By John Davis
Community Relations Director
One of the most inspirational, and popular, local programs is making a return to the Oxford Park Commission class lineup this fall. The I Can 5K instructional running offering made a huge impact on many lives for several years.
Some of the participants used their new skills to build and become an enthusiast. Others used the new-found motivation for new challenges in life. Others used the training as a way to connect with people and make new friends.
Jonathan Klingler, the secretary of Run Oxford, is hoping that all of those who sign up for this upcoming I Can 5K offering will be able to connect in one or all of those categories.
“What the club offers in general is a community of people who know how to train and run for folks who are interested in getting started. It’s a fun, social group,” Klingler said. “By doing I Can 5K, you can get plugged into a fun group of people. Running is a lot more fun when you can talk to someone. You can get to know the people you’re running with. And hang out afterward.”
Klinger started running in high school, but he never ran in competitive or timed race until he was out of college. It was when he was in graduate school that he first ran in a timed 5K event, and he had a great time doing it. Ever since that moment, he’s been adding distance. His first half marathon was a decade ago, while his first marathon was for a great cause in Memphis in the annual St. Jude event.
“I personally just enjoy the experience of getting outside,” Klingler said. “I’m a morning person, so I like running outside to start my day. Races are just a fun kind of reward and motivation to put in those miles on a daily basis.”
Run Oxford has 2 social runs that are 3 miles in length, and they take place on Thursdays and Sundays. Klingler is said many get involved with Run Oxford for the social element, and the running is a nick perk.
“You get to meet different friends from different backgrounds in town,” Klingler said. “And the accountability can make it a lot easier to just get over that hump and go a little bit further than you thought you could. Run Oxford has been a landing path for those coming through I Can 5K so they can find a place to continue to run.”
Elliot Beach will be the lead instructor for the I Can 5K program. Beach is 31 and he has a lot of experience in running long distances, competing regularly in ultra-marathons across the nation.
“Elliot was very excited to take the lead instructor role for us,” Klingler said. “He is so knowledgeable in training and techniques related to running distance.”
You can register for the I Can 5K program through your OPC website account, or visit in person to both centers Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.