Baptist Health Old Cutler Run Club

On September 11, Baptist Health kicked off their inaugural Old Cutler Run Club at Deering Estate. More than 150 participants, from kids to seniors, met up to get fit. The club isn’t only about running. “It’s actually more social than anything else,” said Frankie Ruiz, owner of Run the City, Inc. “We really want everyone here to connect.”

Baptist Health sponsors seven other run clubs in South Florida and welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Baptist Health’s Maria Luisa Gonzalez Silva explained, “We are hoping this community will come together and support each other in health and exercise. Participants that show up three times in a row will receive a t-shirt and become an official club member. We promote family and community.”

On this special day, before the run, they gathered for a moment of silence to commemorate the victims of the 9|11 attacks.

From there, the crowd, including dignitaries like Commissioner Daniella Levin-Cava, Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner, Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn and Cutler Bay Mayor Peggy Bell broke into groups of differing abilities. The kids even got training on how to run and stretch before exercising.

The trainers, wearing neon Pineapple Pacer emblazed t-shirts, then guided people on 1.6, 3.3 or 3.8 mile circuits. People could choose to run, jog or walk.

Palmetto High School student Hudson Cain, who runs cross-country, said, “This is great training for me to improve my times.” Although no one was officially timed, he finished third in the 3.8-mile run, behind only the adult trainers.

Hudson Cain, along with mom Marni and Rafton

This newest run club will take place every Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m., rain or shine. Participants will exercise around historic Old Cutler Road. While this first event started at Deering Estate, going forward the club will meet in Ludovici Park behind the public library at Old Cutler Road and 176 Street. You can LIKE them on Facebook at Old Cutler Run Club for the latest information. Participation is free!