April 3, 2006

BUFFALO RUNNING CLUB ATTRACTS LOCAL MEMBERS 

Checkers Athletic Club, located in Buffalo, NY, is signing up Chautauqua County runners as members.  Founded in 1975, Checkers AC is a running club dedicated to helping runners of all skill levels.Many of the top road racers in Western New York are Checkers AC members. However, not all members are speedsters.  In fact, Checkers AC runners are all ages and run from 4:30 – 15+ minutes per mile.According to Mike Engdahl, Checkers AC member and West Ellicott resident, more than ten local runners have either submitted an application for Checkers AC membership or are in the process of submitting an application.  He expects that number to near fifty by year end.  According to Engdahl,  “local runners know the excellent reputation of Checkers AC and are excited to become members of an established running club with a strong local presence.”

Darrin Pocza, Checkers AC member and Bemus Point resident, agrees.  According to Pocza, “membership in Checkers gives local runners the advantages of a big city running club and also allows local runners to engage in local running activities and events.” Benefits to joining Checkers AC include periodic social events, coaching and training sessions, certificates awarded for race personal records, discounts on running shoes and running apparel, and group runs – one of which is held in Bemus Point on most Saturday mornings. For more information on Checkers AC and to download an application for membership, visit Checker AC’s website at www.checkersac.org.  To find out more about activities arranged by local Checkers AC members, phone Mike Engdahl at 485-6913 or Darrin Pocza at 499-8415.