Tried to email this to you Julie, but it's coming back to me...so I decided to post it figuring others could benefit, too. (For those of you who don't read the comments...Julie is a runner who just moved into the area from Georgia -- woohoo...we won one back! -- & inquired about groups that meet to run).

Welcome to Erie, Julie! You'll find this to be a place full of friendly runners that will soon become like family (seriously, my kids call them our "runnin' family").

I'm glad you signed up for the Hamot 10K. If you see me there...please..come up & introduce yourself...we can chat!

What is your typical pace...and where do you live (Millcreek, Harborcreek, Fairview? That info may help me hook you up with other runners I know in those areas. Personally...I've been running a lot from my house with a friend who lives nearby, but I know of several small groups who meet at clubs and parks and such.

There are also bigger, more organized groups that meet for different kinds of runs. The ERC is full...just full...of friendly people...show up in running shoes, introduce yourself and you'll make a few friends for life.

Here are where the ERC members are running:

Tuesdays ..there is a group that meets in the evening for speed workouts, but...I honestly am not sure where they are meeting now (used to be McDowell H.S.). It's always in the ERC newsletter, but I never pay attention to it because...well...(I'll just admit this), I hate speed work.

Saturdays...there is a group of runners that meets at Presque Isle State park in the first parking lot at 8 a.m. It's an informal...sometimes small group...depends on the time of the year.

Sundays...there is an often-large group that meets at Asbury Woods (in Millcreek) for a trail run. Don't be scared off by that...it is tremendous fun and a real change of pace. There's a small contingency that usually meets at 7 a.m. and then the bulk of the group meets at 8 a.m. (the 7 a.m. runners circle back to the parking lot & meet up with the 8 a.m. runners) and they run about an hour. They meet at the Asbury Woods Barn (near the tennis courts).

And, of course, there are the ERC meetings and newsletter stuffings...at the Plymouth Tavern...which are informal and fairly quick (well..the stuffing depends on how many people show). It's not running, but it's a chance to get to know some other area runners. Newsletter stuffing is always the first Monday of the Month and Membership Meetings are the 2nd Monday of the Month -- both at 7 p.m.