The sun is not up yet as people in running gear walk into a small, three-room, former tenant house.
Welcome to the clubhouse of a running group called the Todds Road Stumblers.
They’re gathering just off Todds Road on Combs Ferry Road in a rural community East of Lexington. It’s on the Fayette-Clark County line.
Hot coffee is being served and a large box of donuts waits to be devoured after the runners return. The conversation is animated and excited for the Saturday morning run which begins at seven.
Runners of all ages and abilities fill the clubhouse. Two of the oldest Stumblers, Barry and Judy Collins in their late seventies, say all people are welcome. Judy now walks with the Stumblers.
“So, I'm the oldest lady out there right now that and I walk, I don't run, but I'm the oldest stumbler right now.”
The Saturday run includes many different distances. The rolling hills along Combs Ferry Road offer a good training course for long-distance runners.
Carrie Asalon says, “I came out here because I heard the hills were killer, and I just wanted to work hills. And I think it was my first, my very first run. I ran with a group and realized they were amazing. They're such a good community. And I have not stopped since.”
Asalon and her running friend Mary Jenkins say they appreciate the running community that’s grown with the Todds Road Stumblers.
“We're all across different demographics and different generations, and it's really good to have you know an older generation to give you some tips and friendships that form between them, and you can't get that in every run group.”
There are no membership dues, and new runners who finish their first six miles receive Stumbler hoodies, shirts, and coffee cups.
The clubhouse is full of local running memorabilia. One wall is covered in plaques with the names of runners who have completed 500 miles with the Stumblers.
There’s a trophy case, a wall of pictures featuring runners, and newspaper articles. In one corner, poster-size running course maps in plastic hang on the wall like a giant book.
The Stumblers trace their roots back to 1975 and Alex Campbell, Jr. The Lexington businessman and philanthropist had a passion for running, often along Todds Road.
One day Campbell got caught in the rain and found shelter under the roof of a barn near a tenant house, now the clubhouse. The owner suggested the tenant house could serve as a place for runners to meet and get out of bad weather.
Judy Collins says Campbell offered to pay rent to Mr. Gay, the tenant house owner.
“Alex said, we’ll give you $200, and he said, no. He said, how about 100 so Alex said, okay, we'll do 100 and Mr. Gay said, I'm gonna give you that money back, the 100 back. And he donated it to the club.”
Campbell, a very successful Lexington businessman and philanthropist, has passed away, but his legacy lives on with the club’s 50th anniversary coming in 2025.
John Unger, 69 years old and still running with the Stumblers, says Campbell deserves a lot of credit.
“It means a whole lot. Mr. Campbell got me my first job in Lexington, and he supported so many of the runners, lot of the former UK runners would come out here. And he even got a got a bus load of people. We went to Roanoke and ran as a team. And you know, Mr. Campbell has done so much for the running boom here in Lexington.”
Runners like Lynn Roche-Phillips say the welcoming culture with the Stumblers is priceless.
“I've been running with the Stumblers for 23 years. Love these people. Love that it's a party every time we go out to run. Love the support. Love the love doesn't matter if you're a 14-minute miler or seven-minute miler. People support you and love you and appreciate you.”
Everyone runs at their own pace and distance.
Linda Mihalec enjoys the fellowship. “I first came here to find a group to run with, and I love running with a group. I have people to work out with, I have people run hard with, I have people run easy with, and I love the community here. I have a great time, and it makes working out hard fun. So a lot of it's just about the people.”
Mary Jenkins agrees and says the natural beauty along the country roads is stunning.
“The environment is just gorgeous. And you know, when you when you catch a sunrise, a Kentucky sunrise over the hill, you just never want to, ever not come back.”
More information on the group is on the Todds Road Stumblers Facebook page.
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