Cyclists and motorcycle enthusiasts have always enjoyed the beautiful roadways through Tryon, Saluda, Columbus and Landrum, but in the last couple of years, it seems runners have taken over.

There is a growing grassroots running community held together by the camaraderie of the Tryon Running Club — a club that members affectionately refer to as “just a Facebook page.” The Tryon Running Club is a social running group that meets regularly to walk or run scenic routes, as well as train for various regional races. All is free and all ages and abilities are welcome.

Running in the Thermal Belt is not a recent phenomenon. In the early 1980s, Tom Foster led the local running movement with the Polk County Striders. Now, almost 20 years later, the Tryon Running Club is continuing that tradition by encouraging friends and neighbors to get outside and get fit.

Last month, the Tryon Running Club hosted a meeting with local race directors to compile a 2012 racing event calendar for the Polk and Landrum communities. With the recent increase of running and cycling races, club members felt it was time to coordinate efforts so that all races—many of them charity events — could benefit from attendance by Tryon Running Club members.

This is the current roster of events for 2012. Some of these dates may be subject to change. For more information, please visit www.tryonrunners.blogspot.com or find the group on Facebook where members post daily motivational information, training runs and articles.

Upcoming races:
March 17, 2012 – Warrior Drive 5 mile; Contact: Andy Millard; type – run; benefits Chamber of Commerce.
April 28, 2012 – Jerry’s Baddle (Paddle/Bike Relay); Contact: Brooks Saucier; benefit ALS Foundation.
May 5, 2012 – PAC Trail Race 5K; Contact: Caroline Eller; type- run; benefits PAC.
May 19, 2011    – Derby Dash 5K trail & 1 mile fun run; Contact: Brian Carroll;  type – run; benefits    Go Girls and Foothills Humane Society.
July 4, 2012 –    Firecracker 5K; Contact: Ross Fox; type – run; benefits The Shepherd’s Feast, a community Christmas dinner.
July 4 – Fabulous 4th Metric Century;    Contact: Rotary; type -bike; benefits general community charities – Boy Scouts.
July 7, 2012 – Coon Dog Day 5K; Contact: Monica Pace; type – run; benefits various city projects  and events that benefit the community.
Sept. 12, 2012 – Ache Around the Lake 8K & 2 mile; Contact: Katie Malone; type – run;  benefits St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation.
Oct. 20, 2012    Tour de Leaves 30 & 60 mile; Contact: Lorna Rae Dever; type –  bike;  benefits scholarships and recreational activities at Harmon Field.
Oct. 27, 2012 – Tuesday School Tot Trok 5K; contact:Jessica Greve; type – run;    benefits Tuesday School.
Dec. 15, 2012    Jingle Bell Jog; Contact: Kathryn Gille; type – run; benefits food pantries.

– article submitted by Scarlett Tapp