With spring arriving across Habersham County, longer days and warmer temperatures are the perfect invitation to step outside, breathe some fresh air, and get moving.
For residents looking for a simple way to get active while also meeting new people, one option is RunHab, a laid-back local running group that welcomes runners of all experience levels.
RunHab organizer Jessa Swaney says the group started with a simple idea — bringing people together through running.
“I just wanted to find community and bring people together,” Swaney said. “I know a handful of people who love running, and I thought it would be really cool if we could find other people who love running — and even people who want to learn to love running.”
Swaney says many people are curious about running but feel intimidated about getting started. RunHab was created to remove that pressure and provide a supportive environment for beginners and experienced runners alike.
“I’ve met a lot of people who don’t know where to start and feel intimidated by running,” she said. “I wanted to create a space where beginners could come and seasoned runners could connect, encourage each other, and just enjoy being active together.”
A Casual Club With No Fees
Unlike some running clubs, RunHab has no membership fees or formal sign-ups.
“We don’t have dues or anything like that,” Swaney said. “It’s really just, if you want to come run, come run.”
Because the group operates informally, participation varies from week to week. On a typical run, between six and twelve runners show up.
Where and When They Run
The group usually meets at the Clarkesville Greenway, now known as the Soque Greenway, where runners follow the paved path along the Soque River.
“We meet at the Greenway and run around there,” Swaney said. “Sometimes we’ll divert and run through town. I love running through Clarkesville and the side streets.”
RunHab plans to restart its group runs in late April, with the first run scheduled for Tuesday, April 28th at the Clarkesville Greenway.
For now, Swaney says the group plans to meet once a week on Tuesday evenings, though additional runs may be added during the summer months when schedules allow.
A Comfortable Pace for Everyone
Typical group runs range from two to five miles, with an average distance of about three miles.
The pace is relaxed and welcoming to newer runners.
“We probably average about a 12-minute mile,” Swaney said. “We take it easy and just encourage everyone to run at the pace that feels right for them.”
Some runners occasionally extend their distance, especially during weekend runs when they’ve gone as far as six or seven miles.
Water is usually available at the starting point, and many runs loop back past the start so runners can easily hydrate.
Encouraging Each Other
While the group isn’t formally training for races, members sometimes participate in local events together, including community 5Ks.
Swaney says she hopes to eventually organize group training for races.
“I’ve been thinking about putting something out there where people could train for a race together,” she said. “Even if we can’t do every training run together, we can encourage each other along the way.”
Swaney herself recently completed her first marathon alongside another RunHab member at the Silver Comet Marathon in Mableton last October.
More Than Just Running
Beyond the miles, RunHab is also about building friendships and community.
After some runs, members gather for food or coffee — including visits to Farmhouse Coffee in downtown Demorest.
“Sometimes we’ll grab coffee together after a run or just hang out,” Swaney said.
How to Join
How to Join
Anyone interested in running with RunHab can find more information and upcoming schedules on the group’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574493352947.
Swaney encourages anyone curious about running to give the group a try.
“The biggest thing is just getting people outside and moving,” she said. “When people finish a run, they realize how much better they feel. That’s what it’s all about.”
