New group forms for fun, exercise
On any given day, numerous people can be seen walking, jogging or running in the many areas in Cleveland conducive to exercising. Now, a new group is forming in order to bring all of those folks together to train, socialize and simply have fun.
Spearheaded by Panth (Pat) Patel of Cleveland, a second generation business owner, and Jack Criss of The Bolivar Bullet, the Cleveland Runners group hopes to build on a Facebook page originally created by Cleveland attorney, Arnold Luciano, to bring those of all exercise levels together on a regular basis.
“My interest in running began after being away from the gym for quite a while. When my wife and I had our first son and were traveling often, it became difficult to keep a steady workout routine. I turned to running because it’s something you can do anywhere — all you need is a good pair of shoes and an open road. It quickly became an easy and rewarding way to stay active,” said Patel.
“I found out about Jack Criss and the Cleveland Runners Facebook page through local community posts while looking for a run club to join in Cleveland. When I saw Jack’s effort to create a space for runners and walkers to connect — building on what Arnold had started — it immediately caught my attention. I reached out to Jack because I wanted to be part of something positive that promotes activity and brings people together in our community,” said Patel.
Both Patel and Criss said they hope to build a strong, welcoming community where people of all fitness levels feel encouraged to show up, move, and enjoy being active together.
“Running and walking are simple, accessible ways to improve both physical and mental health, and I want to help create an environment where that’s celebrated. Personally, I want to stay consistent with my own fitness goals, meet new people who share a similar mindset, and help inspire others — especially families and beginners — to take that first step toward a healthier lifestyle,” said Patel.
Criss, who was part of a similar group in his hometown of Jackson, credits that participation to his becoming a competitive runner in the first place and continuing to jog to this day.
“I was a member of a large group when I started training for a marathon back in early 2005,” said Criss. “I wasn’t unhealthy, but at the time I’d get winded going up a few flights of stairs! Working out together with both veterans and newcomers certainly helped me meet my goals and I’d like to extend that camaraderie to the Cleveland community.
“I used to also worry about being left alone on long runs because I was so slow early on,” confided Criss. “But, the faster runners would often circle back and check on slower guys like me and the walkers. Both Pat and I want people to know that, wherever they are in their abilities — first time walkers or experienced marathoners — the new Cleveland group will welcome all comers and no one will ever be left behind. Plus, people will be amazed at how much faster they’ll reach their personal goals with others literally right by their side helping them.”
Patel, who is taking the lead in promoting the new group, said, “I plan to post flyers around town in places people visit every day, such as local coffee shops, gyms, grocery stores, schools, and community boards. The goal is to spread the word and make it easy for anyone who wants to get active or meet new people to find us and join in. Each flyer will include a link to the Cleveland Runners Facebook page that Arnold started, and there people can find details about upcoming run locations, times, and group updates,” he said.
Tentative plans include regular weekend workout get-togethers followed by a group coffee meetings or early lunched, said both Patel and Criss. “It will be fun, it will be healthy, and new friends will definitely be made,” said Criss. “We hope to have many people all over Bolivar County join us.”
For more information on joining the Cleveland runners, go to the “Cleveland Runners” Facebook page and request to join or email Criss at jack@coopwood.net