Fun run continues to attract the younger generation

Lucy Robinson started her running group, Southeast Beasts, in 2012. The group is meant to offer both new and experienced runners an informal, fun place for people to exercise and enjoy the Alaskan outdoors.

Robinson is now helping spread her love of running to the next generation. Once a week, volunteering with the Wrangell parks and recreation department, she leads a group of kids on a fun run through Volunteer Park, next to Evergreen Elementary school.

"We do this every Monday that we can, unless something else is scheduled," she said. "Rain or shine we run around the big loop."

Robinson said she normally has a group of about 30 kids running with her, but the number varies week to week.

She and several other volunteers start the kids off with a warm up and several stretches before

beginning the run, and the kids are divided into separate groups depending on their speed.

"We focus on pace, we talk about warming up and talk about encouraging people along the way," Robinson said. "We just encourage people to get outside and have fun."