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W e d n e s d ay, Au g u s t 26, 2026
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Running groups build community in motion BY CELESTE TURNER
Contributing writer
Since launching in April 2024, Nola Miles Club, a free run-and-walk group open to everyone, has attracted more than 20,000 Instagram followers and built an email list of about 10,000 people. The club regularly draws 150 to 200 participants to its weekly meetups, held at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays along the Lafitte Greenway and at 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings in City Park. “What started as a run-and-walk meetup has grown into a larger community,” Nola Miles Club Founder Kiana Terrell said.
Beyond its weekly meetups, Nola Miles hosts social events, participates in local volunteer projects, organizes race teams, and collaborates with local businesses, offering members multiple ways to stay involved. Terrell said the club’s message is simple: “You don’t have to become a runner before you belong here — you belong here first.” The rise of Nola Miles and other running groups across New Orleans reflects a shift in the city’s fitness culture, helping people of all abilities connect and stay active. The New Orleans Track Club was founded in 1963, and the club hosts 19 races throughout the New Orleans
Before walking with Pretty Girls Walk Club NOLA, participants grab snacks and other items.
area each year. The track club has more than 2,300 members, making it one of the nation’s oldest and largest nonprofit running clubs, the club’s Executive Race Director Benjamin Burke said. “Besides fitness, people are joining running clubs to meet new people,” Burke said.
Brands helping run clubs grow
PROVIDED BY PRETTY GIRLS WALK CLUB NOLA
Burke said the popularity of running apparel, shoes and related products has contributed to the surge of local running clubs. He said there are around 19 running clubs around
ä See GROUPS, page 2G
Has your pet packed on a few summer pounds? The dog days of summer are in full swing, and in South Louisiana, getting enough outdoor exercise can be a challenge for both pets and their people. With extreme heat, high humidity and almost daily afternoon thunderstorms, our normal routines can quickly go out the window. Walks become shorter, outdoor playtime gets cut back, and everyone spends a lot more time enjoying the air conditioning. Traci back on outdoor activHowerton ityCutting is necessary when temperaANIMAL tures soar, but all that extra time RESCUE indoors can have an unintended consequence: weight gain. Those extra pounds can sneak up on us. A pound or two may not sound like much, but on a small dog or cat, it can represent a significant increase in body weight. Carrying excess weight can also contribute to health problems and make conditions such as arthritis more difficult to manage. Extra weight puts additional stress on joints and can make physical activity harder, creating a cycle in which an overweight pet becomes increasingly reluctant to exercise.
STAFF PHOTO BY ENAN CHEDIAK
Debbie and Alan Laney sit in the sun recently at Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park in New Orleans. The couple, vacationing from Arkansas, said that they plan to not to come back to the city when it is this hot.
IN THE HEAT
How to tell if a pet is getting too plump? The number on the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. Veterinarians also evaluate a pet’s body condition score, which considers whether the ribs can be easily felt and whether the animal has a visible waist when viewed from above. At a healthy weight, a dog’s ribs should be easily felt without pressing through a thick layer of fat and the waist should show some definition. If unsure where a pet falls, ask the veterinarian at the next visit. If a four-legged family member has gained a few summer pounds, there are simple ways to get things moving in the right direction.
With the summer sun beating down, Esdras Funes, 11, takes a break to rehydrate from one of several bottles of water he drinks while mowing lawns alongside his friend, Carlos Batres, 14. Together, they mow about 20 yards during the hottest months of the year.
Tips for weight loss It’s easy to overfeed when eyeballing the amount going into the bowl. Use a measuring cup or kitchen scale and follow the amount a veterinarian recommends for your pet’s individual needs. The feeding recommendations on a bag or can are a starting point and may need to be adjusted based on age, activity level and whether the pet needs to lose weight. Different pet foods can have very different calorie counts in the same-size serving, so simply feeding “one cup” doesn’t necessarily show how much your pet is actually consuming. Treats, table scraps and all those little bites handed out during the day count, too. A treat here and a piece of cheese there may not seem like much, but those calories can add up quickly, especially for a small pet. Treats don’t have to disappear completely. Break larger treats into smaller pieces or use part of the pet’s regular food as rewards.
STAFF PHOTO BY CHRIS GRANGER
ä See PET, page 2G
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2G ✦ Wednesday, August 26, 2026 ✦ nola.com ✦ The Times-Picayune
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New Orleans and some that encourage nonrunners. “Getting the brands involved, like with shoes, clothing and drinks, is a big component,” Burke said. “It’s so popular right now.” Varsity Sports is one of several running groups helping expand the region’s running scene. The retailer opened its first store in Baton Rouge in 2000, where it established its first running club. Following its success, Varsity Sports opened its Magazine Street store in 2010 and started its New Orleans running club. New Orleans Varsity Sports manager Jimmy Wiggins said the store’s pop-up runs often partner with the New Orleans Track Club and promote its races. “We created the club to bring current runners together and inspire others to run in the hopes of building a larger running community,” Wiggins said. Runners and walkers of all skill levels are invited to join the free club with Varsity Sports New Orleans. Members meet twice a week: Tuesdays at 6 a.m. at the Norman C. Francis Overpass and Saturdays at 6:30 a.m., alternating between Audubon Park and City Park. The group also holds a monthly Wednesday evening run at 6:15 p.m. from its Magazine Street store. The store updates its website and Instagram account with its latest run information. Many runs feature shoe demonstrations from major running brands, allowing participants to test new footwear. Wiggins said the group’s primary focus is creating an inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy running together.
