Jackson Free Press

When it comes to running, most people find more motivation in a social setting. Enter fondRUN. FondRUN is a monthly pub run that normally occurs during Fondren After 5, a late evening monthly opportunity to stroll, shop and dine. The run begins and ends at a different location each month, such as Babalu, Sneaky Beans or Brent's Drugs.

Created by liveRIGHTnow's healthy living strategist and trainer Terry Sullivan, the run is a 2-mile, easy-paced opportunity to connect with fellow runners and see more of Fondren. "We've purposefully picked a route to show off different parts of the neighborhood," Sullivan says.

LiveRIGHTnow has a mission to create and support a healthier population through services and products that are focused on local business and agricultural development and environmentally friendly practices. The liveRIGHTnow program consists of weekly consultations, personal training sessions and a lifestyle plan. The program has also helped several of their clients participate in their first 5K and reach goals in as little as six weeks. With summer approaching, now is the perfect time to choose a race in the future and begin training. LiveRIGHTnow will begin by teaching you proper running mechanics, then engage in one-on-one core, balance and flexibility training, all while conducting weekly practice runs.

The most recent fondRUN was a special occasion: Fondren After 5K, a more structured race than the usual route. Awards were given to winners in the Overall Male and Female, and Top 3 in age groups 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-40 and 50+.

During the run, participants see beautiful neighborhoods and Fondren shops, take on Fondren's challenging hills, including Old Canton Road, and hear live music. After the race, runners return to enjoy drinks, food and shopping. The first round of beer is usually "on the house" at a different location each month thanks to Southern Beverage.

In the first Fondren After 5K, more than 100 people ran through the Cherokee Heights and Oak Dale neighborhoods of Fondren. Runners began and ended their race outside of M!SO, grabbing a free beer at the end and listening to Patrick Harkins play and sing. The event is sponsored by the Fondren Renaissance Foundation, Find it in Fondren, Fleet Feet, Southern Beverage, Babalu Tacos & Tapas, Rod's Racers, Studio Chane Screenprinting, Patrick Harkins, McDade's and M!SO.

To participate in the next fondRUN or Fondren After 5K, visit liveRIGHTnowonline.com.

An earlier version of this story inadvertently left Find it in Fondren off the sponsors list. The JFP apologizes.