Every so often, Shelbyville resident Gretchen Morgan will drive west in order to run the trails of Johnson County.
It inspired an idea.
Morgan, 54, who helped start the Shelby Roadrunners running club in 2005, is doing the same in Franklin.
Beginning Sept. 5, what’s temporarily being referred to as the Franklin Running Group — a name upgrade is expected soon — will meet every Tuesday at the parking lot of the Franklin Parks and Recreation building.
Runners of all ages and paces are welcome.
The running route will be three miles — 1.5 miles out, 1.5 miles back — on the paved Greenway Trail. More advanced runners are welcome to run longer distances.
Morgan’s initial efforts in Shelbyville started with runners meeting once per week. In time, the Shelby Roadrunners grew to its current format of three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday). She estimates that at least 100 runners have taken part during the past 12 years and that runs usually include 10 to 15 people.
The objective is to generate similar interest in Johnson County.
“I know there is a lot of running interest in Franklin,” Morgan said. “I run over there a lot, and just love the trail system. It’s a great place to run.
“We want to get the word out to the local runners. It’s a lot of camaraderie and making new friends. You really get to know somebody through running. Most of us are not fast runners. I can guarantee it’s a wide range in paces.”
Greenwood resident Bill Goble, who works as a sales manager for PK USA, a Japanese automotive facility in Shelbyville, has been part of the Shelby Roadrunners since 2009.
He looks forward to having another option closer to home.
“It’s more for just the social aspect of it,” said Goble, 46. “Franklin is kind of on the way home, so I’ll be going as often as possible.”
Starting Oct. 3, the first Tuesday of each month in will be “Fast Mile Night” for members of the Franklin Running Group. The final Tuesday of each month is a social night, with runners going out to dinner together following their run.
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FRANKLIN RUNNING GROUP
When: Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Parks and Recreation parking lot (396 Branigin Blvd.)
Cost: Free
Ages: 16 and older (younger runners permitted if accompanied by an adult)
For more information, contact Gretchen Morgan at (317) 604-8002 or [email protected].
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