Praise, playtime and affection can also be rewards that don’t add calories. August is not the time to increase a dog’s exercise with a long afternoon walk. Schedule walks for the cooler parts of the day, keep outings appropriate for the temperature and humidity and pay attention to what your dog is communicating. Exercise doesn’t always have to happen outdoors. A game of fetch down a hallway, hide-and-seek with favorite toys, short training sessions and food puzzles can provide both physical activity and mental stimulation. For cats, wand toys, balls, climbing structures and several short play sessions throughout the day can encourage movement. Make mealtime an activity. Instead of always serving food in a bowl, consider puzzle feeders, treat-dispensing toys or other enrichment activities that require pets to work a little for their meals. For cats, place portions of food in safe locations around the house to encourage movement and “hunting” for dinner. At the end of the day, don’t put a pet on a crash diet. Weight loss should be gradual and safe. This is especially important for cats, which can become seriously ill if they stop eating or lose weight too quickly. Before significantly reducing food or changing diets, talk to your veterinarian. Weight gain isn’t always simply the result of too many calories and too little exercise. Certain medical conditions and medications can contribute to weight changes, and a veterinarian can determine an appropriate target weight and calorie plan for your pet. Keeping pets at a healthy weight isn’t about achieving the perfect “summer body.” It’s about helping them stay comfortable, active and healthy.
Continued from page 1G
Continued from page 1G
Building community with each step From longtime organizations like the New Orleans Track Club to newer grassroots groups, local running clubs are gaining ground, fueled by social media and a shared passion for running. Among them are After Hours Run Club and Pretty Girls Walk Club NOLA. After losing 53 pounds, Angelique Pineda, founder of After Hours Run Club, began documenting her fitness journey on TikTok and soon realized her posts could build a local following. Although she describes herself as nonathletic, Pineda discovered a passion for fitness while losing weight, which eventually led her to running. “As a woman,” Pineda said, “running alone at night can feel unsafe, so I decided to create a group for Friday night runs.” After Hours Run Club announced its first group run on Instagram in March 2026 “I founded the club to support others who are showing up for their health, whatever their goals may be,” she said. Every Friday, Pineda’s running group
PROVIDED BY PRETTY GIRLS WALK CLUB NOLA
Pretty Girls Walk Club NOLA regularly walks in Audubon Park on Saturdays. meets at the Hope Haven Fitness Trail in Marrero. The 0.7-mile loop allows participants to choose a 2-mile walk or 3-mile run on the same course, keeping the group together and ensuring everyone finishes in the same area. “So, no matter your pace, you’ll never be left behind or running alone,” Pineda said. After graduating college, Claire Anderson wanted to find an active social circle. In April, she discovered the After Hours club on Instagram and reached out to Pineda about running with the group for safety. “When you join this group, you become part of a community that lifts you up,” Anderson said. Anderson is one of approximately 40 to 45 active members, older than 18. After Hours Run Club has supported local causes, including the Jefferson Parish Animal Welfare Services shelter, and plans to take part in area races. Pretty Girls Walk Club NOLA, founded in June 2026, stands out among the area’s newer fitness groups, welcoming women of all ages and fitness levels, from walkers to joggers and runners. Founder Kira Borskey, a New Orleans native with a master’s degree in healthcare administration, said her desire to improve others’ well-being was inspired by her stepfather, Dornell Anderson.
“He taught me that something as simple as taking a walk can have a powerful impact on your physical and mental health,” said Borskey. Pretty Girls Walk Club NOLA meets every Saturday morning near the Audubon Park Golf Course. Members and interested walkers can find monthly schedules and upcoming events on the club’s Instagram, TikTok and Strava app. With more than 50 members, the club recently marked its one-month anniversary with a “Matcha Me There” walk to Matcha Magic on Tulane Avenue, where members gathered for refreshments and conversation. Aaliyah Fields, a mother and hairstylist, joined the Pretty Girls club in July and attended her first walk on July 4, eager to find a community that shared her interest in walking when she is not working with a trainer two to three times a week. “It’s women of all walks of life, all shapes and sizes, coming together to better themselves,” Fields said. “I’m not a runner, so when I found this walk club, I felt like I found my people.” For Fields, the club offered a chance to exercise alongside her friend, who is also a mother. “That’s what I love about this club,” Fields said. “It’s just a good space to be in with no judgment.”
