UNION — Anthony Bailey once said, “Man imposes his own limitations, don’t set any.” This is an appropriate quote for the Union County group of runners who call themselves the “Brat Pack.”
The group trains year-round and recently competed in the Charleston Marathon. David Kitchens is the informal leader of the group and he is looking to expand.
“We encourage anyone and everyone who’s interested in becoming a healthier, more fit, better ‘you’ to join the team,” said Kitchens.
Members train year-round with workouts including a 10-22 mile run on Saturday mornings.
“The Saturday long runs are the key to running long distances,” said David’s wife, Stephanie Kitchens. “It doesn’t matter if it’s hot, cold, raining or snowing, the Brat Pack runs. The only thing that stops us is lightning.”
Part of the group’s training for the 26.2 mile run in Charleston included an annual walk from Union all the way to Wild Wings in Spartanburg.
“The walk has become an annual event just as running a marathon has become,” said Stephanie.
This year was the second time members of the Brat Pack have ran the Charleston Marathon. Several of the runners ran the inaugural Charleston as well as the Myrtle Beach Marathon in 2011.
The club participates in the Palmetto Half in Columbia, the Turkey Day Run in Spartanburg, the I Recycle Half Marathon in Spartanburg and almost every race held in Union, all in preparation for the one marathon they run each year.
“So many people say that they’re not fast enough or can’t run far enough to keep up with the Brat Pack and that’s why they won’t come out,” said Stephanie. “But it doesn’t matter if you can keep up or not, there are walkers and runners of all levels in The Brat Pack. You may start out as a walker; but before you know it you will be a runner.”
There is no fee to be a member of The Brat Pack, although every now and then there are fundraisers that they do participate in. Neither is there an age limit, but children are asked to be accompanied by an adult until they are able to run and keep up with an adult member.
“Whether you’re looking to just get fit or to run competitively, we welcome you,” said Stephanie. “Our club is for any and everyone that is interested in becoming a healthier, more fit, better you.”
The schedule of training is as follows:
Monday, 6 p.m. — Meet in the YMCA parking lot for a slow group run/walk.
Tuesday and Thursday, 6 p.m. — Meet at Foster Park, shorter, faster distances.
Wednesday, 6 p.m. — Those that are members of the YMCA meet to lift weights.
Saturday, 8 a.m. — Meet in the YMCA parking lot for long runs.
Sunday, 2 p.m. — Those that are members of the YMCA meet to lift weights.
If you have any questions about The Brat Pack, you can call 441-4455 for information.
The Brat Pack’s Charleston Marathon Results:
Garmin times: Marathon (26.2 Miles)
Jennifer Jansen — 3 hours, 56 minutes, 27 seconds (third marathon)
David Kirkland — 3 hours, 56 minutes, 27 seconds (second marathon)
David Kitchens — 3 hours, 56 minutes, 27 seconds (fourth marathon)
Travis Harris — 4 hours, 11 minutes, 21 seconds (second marathon)
Stephanie Kitchens — 4 hours, 24 minutes, 44 seconds (fourth marathon)
Barbara Kirkland — 4 hours, 26 minutes, 11 seconds (second marathon)
Sheila Jones — 5 hours, 29 minutes, 53 seconds (fifth marathon)
Alan Watts — 5 hours, 30 minutes, 17 seconds (first marathon)
Susan Cochran — 5 hours, 59 minutes, 6 seconds (third marathon)
Garmin times: ½ Marathon (13.1 Miles)
Richard Gregory — 2 hours, 23 minutes, 24 second (second ½ marathon)
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