MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- The daily routine of many people on military installations involves running, but some go a step further and become part of a club that helps them to improve their skills.

On Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, the Runner’s Club is available to all active-duty service members stationed here.

“The club is an outlet for people,” said Bob Stopp, the athletic director at the Semper Fit Center. “It’s there for people to meet and run as partners. The purpose of the club is to build camaraderie.”

The club is successful because the members are dedicated, explained Stopp. They love running. The club finds a lot of talented people. It’s open to all levels of runners, continued Stopp. Novices to experts can get proper training from this club, and a less trained runner can partner up with a better runner.

It is a free program that holds meetings the third Thursday of every month. During meetings, the members discuss upcoming marathons and other races. The club sponsors several runs including the Heartbreak Ridge half-marathon in September.

Originally, the club sponsored smaller races such as five or ten-kilometer runs, but more runners started requesting marathons and half-marathon runs, explained Stopp. Half-marathon races are the equivalent to more than 13 miles, and marathons are more than 26 miles. Sponsorship includes the entry fees for selected races, and may include reimbursements for other races. At least three members must be interested in the race for sponsorship.

Service members interested in becoming club members can fill out an application online.

They must take their applications to the Semper Fit Center. The next monthly meeting is scheduled for Oct. 15. For more information on the club, contact Stopp at 858-577-4127.

                                                           -30-