Athens Road Runners Accepting Members

A new running club geared toward experienced runners as well as those just starting out will announce its formation at the Feb. 16 Taste of Athens 10K.

Athens Road Runners, affiliated with the national organization Road Runners of America, will provide, support, motivation and training for runners of all ages and abilities. The club will hold its first scheduled group run on
Feb. 23.

“Our mission is to inspire and engage individuals to
achieve health, fitness and training goals through running,” said Al Jeffers, who founded the group and will serve as head coach.  “We want to help as many people as possible discover the benefits of running and provide a place for experienced runners to work together to achieve
their individual goals.”

Annual membership is $35 for an individual and includes invitations to group runs and social events as well as discounted entry fees to some local races and merchandise discounts at local businesses, such as the Athens Running Company.  A limited number of charter memberships, available for $100 each.

In addition to members’ programs, the Athens Road Runners plans to hold program for children and events, and community service activities. 

Athens Road Runners is registered as a 501c3 nonprofit organization overseen by a volunteer board of
directors from the Athens area.

Run programs and coaching will be managed by Al
Jeffers. Jeffers is an RRCA certified coach and has worked with athletes of all ages and abilities for over 25 years on the local and national level.

Interested runners are encouraged to meet at the Jittery Joes Roasters on Broad Street on Saturday Feb. 23 at 8 a.m. for the inaugural group
run and meeting.

For more information on the organization, go to www.athensrr.org.