How to run safely in Lakeland

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Corey J. running by Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland | Photo via @cjtherunner

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As Lakelanders plan their summer runs, we want to help them do it safely. Here are a few running must-haves to ensure every run is a safe one:

Proper Attire
Have you ever tried running in the wrong shoes? Then you probably know where we’re going with this one. Get your running fit right at one of these stores:

A Safe Route
According to Map My Run, Lake Hollingsworth was rated 20 in the Top 20 Running Routes in America back in 2017. Lake Hollingsworth is a classic, but if you’re looking for a fresh spot, use Lakeland Runners Club’s interactive map to find routes near restrooms, water fountains, parking lots, and dog parks.

5 more free running apps

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A running group at Lakeland Runners Club’s Tuesday Run | Photo via @chasejwagner

Running Buddies
Lakeland Runners Club has multiple running groups that meet regularly for free. Here are a couple of groups that meet weekly to get their legs pumping:

  • Galloway Run-Walk-Run | Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning runs for laid-back runners.
  • The Pack | Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday morning runs for those who can complete a sub-25-minute 5k.
  • Black Girls RUN! | Wednesday evening + Saturday morning runs to empower Black women.
  • FITniche Pub Run | Tuesday evening 5k+ runs that end with celebratory food + drinks.
  • Downtown Saturday Fun Run | Saturday morning 2-3 mile runs through downtown Lakeland.
  • LRC Training Runs | Tuesday and Thursday evening runs to train for the Mayfaire 5k, Lake to Lake 10k, + middle school cross country.

Do you have a running group, tip, or trail you’d like to share with us? Let us know and we’ll pass it along to your fellow runners in an upcoming newsletter.

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