News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Wednesday, June 11, Downtown Alpena Running Club (DARC) members are seen outside Harborside Cycle and Sport before their first group run. Alex Bates, a co-founder of the club, said that the Flower Festival 5K was the initial launch of the club to the public.

ALPENA — A new running club in Alpena is setting out to create a vibrant running community in the downtown area.

Alex Bates opened his business, Highpointe Rehab and Performance, about a year ago and by coincidence, found himself next door to other young owners in the business of “active lifestyles.” With the support of Harborside Cycle and Sport owner, Levi Goebel, and a new community member, Sarah Martinson, the three began the Downtown Alpena Run Club (DARC) to try and connect some smaller groups of runners that already exist in the community.

“There are still little groups of runners … all over that are run in their little pods of people,” Bates said. “We wanted to try to create something that would bring all those little running groups that already existed together under one big group and build the camaraderie of active people and try to encourage other folks to join in as well.”

Bates explained that coming up with the name, DARC, was an easy task and didn’t require much brainstorming.

“It really just felt organic to call it what it was and not confuse anyone,” Bates said. “It was short and sweet.”

Because the club is new, officially launching to the public with the Flower Festival 5K, Bates is curious to see how the club will benefit the community as a whole.

“Hopefully, it serves just a way to help organize everyone that is running or wants to be into running … to do events and be a part of something a little bit bigger than just running by themselves,” Bates said.

For community members who may be hesitant to join the club and start running, Bates explained that DARC is for all levels of runners. He also said the term “runner” can be applied to many skill levels.

“I think anyone certainly can be a runner and what that looks like for everyone is going to be different,” Bates said. “Some people are going to shoot to be elite level runners and run marathons and some people are going to run to exercise their dog … there’s no level of running that’s better than any other.”

Bates thinks that the benefit of DARC is that it is inclusive to all skill levels.

“I think that’s the beauty of a big community group like this,” Bates said. “Hopefully we can get all types … the elite runners who want to go out and really push each other and then there’s people who just want the camaraderie and encouragement.”

Bates explained that the advantage of DARC goes beyond just the physical and mental benefits of running, but rather, offers an opportunity for community members to get outside and enjoy everything that Alpena and Northeast Michigan have to offer.

“We live in a beautiful place with the river and the lake in the downtown area,” Bates said. “So sometimes running is as much for the enjoyment of your surroundings and what it does for your mental health … appreciation and just relaxation … a running club like this is trying to help create a healthier community … physically, mentally, and emotionally.”

Though Bates said DARC is still in its planning stages as far as future running events, he said the club definitely plans on supporting and promoting other 5K events that occur around the Northeast Michigan region. Bates also noted that DARC is interested in hosting some trail-based activities, though those plans are still in their infancy.

DARC meets weekly at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays for group runs around the downtown Alpena area.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.