Friendship Court Athletic Club Takes Field Trip to Ragged Mountain Running Shop

The Friendship Court Athletic Club (FCAC) visited Ragged Mountain Running Shop to get outfitted with running shoes and socks as they prepare to run the Big Brothers Big Sisters Jingle Bell Relay 2 x 1 mile race on Saturday, December 17. Ten kids, ranging from seven to 11 years old, have been training for the last six weeks, working diligently with their volunteer coaches, Nick Berry and Laura Roller, from Investure LLC. Tory Twitty, activity coordinator at Friendship Court has also been assisting the youth to train for the race. The team quickly grew from six participants to 10 as word spread about the training program. The team recently participated in the Buzz-by-Belmont: Clark 5K race to help them prepare for the Jingle Bell Relay. Friendship Court Community Organizer, Claudette Grant said, “It is exciting to watch the boys grow and take ownership as they participate in this running program. Their energy is contagious.”

Initial guidance and ongoing support comes from Mark Lorenzoni and his team at Ragged Mountain Running Shop. The purchase of the running shoes and socks was made possible through support from Piedmont Housing Alliance and Ragged Mountain. “We loved having the FCAC boys come to the shop and more importantly we love being included in what is quickly becoming a special experience.  Thank you again for making Ragged feel like a part of your family and thank you for all you are doing to put smiles on these boys faces,” said Lorenzoni. Mark Lorenzoni and his wife Cynthia have been promoting distance running and fitness in the community since opening their running shop in 1982.  They have organized over 500 races for charity including the popular Women’s Four Miler event.

We would like to thank our partners at Investure and Ragged Mountain Running Shop for their support of this program. Come out and help cheer on the kids on December 17!