Looking for a way to get in shape and make some new friends this summer? Look no further than the Student Recreation and Wellness Center (SRWC) Run Club. Active members of the SRWC can join the club for a chance to win fitness-related prizes including a Garmin watch!

The SRWC Run Club aims to connect students through the campus community and running. Members that complete 100 miles by the end of July are entered into the opportunity drawing. Signing up is easy, just create an account on Strava and join the “SRWC Run Club.” Strava allows you to track all of you runs, including time, miles and elevation while providing a member leaderboard to add a little competition to the fun.

There are no limitations when it comes to logging miles. You can run around your neighborhood or on the treadmill. There are even great local trails you can check out. Here in Long Beach, the best places to run are the extensive Shoreline Path and the in the Alamitos Bay Marina area. Both areas combine waterfront parks with beachfront sections and are very scenic.

Downtown Long Beach has a pleasant 5-mile route for running that loops around a lagoon, the marina and a few nice parks. If you enjoy uphill running and an eye-catching sunset, then Signal Hill’s Hilltop Park would be the best place for you. The Los Angeles River Trail is a long, but not especially scenic route, for those who are into cross country and are up for the adventure to run to Los Angeles.

There are many places you can choose from, including the Orange County area, such as Huntington Beach, Irvine, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach. Even if you are not around the Southern California area, you can still search up some nearby running trails and routes so you can join in on the fun. It is never too late to sign up! For more information, visit asirecreation.org/calendar.