The Bonita Road Runners have been running in Rohr Park since 1980. Thirty-three years later, the Road Runners are still running with new members outnumbering the old, but the goal remains the same: run.
“We get to meet people from all different industries, but there is one thing we have in common and that’s running,” Marina Field, president of Bonita Road Runners said.
Field, an account executive, said she’s run with lawyers, nurses and an array of other people in different professions.
The running group compromised of 150-members of all ages and skill levels run for the love of running, run for a healthy lifestyle or run competitively.
For Field she runs to get away.
“It’s my special time doing my own thing, with no kids and no telephone,” she said. “It’s a de-stresser for me.”
Field said she first found out about the running team after having her daughter five years ago and wanting to get back into shape.
She’s been running ever since.
Field has been president of the non-profit running group for three years now; she has been part of the group for five.
The Bonita Road Runners puts on two official races a year, proceeds collected from these races are donated to five high school track teams in the Sweetwater Union High School District.
Field said $2,000 per school was the most the running group has ever raised and donated under her tenure as president.
Last year, the Bonita Road Runners donated $500 per school. Field said the more people who participate in the races; the more money can be raised and donated to schools. Members of the group also motivate and encourage each other during the runs, Field said.
For those runners who run competitively in marathons, the Bonita Road Runners helps them prepare.
A running coach, who is paid from the $20 one-year membership fee, designs individual training programs to help runners reach their goals, and to prepare them for a marathon.
Runners in the group also share their knowledge as to which shoes to wear for a marathon and the best plan of attack for a trail.
As part of the membership, the runners get special discounts on shoes at certain athletic shoe stores, as well as discounts at some nutritional stores and race fees, Field said.
Field attributes her good health to the running group.
“I am 43 but I look like I am 20 and that’s because of the benefits of running,” she said.
Field said anyone is welcome to join the Bonita Road Runners.
“We have some members come and go, some stick around, some walk and some run,” She said.
The Bonita Road Runners will host their Bonita 5K and Kids 1K on June 28, with the Bonita Stampede scheduled for Sept. 28
If you are interested in joining the Bonita Road Runners, register online at www.bonitaroadrunners.com or show up at Rohr Park Saturday at 7:30 a.m.
