smile and boundless energy make everyone feel welcome. As a dedicated runner and volunteer, she brings joy and encouragement to all who join her on the track.

Bob and Sherry Harter exemplify that even if you’re not actively running, you can still make a significant impact and give back to the running community through dedicated volunteering and support.

Kathy French took advantage of the variety of training programs offered by the LRC, which gave her the tools to be a confident runner. Initially running for fitness, Kathy’s perspective shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic when she joined the Spring Ahead 5K training group with Betsy Slay. Through this and other LRC programs, she learned the science of running and found a supportive community.

Jeff and Kelly’s story is not just about logging miles or chasing personal bests—it’s about finding a second family and a supportive community that cheers them on every step of the way.

As Louis approaches the remarkable milestone of 50 years of running, and he and Cheryl celebrate over 20 years of volunteering with the Lakeland Runners Club, their commitment shines as a beacon of dedication and passion within the running community.

Kim’s story exemplifies the transformative power of running, showcasing how it not only fosters fitness but also provides profound connections and opportunities for personal growth.

A love of fitness brought Marshall and Glenda together, and now they share their passion for this sport as a director and coach for the LRC. Together, they embodied the ethos of giving back and paying it forward.

A runner and LRC club member for the past 40 years, Will Strouse, now approaching 80, plans to run until he cannot and then walk briskly until he cannot. Running had an incredibly positive impact on his life, allowing him to do things after age 40 that were unthinkable to him in is 20s and 30s.

The Abbott World Marathon Majors is a series of six of the largest and most renowned marathons in the world: Tokyo Marathon, B.A.A. Boston Marathon, TCS London Marathon, BMW Berlin-Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and TCS New York City Marathon.

Yvonne is one of 2,863 American runners, and the second LRC member, who has completed all six world majors. This is her story.

“Never in a million years did I think I could run a marathon. It seemed crazy to me how anyone could accomplish that feat.”