Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rankin Running Club?
Rankin Running Club (or “Rankin Runners” or RRC) is a social type running club of folks who want to get together, stay in shape, stay active, and be motivated by like-minded people in our area. Our slogan is “Average Runners, Good Friends, Great Fun”… and we mean it. You don’t have to be an accomplished runner, or even care to run each week. RRC is a great way to meet others and be engaged in the area.
We’ll likely have a few serious runners, but most of our runners will be recreational runners or walkers. RRC may also be a great resource for anyone looking for training partners for walking or running.
How do I get involved?
That’s easy. Come out to one of our Monday “runs” (more like a social outing), say hi to the people wearing the armbands, and find the registration table to sign-in. If you’re a new member or guest, you MUST sign in (you are allowed a “test drive period”). Provide your email address and we’ll send you a detailed email of how the Club works and what you will need to do to join the fun. Reminders and RRC news & events are sent on a weekly basis.
Where do I go?
Currently, we meet weekly on Mondays at 6:00pm CT, at the B3 Patio in Downtown Brandon. That’s the back patio to Burgers Blues Barbecue, located at 168 W Government Street. The B3 Patio is right behind it, kind of on Felicity Street (careful, that’s a one-way, going north!), right across the street from East Brandon Nutrition. Once everyone is checked in, we’ll begin the “run” between 6:15pm and 6:20pm CT.
RRC meets at 6pm and runs no later than 6:20pm. We meet every week rain or shine.
When does this happen?
Each Monday at 6:00pm CT, at the B3 Patio in Downtown Brandon. Once everyone is checked in, we’ll begin the “run” between 6:15pm and 6:20pm CT.
RRC meets at 6pm and runs no later than 6:20pm. We meet every week rain or shine.
NOTE: Should Monday fall on Christmas, New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving, or Easter (you know what we mean), we’ll NOT have a run that week. In such instances, we’ll communicate the situation via our FB Page and email newsletter, if practical.
So I can attend a “meeting” as a guest, to try it out?
Definitely, we offer a “test-drive period”. You’re welcome to come check out RRC up to 3 weeks per calendar year. If you’re a new member or guest, you MUST sign in with our registration desk. Provide your email address and we’ll send you a detailed email of how RRC works and what you will need to do to join the fun. Reminders and RRC news & events are sent/posted on a weekly basis.
How much is membership in the Rankin Running Club? How long does it last, and what do I get for the membership?
Membership in the Rankin Running Club varies by age:
Adult (Ages 18-64): $39
Senior (65 & up): $35
*Student (13-17): $19 (does not incl an RRC T-shirt)
*Under Age 13: $0.00 (no fee)
*Guest: $0.00 (no fee – may attend as a Guest up to 3 times per calendar year)
*If a Student wants an RRC T-Shirt, it may be purchased separately, or the Student may enroll as an Adult Member during the application process.
Payment may be made in person via check, or save a tree and pay online via a credit card (and get those points!). There is NO additional fee or surcharge for paying via credit card.
Membership is paid annually, so your membership will run (pun intended) 365 days from when you joined. Our membership includes the social engagement with all our members (hey, we’re fun), a cool dri-fit type RRC t-shirt (just tell us your size), some special deals on our Monday “run nights” including some special treatment by Burgers Blues Barbecue (B3), our hosts! Go for a Monday run with us, come back to B3, and enjoy some networking with the group, as well as some drinks! We also anticipate having some free grub after the run at least once per quarter.
RRC Membership Fee is applicable to those 13 years of age and older. 12 years old and under do not have to pay a Membership Fee, although ANYONE (regardless of age) participating with RRC must sign our Rankin Running Club Waiver, in order to participate. We require a parent’s signature on our Waiver for any minor (under 18 years of age).
CLICK HERE to go to our Membership Page.
NOTE: If you’re not 100% satisfied with RRC in the first 30 days, we’ll gladly provide a full refund (minus $18 for the cost of the RRC shirt, if you have received one).
Who’s in charge of this?
HēLē Marketing LLC formed and operates Rankin Running Club, but ultimately we have a few managers and volunteers who oversee things. If you’d like to get involved in helping with RRC, just let us know. We’re always looking for a couple good Leaders!
HēLē Marketing LLC is a Brandon MS company and founders of cool things like Brandon042® and the Downtown Brandon Gift Card (and #Eat042).
Running? What if I don’t want to actually RUN? I’m a walking kind of person.
Of course you can walk. Crawl, if you have to! And if that’s not your thing either, then have someone wheel you over so you can participate in our virtual running experience (this includes fun activities like chatting with others and drinking beer at the bar while everyone else runs).
