There’s a new club in town that is offering exclusive benefits; some of which can last a lifetime. And the real catch is that membership is free.

 

The Bridgeport Road Warriors is a running, walking, jogging club that is an inclusive group hoping to draw members from those that enjoy walking, want to start running, to those who already run road and trail races. And one of the co-founders involved said it stretches from recreational walking all the way to competitive road racing.

 

“I’ve actually been thinking about this for the last several years,” said Griffith of the club that began late last month and was co-found by Amanda Bailey. “The thought process started, in of all places, the Olympic trials in Oregon.”

 

Griffith, who quickly and jokingly added he was a spectator at the trials, said he was amazed at the Oregon Track Club whose presence was noticeable everywhere. He said the group has thousands of members.

 

“While we understand the difference between Eugene, Oregon and Bridgeport, it was amazing to see the streets filled with people running all day and night. There are literally hundreds of people running at nearly all hours of the day wherever you look,” Griffith, the unofficial Godfather of running in Bridgeport, said. “It kind of took me aback to see that and I realized that was in stark contrast to what you see all over our home state.”

 

Despite the difference, Griffith said he’s noticed for the last several years an increase in people running, jogging and walking in Bridgeport. He thought he could help grow those numbers by organizing a running club.

 

“By organizing a club, you can create a support system for those wanting to be active,” said Griffith. “When you have a lot of people involved, it not only makes it more enjoyable, but makes the possibility of others wanting to become involved greater. The goal is for people to remain active and healthy and those are benefits that not only last a lifetime, but can possibly extend that lifetime.”

 

Griffith and Bailey, a Bridgeport Middle School track and cross country coach, and came up with the idea for the club. In the first organizational meeting last month there were 27 people in attendance. They also set up a Facebook Page, which can be accessed by clicking HERE, to encourage others to join and to keep those who are members of the club apprised of what’s taking place in the form of local races, conditioning and more. Already, there are 70 members and Griffith said you anyone is welcome; even individuals beyond Bridgeport.

 

“We’re promoting healthy exercise and a community of support in order to meet fitness or competition goals,” said Griffith. “When you come to the sessions you can meet and talk with experienced runners, get answers to training questions and even find partners and groups to keep you motivated.”

 

The group meets twice weekly at two different time periods. Griffith said the group meets at 7 p.m. on Tuesday and 5 p.m. on Thursday at the Bridgeport High School track at Wayne Jamison Field; near the finish line pavilion, which is located near the scoreboard.

 

After meeting at those times, groups break up for a run or a walk. Griffith said eventually they look to have a consistent schedule that includes a guest speaker once a month.

 

Individuals can join via the Facebook page or they can show up at the pavilion on the days mentioned above. Those with questions can contact Griffith at 304-657-0877 or Bailey at  304-629-0772.