Need extra motivation to hit your "Will work out more" new year resolution? One local running group is available to help.

For the past 15 years, the Glendora Ridge Runners running club has been helping Glendora area runners of every level reach their personal goals and make lasting friendships in the process.

Centrally located in Glendora, the 100-member-strong Ridge Runners come from Glendora, San Dimas, Asuza, Covina and several other surrounding cities. Because of their diversity, the Ridge Runners pride themselves on being a friendly running club that caters to all ages, abilities and running preferences.

With workouts five days of the week that range from track and tempo runs to cross training, bike rides and trail runs in the nearby mountains, there is something for everyone. Five-year member and leader, Leon Laub describes it as a "menu of workouts."

The Ridge Runners provide a fun and motivating atmosphere for runners to unite in common interest and to reach their personal running goals.

"A lot of people who come here have run on their own without any formal training," said Laub. "We have High School track coaches and so much combined experience, there is someone who has done almost everything."

 Ken Marschall, a six-year member echoes Laub.

"Running isn't always about getting fast, but, if it is, we can help people hit their PR's or personal records," Marschall said.

Linda Hodgson who has been running with the Ridge Runners for three years discovered the club on the internet.

"I had been running on my own for about eight years and I was burnt out, running with the ridge runners has made a huge difference in my running," said Hodgson.

In addition to improving running skills, the Glendora Ridge Runners give members an insider tour of the picturesque trails that are such an integral part of the Glendora area.

Glendora resident Dawn Jackson was surprised to discover how many beautiful trails the local area has.

"I had no idea the wealth of resources we had in our backyard," Jackson stated, adding that "it's an adventure every Saturday morning."

Hodgson agrees, stating that running with the club "is a great opportunity for people to see the trails that they might not even know are there."

But despite the great coaching, the varied workouts, and the vast amount of running trails, members are drawn to the club by something larger, knowing that lasting motivation comes from something with more emotional value.

That something larger is the people.

"Here in the club you will meet people across the spectrum of cultures, countries, and socio-economic backgrounds," Laub said. While that may sound like a recipe for disaster the group insists that it works.

"Running wears you out to the point that you will talk to anyone regardless of background, you are just too tired to argue," Marschall said, adding that, "This is a great group of people."

"We have become a community," Hodgson stated, "I have made lots of friends through the common interest of running."

The people have been really motivating for Jackson. "I would never do a track or a tempo session by myself," she said.

With the Ridge Runners, she doesn't have to. "The people are so friendly and extremely helpful," Jackson said.

"Everybody is social," claimed Laub, "we have even had one marriage in the group."

With no membership fees or dues, joining the Ridge Runners is as simple as showing up for a run. Beginners are encouraged to come on Tuesdays when the club meets at the Azusa Pacific University track.

For more about the Ridge Runners, including contact information, workout schedules, and meeting places visit www.glendoraridgerunners.com.