Socializing, Fun Runs and Some Serious Footwork

Dave Covey has watched a gradual change in the Orange County Track Club over the past few years, a shift that has seen an increasing number of members drawn to ultra-marathons (runs of 50 miles and more) and trail runs.

“A few years ago, we had maybe two who did ultras,” Covey says. “Now, a lot of people are doing trail runs and ultras.” An ultra-runner himself, Covey has helped instigate the change.

In September, he and six other club members headed to the Grand Canyon for a little fun run--from the South Rim down to the canyon floor and up to the North Rim, then back. About 50 miles in 16 hours.

Covey expects to see even more runners take part next year in what he hopes will become an annual event. But lest anyone think the club is geared only to the extreme fringe of the running world, Covey points out that most members still confine their efforts to 5Ks and 10Ks.

Established in 1961, the group is the oldest running club in Orange County and has about 70 members. Monthly meetings, held at members’ homes, are usually potluck affairs that provide a chance to meet and chat. The weekly runs, too, are low-key and relaxed.

Fun runs of four to six miles are held twice a week at 6 p.m. Monday night’s run meets at the Backbay YMCA in Newport Beach; Thursday’s meets at the Irvine Marketplace, across the street from UC Irvine. Tuesday nights on the track at Orange Coast College, founding member Charlie Appell coaches those who want to hone their running technique.

There often is an “unofficial” weekend run, usually about 10 miles on the trails of Crystal Cove State Park. And once a month, the club will choose an event and try to get as many members there as possible. Most are local 5Ks and 10Ks, but some are out of the area, such as recent treks to the Catalina Marathon and the Dipsea in San Francisco.

Club events are open to anyone to try. If you decide to join the club there’s an initial fee of $30, then $20 per year.

The weekly events provide plenty of opportunities to run, but Covey says the group’s focus is really social: “We call ourselves an eating club with a running disorder.”

* What: Orange County Track Club.

* When: Group events held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6.

* Where: Monday at the Backbay YMCA in Newport Beach; Thursday at the Irvine Marketplace; Tuesday at the Orange Coast College track.

* Whereabouts: Call for directions.

* Wherewithal: FREE.

* Where to call: (714) 644-2679.