If you want to be in the best shape of your life and make friends in the process, the Lake Anna Running Club (LARC) may be for you! The group began as a Facebook group with over 70 runners signed up, LARC fills a void at Lake Anna as the first official running club.

LARC runners meet every Monday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. and on Saturday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Informal in nature, members are invited to show up when they can, but there is no pressure to show up when life gets in the way. Meets range from 5-20 runners.

Mondays are dedicated to Tempo Run, which is a slightly quicker run at 80% of race pace; Thursdays are speed work, which includes quarter miles, sprints, and hills; and Saturday mornings are long runs.
The majority of the runners are beginners or haven’t run in a long time. The club has a smattering of intermediate and advanced runners as well.

“I’m in my 40s, and prior to joining the club I hadn’t ran a mile since high school,” said club member Andy Dellett. “Joining the LARC has not only helped me run longer and faster but has introduced me to some great people!”

LARC currently meets for most sessions at the clubhouse in The Waters at Lake Anna community, but plans to introduce more destination runs both locally and in nearby cities. Callie Opie’s Orchard Orchard owner, Mike Kavros, has also cleared a trail on the property which can be used for runs from time to time.
“Becoming part of the club (LARC) has been an amazing experience. It does not matter where you are in your fitness goals – this is a club for everyone,” said member, Jennifer Carter, who is an experienced runner. “I have found quite a few benefits in joining, such as improving my fitness level, making new friends, laughing a lot and motivating others.”

The Lake Anna Running Club is free to join and welcomes runners and walkers of all fitness levels. Contact [email protected] or visit the LARC Facebook page.

Jim McCoy