Running group gathers every Friday no matter the weather

Mark Chamley, run participant, said the gathering began three years ago with an intention of giving runners in Hood River an opportunity to run in a group. There are many cycling clubs in town but not enough running clubs or organizations, Chamley said.

No matter the conditions, rain, snow or sunshine, the group runs, Chamley said.

“It’s more relaxed. It’s a nice way to start out your day, get a little exercise before work or whatever,” Chamley said. “It’s for people to hang out and chit chat and have coffee.”

Chamley, like other participants, kickstart their Friday with this run and heads to work afterwards.

“Anybody’s welcome. Everybody’s friendly. It is a moderate pace, not a superfast pace. We’re not doing a six-minute pace or anything like that,” Chamley said. “Most people can hang with the pace but if we get somebody that’s slower, we stop at the top stairs, at Dutch Bros. and at the bottom of Indian Creek. So, we stop three times to wait for everybody so that way everybody stays together and heads back.”

During pristine running conditions, nearly 20 people participate in the run. That number can drop down to two, like Friday after Thanksgiving.

After the run participants get to enjoy doughnuts and coffee from Kickstand.

Krista Clark, manager for Kickstand, said the event is perfect for any runner who’s in search of a running group.

“It’s a great way to meet people,” Clark said. “If you’re a runner and you want to meet people and get connected with the running community it’s a great way to find your running buddy.”