- December 4, 2025
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Christine Williams moved to Sarasota full time in August 2022, just before the opening of The Bay park in October, and participated in the park's inaugural fun run.
When she began to slow down at one point, someone behind her yelled, "Don't stop!"
It was a person she describes as a "beautiful, tall blonde woman," who was using Williams to pace herself.
Her name was Lea Myers, and after she and Williams sat down afterward at The Nest Café in the park, they ended up becoming best friends.
Both of them supporters of the park, they have also attended its new Run & Walk Club for All, which was launched on September 6.
When Coach Elisha DeMassa met Diana Shaheen, the director of park guest experience at the time (currently Chief Operating Officer) she was convinced Shaheen shared her vision for a community run club.
"It's something that she's always wanted to do, and I've always wanted to do it," she said. "It's been a dream of mine."
So far, the club walks and runs, which take place at 7:30 on Saturday morning, have drawn a relatively small group of attendees each weekend.
The club features two routes, the 5K Bay-to-Bridge-and-Back Route, which takes attendees over the John Ringling Causeway and back, and the 1.6 mile Stay at The Bay Route.
DeMassa says she wanted to create a supportive running group like the one she had when she first started running 14 or 15 years ago, after she had had her third child.
"We all just kind of encouraged each other, and I just fell in love with it," she said. "Not only did I fall in love with running, I fell in love with the community of running."
She says when she first started, she could barely finish a 5K run, but over time, she was transformed physically and mentally.
DeMassa is certified as both a running coach and personal trainer.
According to The Bay's website, she has completed 10 half marathons, a full marathon and multiple sprint triathlons and has consistently placed in the top three overall, and within her age group, in local races.
DeMassa notes the running routes offered by the club is safe for the community, avoiding busy intersections, and keeps to the same side of North Tamiami Trail as it stretches from the park, across the bridge and back.
She also notes that attendees don't have to run to be part of the group.
"Running taught me that progress comes from consistency and community, and that's why this club just focuses on showing up, moving at your own pace, and really, encouraging each other," she said.
The routes for the run and walk remain consistent each week, although DeMassa makes minor adjustments based on factors like group size and traffic.
So far, the community is in the process of discovering the club. Among those who found it on Sept. 13 were Charlie Cavallaro, 11, and his mother Jessica Cavallaro.
Charlie Cavallaro, 11, plays sports including baseball and tennis, and is going to try out for track this year. Jessica Cavallaro said the family was looking to get him running in between sports.
"We saw an advertisement for it, and thought it would be a great way to spend a Saturday, out on the bay in Sarasota, getting some exercise," she said.
She said they will now be at the club every weekend, including their other family members who are sleeping in.
"Going over the bridge is gorgeous," she said. "Getting to see Sarasota from the top of the bridge is amazing. So it's just a beautiful route, and it's a wonderful, wonderful space that, honestly, we should be in more often."
