The sun is just rising over the red rocks on a Saturday morning, and while many people like to just roll to their other side in bed as the sun rays start peeking through bedroom windows to take advantage of sleeping in on a Saturday morning, a group of Sedona locals are tying up their running shoes.

The Sedona Roadrunners are dedicated to running, camaraderie and fun. They meet every Saturday for a morning trail or road run.

The group started back in 2006 with just two runners and has grown to over 20 runners, both local and visitors.

“We originally started it because I couldn’t find an existing running group in Sedona,” said Sherry Christoff, the founder of the Sedona Roadrunners. “Now we have anywhere from half a dozen to a dozen to up to 20 runners on a Saturday.”

Christoff said that the group is  made up of active members who all enjoy being athletic, hiking and biking, but the group is not just limited to runners.

“We have a wide variety, and it reflects the demographic of Sedona,” Christoff said. “We have runners, walkers, people of all abilities and ages join.”

Marj Haas was a brand-new participant in the group last Saturday who has been an active marathon runner for years. She recently competed in the San Diego Marathon and ran in the New York City Marathon at the age of 63.

“I’m glad to be here,” Haas said. “I am having foot surgery on Wednesday for an injury from running so this is my last run.”

Every Saturday, the runners run a different route or trail depending on which Saturday of the month it is.

For the full story, please see the Friday, Oct. 26, issue of the Red Rock News.