a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that promotes running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities for the Lakeland, FL community
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.”
David has been a LRC Member since 2019. His first race was the Watermelon 5k and his favorite race is the Mayfaire 5k. David is originally from Georgia and has a goal to run a sub five-minute mile before High School.
After escaping the bitter winters of the Northeast and moving to Lakeland in 2018, Abby recognized how large and active the running community is in Lakeland. That recognition led directly to a decision to take up running for the first time. And, as we all have learned or will learn, getting started is the hardest part.
March is Women’s History Month and one of the women that will live on in the history of the Lakeland Runners Club is Rhonda Fosser. In her 70s she is still running a 24-minute 5k.
When people ask what they are going to get if they join the Lakeland Runners Club, I tell them you’re going to get people like Dave and Cookie Quarles. They have been graciously welcoming new members into this club for over 30 years.
Lynn King has been a dedicated volunteer for the race planning committee since 2017 helping to execute the Watermelon 5k Series and Lake to Lake 10k. Lynn also served as secretary in 2019. Lynn has also coordinated the Tuesday night Pub Run for the local shoe retailer since 2019.