Running club in Yuma gains momentum
Manoah Tuiasosopo
Manoah Tuiasosopo laced up and joined the run, and had the chance to speak with the organizers who say the response has been far beyond what they ever expected.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – A new running club in Yuma is picking up some serious momentum. More than 200 people turned out Saturday morning for the Canal Run Club Yuma’s weekly meet-up.
“Every week, we ask how many people are new, and we get a whole slew of people raising their hands,” said Eric Castaños, one of the club’s organizers.
The club is quickly become a community staple, drawing crowds of fitness enthusiasts and first-time runners to the sidewalks every weekend.
The organizers say it all began as something simple.
“This just started as something for fun with literally our group, they’re training for a marathon, we’ve done some [10K runs] here and there. It’s just for fun and were just really happy and grateful that we have this many come out and want to hang out, have a good time, and move their bodies,” said Analy Rodriguez, one of the organizers.
The best part? You don’t have to be an experienced runner as it’s not a race. It’s an exercise for all ages and fitness levels and for some, it’s even offering a change of mind.
“Speaking for myself, a year ago, I thought running was the dumbest thing ever…This guy convinced me to run and ever since then you kind of get hooked and then seeing how many other people get hooked just as easily, it’s pretty cool,” said Eddie Carrera, one of the organizers.
As participation grows, so does the focus on safety.
“Aside from these amazing goals and dreams we have in the future whenever they happen, the number one thing is safety for everybody. We’re going to try to make the routes safer and safer and try to stay off the streets even more and just find routes,” Castaños expressed.
As for the future of the running club, Colby Ethington, one of the organizers, says “Definitely every weekend we’ll be out here. Eventually if we can get there, it looks like we can, maybe some sanctioned races here in town, maybe bring another half-marathon if we can, that’s ultimately the goal. It’s just to get everybody out together, bring all of Yuma together.”
The running club gives a special thanks to the local business who have accommodated them since their journey began.
If you want to learn more about the running club, click here.
If you’ve been looking for a fun way to stay active, this club just might be your next Saturday morning tradition.