BEDFORD-STUYVESANT — Lace up those sneakers and set a personal best this season during Bed-Stuy’s community runs.
The Brooklyn Alliance for Safer Streets (BASS) has brought back its weekly running series this summer with routes from Bedford-Stuyvesant’s Restoration Plaza to Grand Army Plaza in Prospect Park.
“It’s a way to hold each other accountable and explore Bed-Stuy in a different way,” said organizer Erica Steverson.
The 12-week series, which began July 15, culminates in Restoration’s 10K Walk, Run & Ride event this October.
The free runs are held in partnership with Black Girls RUN!, a national organization that encourages African-American women to live healthy lifestyles.
Every Wednesday, participants can walk, sprint or jog 2 miles to Grand Army Plaza, or continue more than 4 miles through the Prospect Park loop.
Steverson, who is a certified coach through the Road Runners Club of America, leads the group.
Runners are encouraged to partner up depending on their pace, and more advanced participants can train in speed workouts.
“No matter who shows up, there’s a plan for them. These serve to introduce people to running, have them pick up the pace, run properly and stretch their goals,” Steverson said.
“With all the changes going on in Bed-Stuy, it’s a great opportunity for people to meet their neighbors.”
The community runs begin at 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday at the Restoration Plaza courtyard near Applebee's.
For more information, check out the BASS Facebook group or email ericajayrun@gmail.com.