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KINGSTON — All of those New Year’s resolutions to get in better shape were put to the test on Wednesday as the Wyoming Valley Striders running club hosted its 35th annual Informal New Year’s Day Training Run.

Runners of all ages (and even some canine friends) hit the trails at Kirby Park on Wednesday to ring in the new year the best way they know how — exercise.

“We’re getting the new year started on the right foot,” said the event’s organizer, Linda Wojnar. “I think the crowd gets bigger and bigger every year.”

Wojnar had the numbers to back that claim up, as over 100 runners turned out to take part in the event, a record turnout for the Striders.

The Striders have been running in the Wyoming Valley for over 45 years, and have about 350 members in total.

It was a bit of a chilly January day, but that hardly stopped the massive crowd of runners gathered to take a nice, leisurely run; part of the idea of the Training Run is that everyone could go at their own pace, for as long as they want.

Most runners weren’t necessarily just there for the run, but rather for the experience.

“I’m here to meet some new people, maybe find a training partner,” said Will Stanton, an avid runner and coach at Wyoming Seminary.

His sentiments were echoed by many, as the run served as a great way to meet like-minded, exercise-driven individuals whether they belong to the Striders or not.

For James Reeves, the run served as a way to get back on the horse after an injury.

“I love the fitness I get out of it, but I messed up my ankle this summer,” Reeves said. “I regained some of my roundness back, so I’m looking forward to getting back in shape.”

The event was open to both members and non-members, and anyone who wanted to join the Striders was encouraged to sign up for a yearly membership both before and after the run.

Bill Urbanski, of Kingston, ‘does a little stretching’ in a tree before the start of the 35th annual Wyoming Valley Striders New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/web1_Striders-1.jpg.optimal.jpgBill Urbanski, of Kingston, ‘does a little stretching’ in a tree before the start of the 35th annual Wyoming Valley Striders New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Runner Jess Santos, of West Wyoming, is in the holiday spirit for the 35th annual Wyoming Valley Striders New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/web1_Striders-2.jpg.optimal.jpgRunner Jess Santos, of West Wyoming, is in the holiday spirit for the 35th annual Wyoming Valley Striders New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Kristin Joseph, of Mountain Top, left, signs up for a two-year membership with the Wyoming Valley Striders’ Linda Wojnar before the 35th annual New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/web1_Striders-3.jpg.optimal.jpgKristin Joseph, of Mountain Top, left, signs up for a two-year membership with the Wyoming Valley Striders’ Linda Wojnar before the 35th annual New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Pippi Longdoggy, owned by Wrench Thorpe of Plains Township, left, plays with Princess, owned by Karen Moskel of Kingston, before they run in the 35th annual Wyoming Valley Striders New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader 
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/web1_Striders-4.jpg.optimal.jpgPippi Longdoggy, owned by Wrench Thorpe of Plains Township, left, plays with Princess, owned by Karen Moskel of Kingston, before they run in the 35th annual Wyoming Valley Striders New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader  Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader

Over 100 runners start the 35th annual Wyoming Valley Striders New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/web1_Striders-5.jpg.optimal.jpgOver 100 runners start the 35th annual Wyoming Valley Striders New Year’s Day informal training run at Kirby Park on Wednesday. Bill Tarutis | For Times Leader
Striders host 35th annual Jan. 1. training run

By Kevin Carroll

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