As dark clouds rolled in toward Plant City, a group of runners brightened up McCall Park.
Donned in Christmas light necklaces, light-up hats, glow sticks, red and green tutus and elf socks, the merry group socialized with friends and introduced themselves to the new faces in the growing crowd.
Some of the families gathered took photos in front of the tree and with the light displays while they waited for the final runners to arrive.
Jillian Wilder, a member of the Plant City Running Club, passed around the map of the route for the annual Christmas Light Run and explained after the run everyone would meet at Krazy Kup for a hot chocolate, coffee or even ice cream. It’s a new tradition, but one the club expects will continue for years to come.
“This is the second year we’ve held the run,” Wilder said. “Last year it was a 5K, so this year we decided to cut it back. The route is 1.5 miles and it goes through the heart of downtown so that our runners or walkers can have the opportunity to really take in all of the great decorations the city has put up. If the runners want to, they can loop it twice and do a 5K, but it’s really up to whatever the individual runner wants.”
Group member Kathleen Hall said one of her favorite displays downtown has always been the snowflakes and angels at the back half of McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. She also loves the Lights of Love tree in the heart of the park that is sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital. Others gathered pointed out their favorites as well and planned the perfect spot for photos.
Several of the attendees for the run aren’t Plant City natives. In fact there are several members of the club in general that come in from Lakeland, Brandon and Kathleen for the weekly runs.
“This event is a great way to highlight the club and the great community lights,” Hall said. “We all get dressed up and wear lights. It makes it more fun and festive, plus it makes us easier to find and see on the sidewalks. It doubles as a safety feature.”
The club is intimate: while the group itself has more than 250 members, there’s approximately 50 that regularly attend runs and events. It makes the experience personal and several of the out-of-towners said they’re able to make connections with the other runners here because of its accessible size, whereas they can feel isolated in the large crowds in clubs in larger cities.
The Plant City Running Club is free to join and due-free. There are a variety of weekly runs to fit every schedule and details of the meetups are posted in the club’s Facebook group.
Many of the club members recently participated in the third annual Reindeer Run at Alafia River State Park, which is hosted by the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club. Despite the inclement weather, the group had a blast and Wilder said they frequently try to support each other in whatever events they sign up for in the area.
The club prides itself on being open to runners of all experience and age. Whether you’re ready to run a marathon tomorrow or haven’t exercised in years, the running club is ready to welcome you with open arms. Those new to the hobby will benefit from the wisdom of the more experienced runners and also enjoy growing in their journey with those just starting out, like they are.