The Evanston and Lake Forest/Lake Bluff running club members get to know each other at the Lake Forest train station. Photo by Michael McMahon

By Mike Conklin

Last Saturday’s weather wasn’t the best for running outdoors, but it didn’t deter the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Running Club’s first Meet ‘N Greet of the year.

The local group was joined on its weekly six-mile run that starts in the Lake Forest east train station by a dozen or so members from the Evanston Running Club. Both organizations are among the most active clubs in the Chicago Area Runners Association, offering a schedule of events open to the public and frequently competing against each other on the Chicagoland race circuit.

After an official welcome from LF/LB president Trey Robinson, the clubs hit the traditional, local six-mile loop that takes runners to the Lake Forest beach, winds south mostly on Mayflower to Westleigh and the old Barat College property before returning to the station via the bike path. Afterward, everyone was served coffee, bagels, and other treats.

The first runners stride into the parking lot of Forest Park Beach in Lake Forest. Photo by Michael McMahon