Get Fit Sunday Morning Run/Walk makes a difference - Americus Times-Recorder

While much of Americus was still sleeping, a group of almost two dozen walkers and runners came together at 6:00 a.m. on Sunday for the first of what will be a weekly community Get Fit Group Run and Walk. The event, initiated by personal trainer Zera Wright, was inspired by the King Randall community runs in Albany. "I wanted to give back something positive to the community. It takes motivation to get up this early. I invite our friends, neighbors and community leaders to join us and get fit." Logan Collins heard about the run on Facebook. "I saw how much good King Randall was doing in Albany and was inspired. I'm a big proponent of physical health. This activity can bring us together despite political and other divides." Marvin Harris, 56 added the event to his morning "because physical fitness is important at all ages. It is great for coping with stress and depression." Harris, who was a high school and college football and track athlete, has been maintaining his physical health since high school. "It's important to keep training even after you get out of school." Another local runner, Blanca Martinez, who helped lead the pack, has added the Sunday run to her fitness regimen. "Running is a great way to stay fit." Shenette Dunnings, a former tennis player, who has a social media group for women encouraging women, is participating in this event to add to her physical fitness. "For a long time women didn't take their health seriously and this is a good start. This is a great event for everyone." Tomeshia Holt, with her effervescent personality, got everyone moving as she led the group with a fun Zumba themed warm-up to the upbeat music of Revolution by Kirk Franklin. "Our health is our wealth!" says Holt. Twelve-year-old Zikayelynn Denmark, a cheerleader and track athlete at Sumter County Middle School helped lead the field during the 1.25 mile run that started at the Miller NAPA Auto Parts/Ace Hardware Store. The run proceeded on Lamar and Forsyth Streets and wound around the old bus station at Café Campesino before returning back to the start. Officer Stone from the Americus Police Department was on site to encourage the participants and keep everyone safe. The King Randall events started earlier this summer with 16 people meeting at Albany's Turtle Park at 5:15 in the morning once per week and have grown to more than 200 participants now meeting Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for the purpose of getting fit and showing community pride. The Americus Get Fit Group thanks the Millers for letting them use their parking lot as a gathering point for this weekly event.