NEWS

Runners groove at Grove Park for health

JENNIFER POPIEL
DELMARVANOW CORRESPONDENT

Club President Doris Hicks, left, and other members of the Grove Park Running and Walking Club run their 1,000th straight Tuesday night run in Rehoboth Beach.

Every Tuesday for the past 19 years, rain or shine, a group of fitness enthusiasts get together at the Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach for a run.

The Grove Park Run and Walking Club members have run now for more than 1,100 consecutive Tuesdays.

The runners meet at the park’s parking lot at 6 p.m. and the runs can be between 3-6 miles while walkers tackle 2-3 miles.

And this club does more than just run. They award an annual scholarship, volunteer for cleanups and have good fun.

Margaret Colvin, the club’s vice president, outlines its activities and how you can join.

When do you go out for runs/walks?

Every Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., year-round. Grove Park is located on the left just before the circle on Rehoboth Avenue. It is next to the Rehoboth Beach Museum and visitor's center. The group meets in the parking lot.

What is the club’s motto?

Groovin’ at the Grove for the Health of it!

What is one of the club’s favorite quotes:

“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” ― Dean Karnazes

What milestones has the club achieved since it started?

We have run 1,129 consecutive Tuesdays for more than 19 years. This includes running during holidays and in the challenging elements provided by Mother Nature such as nor’easters and blizzards. We have a diverse group of highly dedicated fitness enthusiasts. We have anywhere between 30 to 40 runners per week.

What incentives does the club offer to its participants?

We award runners based on their participation. For example, if you attend and run the following number of times, you receive different items: 10 times (Grove Club car magnet), 20 times (a short-sleeve Grove Club tech running shirt), 40 times (Grove Club hooded sweatshirt), 80 times (Grove Club running jacket embroidered with your name), 160 times (a plaque with scenic local photo), 320 times (gift certificate).  For every 100 runs, you receive a sneaker running pin to add to your jacket.

Is there anyone in your club who has completed more than 320 runs?

Yes. Our president, Doris Hicks. She attended 754 of the first 1,000 runs.

Besides being a running club, how do you give back to the community?

Every year, we give out a scholarship to a Cape Henlopen High School senior student who has run either indoor or outdoor track. Twice a year, we clean up Warrington Road with Adopt-a-Highway plan.

Does it cost anything to join and are there any restrictions on performance level?

If you join, we ask for a yearly fee of $15. However, anyone can meet up with us for a run. Whether you are in town for a visit, are a first-time runner and want to see what we are about or are an occasional runner that likes to hang out with other like-minded runners, all are welcome.

Anyone from beginner to advance can be a part of our club and you will most likely always find someone else who runs at your pace. Runners go on routes that are anywhere between 3-6 miles along the Rehoboth boardwalk and through Henlopen Acres.  Walkers usually stroll about 2-3 miles.  This is a very supportive group.

IF YOU GO

Grove Park Running and Walking Club

Where:  Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach

When:  Tuesdays, year-round

Time:   6 p.m.

Contact: https://groveparkclub.jimdo.com/contact/