Summer Strides
Some say the summer months fly by, but many prefer to run through the hottest months on the calendar at the pace of their choosing. Walking and running is one of the most accessible, affordable ways to improve your fitness and be part of a massive community of individuals that includes those who want to simply get in the routine of taking a stroll to avid runners who are working to trim down their PRs. Thankfully, Lakeland has plenty of great options to keep your feet moving this summer.
FLeet Feet Lakeland
So much more than a footwear store, Fleet Feet Lakeland has built a community that has found its rhythm in bringing people together, testing out products and leaning into a local-first mentality.
Start your week with a Rise & Run
mantra by joining a group of runners of all paces for a lap around Lake Hollingsworth. Meet in the Lake Hollingsworth parking lot, get your heart pumping and blood flowing, and end every Monday gathering with a complimentary cold brew from Pour
Bear Coffee.
Fleet Feet’s beloved Run Club gathers at The Joinery parking lot at 6 p.m. every Wednesday with 2-mile, 3-mile and 5-mile routes to help you push through the noise of your week. End the evening with a dinner, drink or dessert at The Joinery, they often offer specials for Run Club participants.
Stay connected with Fleet Feet Lakeland on the socials to find out when they are hosting demos of high end running shoes from brands like Altra, Brooks and Hoka.
@fleetfeetlakeland
Lakeland Runners Club
For more than 52 years, Lakeland Runners Club has been running strong as a local nonprofit that promotes running and fitness for runners of all ages and abilities.
There is truly something for everyone, with myriad events for beginners through dedicated long-timers and for those who like to share a pint after sweating or those who prefer connecting at a coffee shop following their cool down.
Summer means the club is hosting its annual Summer Sunrise Watermelon Series, a series of three 5ks (one in June, July and August) around Lake Hollingsworth that brings walkers and runners together in a vibrant atmosphere with the purpose of fueling scholarships for Polk County students.
Registration for all three races is less than $70, and walkers are welcome.
For those who want to scratch their running itch year round, Lakeland Runners Club memberships are just $30 per person and $15 for youth.
Members get invites to special events, receive 20 percent off Lakeland Runners Club races, stay connected to the local running community and enjoy being an official member of the Road Runners Club of America.