every runner has a story
Meet Chris Baker
► From: Lake Wales, FL
► Started Running: 2019, at age 40
► Lakeland Runners Club 2022 Training Committee Chair
Little did Chris Baker know running was going to turn into a new lifeand totally change his life. He is in the best shape of his life now and he and his wife Kim have made some of the best friends through the Lakeland running community.
What is your favorite thing about being connected to LRC?
I am very proud that LRC puts on great events that accommodate runners of every pace and it’s all done 100% by volunteers. There really is no judgment. Just other people who love running, cheering each other on.
Why do you serve on the LRC board?
It means a lot to me to see kids, adults, faster runners, slower runners, all just getting out and moving. I love the programs and group runs that LRC provides to the community. I think they are the best part of the club.
What is your favorite running memory?
My favorite running memory is running the last mile and half of the 2020 Rotary Twilight 5k, neck and neck with Jose Almaraz. We had the best race and really pushed each other hard all the way to the finish line.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
In 2018 I was 70 pounds overweight and could hardly bend over and tie my shoes. I made the decision to get in better shape. Kim and I started out walking Lake Hollingsworth. Eventually I started running a little at a time, until I got up to a continuous mile. From there I just kept going. Anyone can do it. You just got to get up and start moving.
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Meet Chris Baker
Little did I know it was going to turn into a new lifeand totally change our lives. I’m in the best shape of my life now and Kim and I have made some of the best friends through the Lakeland running community.
Meet Jon Mott
A two-time Olympica Marathon Trials Qualifer, Lakeland runner Jon Mott set a personal record (PR) 2:18:03 and won the Mississippi Gulf Coast Marathon on Dec 13, 2020. In 2017, Mott won the Detroit Free Press Marathon in 2:22. You can find Jon running the Lake Hollingsworth area most mornings and afternoons.
Meet Sarah Kozul
The Lakeland Runners Club exists to promote running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities in the community. We are led entirely by volunteers, and for many years Sarah Kozul has been a dedicated volunteer to the club, executing behind the scenes with many, many hours donated to the benefit of LRC, and the entire running community.
Meet Bob & Sherry Harter
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.