The Griffith Park Bobcats (GPB) youth running club was founded in 2011 by Gretchen Corrales, a past coach of “Jane” Liliana Hernandez. Gretchen, who urged Liliana to help develop the club early on, chose the name Bobcats based on Native American symbolism. Bobcats are associated with the wind and known for their vigilance, clear vision and patience. As the two coaches were beginning to build their club Gretchen passed away. In honor of Gretchen, Liliana chose to continue leading the club on her own and make Gretchen’s dream a reality.
The Bobcats, whose members are children between the ages of 5 and 12 years who mostly live in Glendale, Silver Lake and Alhambra, train in Griffith Park in Los Angeles. They meet at Shane’s Inspiration (a playground located on the park premises) every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 5:00 p.m. Most workouts include an hour-long trail run for the more advanced runners and a hike/slower run option for others. On Fridays, when Coach Cesar Arevalos helps out, there are two groups who train based on ability.
The Bobcats are encouraged to improve their fitness through running which in turn helps members succeed in other sports and gain confidence by developing stronger self-esteem and discipline. The GPB club builds teamwork skills as runners train together and compete in local 5k runs.
After training with the GPB, members will run like the wind, like the actual bobcats of Griffith Park!
For more details and/or to sign-up, please contact Liliana at litzyfeliz15@yahoo.com or visit the GPB Facebook page here.
Go Bobcats!!!
