The Positive Portage Runners are finding their stride as a local group that brings together community members who share a love for running, walking, and staying active.
Organizer Diane Wing says the idea started a few years ago after she looked for something similar closer to home.
“I travelled to Winnipeg sometimes to go run with the group and thought this would be so much fun. I thought, let’s see if Portage would like to do something like this. I got some good responses,” notes Wing.
The group officially came together about three years ago and has been running steadily ever since.
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Participants meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday evenings near Stride Place, often circling Island Park, though the route can change depending on what’s happening in the community.
Wing says flexibility helps keep it fun. Although attendance varies, the focus is less on numbers and more on creating a welcoming space for all paces.
“We do welcome walkers as well,” adds Wing.
The name of the group reflects the vision Wing had when she first started organizing runs.
“I just wanted it to be a positive experience,” she remarks.
That positive spirit has carried into the group’s involvement with community events such as the Terry Fox Run, which is taking place at Island Park on September 14.
For many, joining the group is about more than exercise; it’s about belonging.
Member Stacey Moffat shares how it helped her connect after moving to the area in 2018.
“I didn’t know anybody around Portage,” she said. “I saw Diane’s post about the running group, so it actually got me involved in meeting people in Portage, and it got me involved from there. Then it got me joining soccer leagues after that.”
Beyond local runs, members sometimes connect at events elsewhere, creating opportunities for shared experiences.
“That’s another great thing about this group; we always have that in common. If something comes up somewhere in the States, we all get together and go. They went to Arizona last year,” mentions Moffat.
While the club isn’t about high pressure or competition, some members still set personal goals.
Moffat admits she’s pushing herself further.
“I’ve done a few half marathons, gearing up for a full,” remarks Moffat.
With a mix of casual joggers, walkers, and more serious runners, the Positive Portage Runners continue to build a sense of community, one stride at a time.
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