SOLON — Saturday, Dec. 30 dawned clear with snow on the ground, frost on the brush and trees, and temperatures in the low 20s.
“It’s a bit crisp,” said William Owen as he prepared to embark on the first of what he hopes will be many weekly runs on the trail from the Solon Nature and Recreation Area (SRNA) toward Ely and Lake Macbride. And he hopes to form a group to join him on these runs for fellowship and fitness.
“This group will be a healthy way to build friendships, get outside, stay active, train for 5k’s, and prepare for RAGBRAI (bicyclists are welcome too),” he said. “I think it’s a great community cause, it’s good for the Solon community, it’s good for your physical health, and it’s good for your mental health.”
Becky Klutts joined Owen for the inaugural run, “just to get my run in for the day, and for the week,” she said adding she tries to get at least one “long run” in per week. “I just enjoy doing it and usually have some race that I’m training for, and it keeps me going.”
“I’m excited to see where this goes,” said Owen. “I think it’ll be a little slow at first but I’m hopeful that this spring, maybe April or May, that more people will show up as the weather warms up.”
Ultimately, he wants to raise money for the fight against cancer and diabetes research. “This hits near and dear to my heart, a large number of us have loved ones that struggle from these debilitating diseases,” he said.
The group will meet every Saturday at 8:00 a.m. by the Timberdome in the SRNA for 1-2 hours with runners, bikers, even walkers all welcome. Also, Owen is tentatively planning to meet on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 as well. For more information, contact him at 720-434-2817.

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William Owen and Becky Klutts start down the trail toward Lake McBride and Ely Saturday, Dec. 30. Owen is trying to establish a weekly running and cycling group to train for 5k’s and RAGBRAI.