CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- A group of strangers and a dog run three miles every Thursday morning at CouCou Rachou in Charlottesville.

After coming on a run and trying delicious croissants, two best friends wanted to share their new-found route with Charlottesville, and this club was the perfect way to do that.

“So we go down past CouCou Rachou, and then we go around through McIntire Park, where the Vietnam Memorial is, come up with the sunrise, and then come up McIntire Ridge, and then come back and enjoy coffee and croissants,” said Kate Harrigan and Jalei Celik, who started the CouCou Rachou Running Club. 

It may seem like an intimidating trail, but everyone has a partner and is cheered on by other runners in the group.

That encouragement from other runners is exactly why the duo started the running club, to get people into running in a fun and community-driven way.

“I think the sense of community, and bringing everyone together, kind of pushes you to be better and show up for yourself,” added Harrigan.

With a group of 30-plus runners and counting, this club is not only growing in numbers but friendships too.

“It’s cool to see people not only in their jobs or at school because Charlottesville is a small place, but it is kind of hard to meet people if they’re not in your corner every day,” added Celik.

All skill levels are welcome.

For more information on joining their club, click here.