Community Spotlight: Suncoast Striders Walking & Running Club announces running camp scholarship recipient

BRADENTON – Suncoast Striders Walking and Running Club has awarded their first ever running camp scholarship to outstanding local runner Jessica Jones who runs cross country and track as well as half marathons and other road races.

The Suncoast Striders Walking & Running Club already promotes a healthy and fit way of life through weekly training walks and runs and numerous community events. As a way of focusing on the youth in the community, they decided to offer a scholarship to help high school distance runners attend summer running camp. Running camp is a valuable experience for any cross country runner hoping to take it to the next level because it exposes them to other athletes from outside their competition area, different coaches and coaching styles, new workouts and ways of training.

Jessica Jones is a junior at Manatee High School who just finished her third year as a varsity letter winner in both cross country and track. She has also completed two half marathons and numerous road races. When she is not racing, Jessica volunteers her time helping to put on races and raising money for charities like the Miles for Moffitt race. In her application essay, she shared that running has taught her a great deal over the past three years and that “It [running] has taught me that nothing is really as difficult as it may seem.” Jessica was the ABC 7 Athlete of the Week during the 2012 cross country season.

The $500 Suncoast Striders scholarship will help Jessica attend Warrior Running Camp this summer. At Warrior, they separate the campers into smaller groups based on their running ability which allows for a fun and safe running camp experience where campers will feel comfortable and have a great time. In addition to training and learning, they offer a large variety of sports, games, and activities. It is a true summer camp for runners.

About Suncoast Striders 

The mission of the Suncoast Striders is to promote walking and running as a way to achieve a healthy and fit way of life through group training opportunities, community events, and coaching. Club membership is open to anyone interested in walking or running. Coaches are available and willing to help beginners get started. For more information, visit www.SuncoastStriders.com.