Gulf Coast Running Club on the run since 1978

The Gulf Coast Running Club has been on the run since 1978 with no intentions of slowing down now.

The club hosted their morning workout at Greyhound Stadium in Ocean Springs where the runners say it’s not just about the cardio, but also the camaraderie.

The Gulf Coast Running Club stretches from state line to state line, connecting runners and forming friendships. For members like Amanda Ray, when her family was relocated to the Coast, it was the running club that helped her warm up to the community and meet one of her best friends Jodi Ryder. Ryder said, “We saw Amanda, the group we had when she moved here, we scooped her up and had her join us too.”

Ray said, “We run together four or five times a week. It’s our morning therapy session. It is a way before the kids get up, we have our friendship time and also get a nice workout in.”

Race Director Leonard Vergunst said, “Over the 40-year history of the club, the club has continued to grow and continue to make friends and add more races that help with local charities. The club helps individuals continue to make friends, that’s the main thing.”

With over 600 members, there are runners at every fitness level. When Vergunst started running, he was able to find motivation from other members. “I was not a runner. I started in my mid-30s. It took me a couple years then I started running with the faster guys then eventually that helped. In about three years, I won my first race then I was hooked. From then on, I wanted to improve and improve my times.”

To become a member of the club, fill out a form at gulfcoastrunningclub.org.

They also have a race this Saturday, the 1699 Race of Discovery in Ocean Springs. You do not have to be a member to run.