Events Aug. 29: PetSmart Dog Adoption Event, 6851 Veterans Blvd., Metairie, from noon to 4 p.m. Meet adorable puppies and dogs from ARNO. All approved adopters will receive a coupon book. Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www. animalrescueneworleans.org.
PET OF THE WEEK
Kelly Gibson Foundation holds award banquet Staff report The Kelly Gibson Foundation recently held its annual awards banquet. The event awarded scholarships to student-athletes who compete on the foundation’s summer Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour and mentor in the Oscar J. Tolmas Mentorship Program. Scholarship selections are based on community service, sportsmanship, academic achievements, and financial need. Award winners in other categories were also recognized. Students from the greater New Orleans area who won scholarships given on behalf of the Fore! Kids Foundation were Ashley Biehl, Metairie, Ursuline senior, $5,000 FKF Board Chairman Scholarship; Lexie Crappel, Slidell, North Carolina State freshman, $2,500 Zurich Classic Tournament Chairman Scholarship; Gavin Davis, Bogalusa, LSU freshman, $5,000 FKF Buddy Seeling “Making a Difference” Scholarship; and Maddie Rudolph, River Ridge, Rhodes College freshman, $2,500 Zurich Classic Title Sponsor Scholarship. The BC Cup Gary & Gerry McCool $2500 Scholarship, awarded on behalf of the BC Cup Foundation in memory of Barry Hogan and Colin Headrick, went to Beau Drury, Belle Chasse, Pearl River Community College sophomore; and Christopher Fonseca, Cut Off, Pearl River Community Col-
PROVIDED PHOTO
PROVIDED PHOTO
Students honored at the Kelly Gibson Foundation awards banquet were, bottom row from left, Lexie Crappel, Morgan Guepet, Sophia Penton, Nicasia Chase, Katherine Estridge, Samantha Schultz, Vivian Volion, Abigail Wilson, Kaylie Hui, Maddie Rudolph, Lily Hutchinson and Ashley Biehl; and top row, Bryce Kettner, Alexander Sedky, Gavin Davis, Drew Corderman, Caine Moore, James Fuhrer, Beau Drury, Christopher Fonseca, Camden Blancher and Tate Fournier. Not pictured is Bayleigh Waldrep. lege freshman. Scholarships of $2500 given on behalf of the Allstate Sugar Bowl went to Samantha Schultz, Mandeville, University of West Florida senior; Alexander Sedky, New Orleans, Isidore Newman junior; and Abigail Wilson, Metairie, Mount Carmel Academy senior. Those receiving scholarships on behalf of the New Orleans Golf Association were Camden Blancher, Gretna, an Archbishop Shaw senior, $2,000 Clarence Steeg Scholarship; Kaylie Hui, Metairie, a Rhodes College sophomore, $2,000 Tommy Moore Scholarship; and Lily Hutchinson, New Orleans, a St. Mary’s Do-
minican senior, $1,000 William Smith Scholarship. Other local scholarship recipients were Drew Corderman, Mandeville, a University of South Carolina freshman, $1,500 P.I.G. Invitational Charity Scholarship; Morgan Guepet, Metairie, a University of Southern Mississippi junior, $2,500 Mackel Scholarship; Sophia Penton, Covington, a Christ Episcopal School senior, $1,500 P.I.G. Invitational Charity Scholarship; and Tate Fournier, Gretna, a Jesuit junior, $1,100 Kelly Gibson Foundation Scholarship. Local award winners include Ashley Biehl, KGJGT Player of the Year, girls 14-17 division; Christopher Fonse-
ca, Kelly Gibson Junior Golf Tour (KGJGT) Player of the Year, boys 18-22 division; and Samantha Schultz, KGJGT Player of the Year, girls 18-22 division. The Kelly Gibson Foundation is a community-driven 501© (3) nonprofit that supports first responders, military initiatives, and children’s athletic programming in the Greater New Orleans and Gulf Coast region. The foundation operates the junior golf tour with a mission to create a positive learning experience through golf. The KGJGT is open to golfers ages 7-22, with members competing in junior golf tournaments throughout the region.
Danny Flamingo is a 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier-beagle mix weighing 22 pounds. He is a friendly, easygoing boy who gets along with just about everyone. He is great with dogs, cats, chickens and kids. To learn more, email adoptionteam@animalrescueneworleans. org or submit an application at animalrescueneworleans.org/adoptfoster.
Community partners donate supplies to St. Bernard students Staff report Students in two St. Bernard Parish public schools received school supplies and backpacks through donations from area community partners. Chalmette Refining PBF Energy donated school supplies to Chalmette Elementary School. Interns at Chalmette Refining, under the supervision of Elizabeth Ellison-Frost, organized the supply drive and delivered backpacks, pencils, crayons, markers, tissues and other items from the school’s beginning-ofyear supply list. Kate McNab is principal of the school. United Way of Southeast Louisiana, partnering with WDSU, hosted a backpack drive that provided school supplies and backpacks to students at Arabi Elementary School. Arabi Elementary’s principal is Andrea Woodward.
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