50 runners and walkers begin 12-week ‘Couch to 5k’

Fourth annual ‘Run for God’ starts in snow

Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Before heading out on about a 2-mile run and walk today, a group of 50 people in the “Run for God” program held hands and joined in a prayer outside the Albion Free Methodist Church.

Today was the first run, which alternated with 60-second runs followed by 90-second walks. The program builds up participants to complete a 5-kilometer race, which will be at the Albion Strawberry Festival on June 13.

Mark Moore, front, and Thom Jennings were out for the kick-off session of the 12 week “Run for God” program organized by the Albion Running Club and Albion Free Methodist Church.

The participants will be getting together for a weekly run at 3 p.m. at the Free Methodist Church. They share running tips and spiritual lessons. They can also join for a group run at 2 p.m. Saturday with the “Fit in 50” through the Albion Running Club that meets at GCASA’s community room at East Avenue across from the middle school.

Participants are also urged to get out on their own or join friends for another run/walk during the week.

This year’s program includes a kids’ running group. Clara Bolton, center, is among the young runners in the program. Her mother Dana Bolton is one of the leaders for the kids’ running program.

Tom Smith, left, and Sheila Lemcke are the adult leaders for Run for God. They are sharing Bible verses and running tips before the run/walk.

Lemcke started running through Run for God and lost more than 100 pounds and finished a half marathon.

“The best way to start is by taking one step at a time,” Lemcke told the group.

More participants are welcome to join the program, which next meets 3 p.m. Sunday or the “Fit in 50” at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

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