The Borderline Running Club Annual Christmas Run

Running outdoors in the frigid climate of our New England winter months seems pretty far-fetched to most. Not so, however, for the Borderline Running Club of North Andover, who embarked on their Fifth annual Christmas Run Saturday. At the time of departure, the temperature registered in at a chilling 19 degrees.

The BRC was founded by North Andover natives Frank Killilea and Tom Reusch in 2005, who came up with the idea of running from the North Andover Town Common to all of the surrounding town borders.  They began with the founding two members and have since grown to 25 official members.  Another 30 candidates are working to fulfill their qualifications. The group comes together every Saturday morning in the wee hours to take off from Old Village Road. They like the idea that before most of the town has risen from bed, they have already achieved a fitness goal, a time to clear their heads and some good company. Their weekly runs range anywhere from four to more than 15 miles. They are a light-hearted group comprised of runners at many skill levels, yet one thing that they all have in common is the desire to hit the road running and the commitment to make every step of the way a good time.

Saturday's Christmas Run brought 28 runners to the streets and as holiday tradition would have it, the group ran their annual 6-mile excursion all the way to the finish line at the Georgetown V.F.W. where they met in celebration over food, drink and reflective conversation.   

In addition to their Christmas Run, BRC members run the annual Fourth of July Road Race, the Reach the Beach Relay in which the team accomplishes 200 miles in 24 hours, the Lawyers Have Heart 5K and of course the Boston Marathon. 

So if you happen to see this group of runners pushing through rain, sleet or snow, don't think they are nuts. Rather, they are a passionate group who together enjoy the camaraderie, competition and challenge that their chosen sport of running affords them each and every week.

To learn more about the Borderline Running Club and their fast-footed antics visit www.borderlinerunningclub.com.