By JORDAN EVANS
Student Writer
It was a warm 73 degrees on a sunny Saturday morning in Alva, Oklahoma. I embarked with a company of nearly a dozen joggers on our respective routs of 1.7 miles or 3.1 miles. The Run Alva group, created this summer by Alva residents Morgan and Allison Reinart, is bringing together like-minded runners in the Alva area.
According to one of the founders of the group, Morgan Reinart, “We wanted to create a community for runners. There are softball and basketball leagues, but runners didn’t really have a place in Alva.”
People of a wide-range of ages and abilities take to the asphalt streets of Alva every Saturday morning at 8:30. The course begins on the east side the courthouse and starts on an eastern route along Flynn Street. Runners who choose to take a shorter route may stop at the end of the 1.7 mile route. Those looking for a longer distance to run may continue on the 3.1 mile route.
Run Alva is a group available to anyone looking for a community of runners in which to participate. Northwestern cheerleader and cross country runner Shaq
Williams said he likes how “the group is for everyone: runners, joggers, and walkers. It’s a great way to make new friends.”
Williams has been a participant of the group since its start earlier this summer.
The group is proactive in community activities. Run Alva actively promotes local and regional races and even host their own. The group is holding a free 5K race in conjunction with the Big Cruise & Car Show here in Alva. The race “Cruisin’ For The 5K Run Of It” is being held Saturday September 19 and is starting at the courthouse parking lot.
Individuals interested in participating in the group can find more information on their Facebook page, Run Alva.