NatNews

For many runners, running is just as much of a social activity as it is one that helps improve health and physical fitness. Throughout the Dallas area, there are a variety of ways that individuals can participate in group runs during the week, not solely on weekends, which are often more focused on longer distances.

On Wednesday evenings, the White Rock Running Co-op hosts a weekly social run that begins and ends at a local establishment—usually Lake House Bar and Grill or White Rock Alehouse & Brewery—allowing those in attendance to run a few miles together and then enjoy one another’s company over food and drinks. Anyone who does not prefer to run later in the day is always welcome to show up and not run and attend simply for the social aspect.

“I enjoy and prioritize exercise and sometimes need a little motivation to nudge me not to get complacent after work, so the running group is a great incentive for me to get out and about,” Dan Sullivan, who began running with the WRRC about two months ago, said. “I’ve been in Dallas for 4+ years but have lived in Uptown the entire time, so WRRC is a good way to meet people from different neighborhoods.”

For those who live and/or work farther north or don’t mind driving to the Plano part of town, the weekly Thursday Night Social Run is another option. Similar to the Wednesday night run, TNSR meets at a popular location—such as Chip’s Granite Park or Village Burger Bar in the Shops of Legacy area—offering a relaxed and inviting setting for runners to catch up and get to know each other after the group run.

Roberto Cowan, who has run with TNSR on and off for the last six years, said he knows the value of spending time doing something he loves with others who share common interests while also building genuine friendships that go beyond running.

“Running with TNSR and groups like it are a great way to meet people of all fitness levels and fitness interests, with running not always being the only one,” he said. “Since college, 90% of my friendships have come from running groups—social or training. So, groups like TNSR are great from the fitness aspect but also a great way to get plugged into your local community.”

Both the Wednesday night run and TNSR provide welcoming environments in which runners can go whatever distances and paces they desire. There are no requirements as to fitness level or mileage one must run, and some individuals choose to walk sometimes, as well. Dogs are welcome to accompany their humans, as food and beverages are typically enjoyed in a patio setting, weather permitting.

“I say to anyone who enjoys exercise/running to take a leap of faith and to join a running group,” Sullivan said. “It’s a great way to burn some calories and increase the social circle.”

Last Friday, local Dallas sports radio station the Ticket held its annual Summer Bash event at the Village Country Club, drawing in dedicated P1s, casual listeners, and individuals who had no idea what was going on other than a pool party with plenty of alcohol.

Among the partygoers were some of the members of the White Rock Running Co-op, who were able to enjoy the variety of festivities of the day, including the live broadcast, pool activities, a cornhole tournament, and a Ticket Timewasters concert to top off the night. WRRC IT specialist Josh Odegard managed to befriend an individual who was eventually escorted out of the premises after his overindulgence of alcohol led to inappropriate behavior, leaving behind his already-paid-for cabana to Odegard and his WRRC friends.

“The Ticket Summer Bash was, hands down, the best pool party I have ever been to,” Odegard said. “It was a fun event, but the people I was with were what really made it a great day. I’ll never forget Nate and the sacrifice he made for us to make sure we had a great time. And, of course, my friend Natalie who told me about the event in the first place.”

In the past few years, the Village Dallas has undergone tremendous upgrades, creating what the radio talk show hosts and event attendees alike were describing as an ideal location. One attendee even referred to it as a “Vegas-style pool with Dallas vibes."

“The venue was perfect for this type of event because the radio talent was right next to the water and right next to a pool bar, so you could literally stay in the water all day and never have to leave,” Odegard said.

Whether it was a bartender getting angry about the way an individual was looking at him or women calling over security because children were splashing too much, there was certainly plenty to speculate all around.

“[There were] so many activities throughout the day to keep it interesting,” WRRC member Elizabeth Cruz said. “[I enjoyed] hanging out at the pool with friends and people watching—love some good people watching.”

WEEKLY PHOTO OP

Basil Kohn is simply happy to be here

Tuesday, June 21: Summer Solstice
Thursday, June 23: National Hydration Day
Thursday, June 23: Dallas Arboretum Cool Summer Concert Series
Saturday, June 25: WRRC Saturday run starting at Taco Joint