Have you heard of Columbia Girls Who Walk? It’s a walking group that began on Instagram two months ago + meets weekly for two-mile walks.
Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s backtrack. Two friends and co-workers — Christine Bonarrigo and Tabatha Dillon — began walking together during lunch breaks to brainstorm ways they could make new friends after college and find a balance between their social + physically active lifestyles.
They decided to see if anyone else in the Soda City felt the same way + wanted to join in on their walks.
“People are walking on the river walks by themselves, so why don’t we all do it together and socialize while we do it?” Christine said.
Two has quickly turned into 20-50 girls each week meeting in popular walking locations around Columbia and has garnered over 1,000 Instagram followers.
“I guess there’s a need for something like this, you know?” Tabatha said.
The group has grown so much that it’s begun planning ways to involve more parts of the community.
- Several local gyms offered to host fitness classes.
- It started a monthly mom’s only walk.
- It has reached out to Epworth Children’s Home for volunteer opportunities.
- They plan to start going to local restaurants after walks to grab dinner or drinks.
Get involved:
- Find the September calendar here. The next walk will take place next Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the Saluda River Walk (650 Candi Ln.).
- Sign up for its first yoga class hosted by Amsa Yoga Studio (140 Pelham Dr.) for a Yin Yoga class beginning at 6 p.m.
- The group also plans to host a team for the upcoming 2022 Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon + 5K Walk in October, open to all Soda Citizens.
“Everyone there wants to make friends so it’s a very welcoming environment. Just show up. There aren’t any fees, no sign-ups, and you just come to a walk whenever you can.” Christine said.