Runners/Walkers of nearly any skill level are welcome. We’re not out to compete in the Olympics here… but if you are, that’s cool with us as well.
How far do y’all “run”?
“Run” is in quotes because you might not run. You might walk, stroll, limp, jog, or crawl. We’ll have a couple different routes in the Downtown Brandon area which are approximately 2 miles. Many will run or walk the 2-mile route, and many will double it, and complete 4 miles.
Each week, we’ll establish which route we’re doing, and go from there. Depending on several factors, including climate, slope/grade, and age, most walkers can do 2 miles in 25 to 40 minutes. Average runners can finish 2 miles between 15 to 25 mins. For those that want to double the walk/run, just repeat the route, thus making it 4 miles. After the “run”, we’ll all relax a bit back at the B3 Patio. You can hang out, chat, have a drink and socialize, or head back home and be by yourself.
NOTE: If you don’t want to finish the approximate 2 miles, then turn back at any time and run/walk only what you’d like. There is NO pressure or requirement to complete the 2-mile trek. ONLY walk or run what you are confident in and feel comfortable doing.
Can I bring my dog?
We don’t recommend it, but we also don’t prohibit it. Dogs can be a distraction to others, or to you, and even get distracted on their own (“squirrel!”). IF you bring your dog, we do request the following:
- Please leash your dog at ALL times.
2. Please pick up after your dog (especially during the run).
3. Please provide your own water for your pooch.
4. Please make sure your dog plays well with others.
5. Understand that only YOU are responsible for your pet.
NOTE: B3 Patio does not prohibit dogs. However, please be respectful and cognizant of others. If you’re at B3 with your dog, it’s probably not a good idea to have him or her near another dog, or close to folks enjoying their meal. Please use discretion regarding this. RRC reserves the right to restrict an animal (or member) from participating, should the need arise.
As a club member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), we support RRCA’s position and recommendations regarding animals at events and/or runs. CLICK HERE to see what RRCA says about this.
Can I bring my child?
Is he or she as well behaved as your dog? Just kidding… minors are allowed, however, we DO require that a parent sign their membership application and waiver (those pesky attorneys!). We also ask that you accompany your child and monitor them during the “run”.
RRC Membership Fee is applicable to those 14 years of age and older. 13 years old and under do not have to pay a Membership Fee, although ANYONE (regardless of age) participating with RRC must sign our Rankin Running Club Waiver, in order to participate. We require a parent’s signature on our Waiver form for any minor.
Can I bring my stroller?
We prefer that you didn’t, and here’s why: Strollers have been proven to cause problems for other participants, as well as serve as a distraction for the person with it. You likely have some important stuff in that stroller, so your mind is (or should) be on it. That’s a distraction to running. While we do not expressly prohibit strollers, we strongly discourage you from using one during any “run”.
As a club member of the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA), we support RRCA’s position and recommendations regarding strollers at events and/or runs. CLICK HERE to see what RRCA says about this.
How late are you folks out doing this?
Most of our members will make the “run” and be back at B3 between 7pm and 7:15… then catch their breath, socialize a bit, maybe get a bite to eat or have a drink. We obviously don’t require that you stay for any length of time, but most will call it a night before 8pm.
NOTE: Our host location, B3, closes at 9pm CT on Mondays.
Is this safe and legal?
We take many steps to make our “runs” as safe as possible. We’ll always notify the group of the designated route we’re taking on a particular evening, while also adhering to “Safe Run Guidelines”, which includes many things, including someone designated to be behind all others. We’ll also advise local law enforcement of our “runs” and routes. We do ask that everyone still follow traffic laws and stay on the sidewalks when possible, and wear reflective gear.
NOTE: Rankin Running Club is a member of the Road Runners Club of America.
Rain or Shine? What if the weather or conditions are so bad that the regular Monday “run” is canceled?
Do you think we’re like the Brandon Amphitheater or something? Sorry, that was intended to be funny. Yes, we’ll have our Monday “run” rain or shine. BUT, there could be a time that we delay the start of the run due to weather or even cancel a run all together. Some light rain and pop-up showers can be fun to run in, but most do not want to run in Severe Weather or lightning.
Should we need to cancel a run, we’ll post such on our FB Page.
Is there anything else I should know?
Nothing else that we can think of, other than “come join us, make friends and stay active”. If you’re unsure about joining, no problem! Just come by and check us out a couple times, to see if RRC is a fit for you.
NOTE: Rankin Running Club is not sponsored, endorsed, or approved by Burgers Blues Barbecue, or any other entity.
How do I contact someone at Rankin Running Club?
The best way is to come to a Monday “run” and get there a few mins before 6pm, and speak with one of the RRC leaders. Otherwise, you’re welcome to message us on Facebook, or send us an email at: