Crossing the Finish Line

Take a trip back in time to the 1950s. If you were to look out your window on a Saturday afternoon, you might see a couple walking down the sidewalk, a teenager walking his dog, or a young mother pushing her child in a stroller. But it’s unlikely that you would have seen a runner zip by.

Until about the 1960s, the sport of running took place almost exclusively on the track, and most runners were men. Today, you’re more likely to see runners on trails and sidewalks than on a track, and it seems that more women are running than men. Whether that’s because women tend to be more health-conscious or are more focused on their physiques, the sport is running in a new direction—off the track, propelled by the feet of women.

In Peoria, the sport has advanced significantly through the efforts of the Illinois Valley Striders—IVS or Striders for short—an organization committed to enhancing both the running environment in the region and the community as a whole. To get the lowdown on Peoria’s running community, I sat down with the group’s founder and former president, Steve Shostrom, and current president, Jim McIntyre. As the saying goes, Striders “run this town.”

The Striders Rise
In the early 1970s, Peoria hosted its share of running events. The massive amounts of time and effort required to put these events together was one of the reasons that Dave Schneider, an employee of the Peoria Park District, thought the River City needed a running group. Schneider knew some runners who he thought might be interested in putting that group together, and called a meeting to discuss the idea. Just two people showed up—Steve Shostrom and Ed McGraw—but the wheels were set in motion, and several months later, the Illinois Valley Striders had about a dozen members.

“We had the good luck of starting in the ‘70s,” explained Shostrom, “which went right along with the running boom.” The sport then grew exponentially in the ‘80s, and is currently experiencing yet another boom. Shostrom notes that the faltering economy may have something to do with that. When it becomes difficult to justify monthly gym memberships, putting on a pair of sneakers becomes a logical alternative. Sidewalks are free, you know!

Shostrom also credits the fitness drive with leading so many to the sport. “[Running] is something you have control over yourself,” he said. “If you decide one day that you want to lose X pounds…the easiest thing you can do is find a pair of shorts and go out and take a run, and slowly but surely get yourself in shape.” Unlike most team sports, running can be done right out of your back door, whenever you like, with or without others.

While many do run alone, most runners will tell you that they prefer to have a buddy. “Belonging to a group…is important because you feel a part of something—it quickly becomes a very important part of your social life,” said Kris Stash, who started running in 1989. “You are much more likely to go out and run on a rainy or cold day if you are meeting up with someone or are part of a race or group.” Belonging to a running group also presents opportunities to share experiences and challenge one another.

Finding Your Niche
“It’s hard to believe that we started in the ‘70s,” reflected Shostrom. “When I was president of the Striders, I literally knew everybody who ran in Peoria. [McIntyre] can’t claim that, but there’s also about a thousand times more runners now than there were then. So it’s pretty amazing.”

While most Striders are runners, the group also consists of quite a few walkers, as well as some who no longer run but still support the sport. According to Shostrom, many people join the Striders looking to lose weight. “I think you can say that the people who come into running that way get pretty loyal and want to give back.” And it’s these dedicated Striders who make the group’s efforts successful. They have never had paid staff members, relying instead on its core of top-notch volunteers to help with regional races and training programs.

With activity levels ranging from fitness walking to marathon completion, new Striders are sure to find their niche. McIntyre estimates that IVS has about 150 members in their advanced training program, which consists of hardcore runners who are “anywhere from sub-five-minute milers to 11-minute milers.” Another 500 Striders are dedicated to running consistently, and the rest do it for fitness, fun or relaxation. And yes, runners maintain that the sport really is relaxing.

“Running is my sanity,” Stash explained. “I can have a horrible day at the office or something really weighing on my mind and go out for a run and the problems don’t seem half as bad…The icing is that exercise is also very good for you and helps to keep your attitude young and body healthy.”

• Email this page