The Rocket

Issue date: 9/14/07 Section: Focus

Media Credit: Ashton Ruby The jogging path in Grove City opened to the public about three weeks ago. Health and safety professor Michael Cleary donated $5,800 for its construction. [Click to enlarge]

The scene is not unique: a person is out trying to enjoy a run, but can't seem to get anything accomplished due to the hustle and bustle of traffic.

But with limited places to run, the side of the road seems to be the one of the only options. Although not always safe, what else is a runner to do?

Fortunately for those with this problem, there is now a solution.

As of the end of August, locals could finally run on a path designed specifically with runners in mind, thanks in large part to Michael Cleary.

Cleary, a professor in the health and safety department, has made a great contribution to the community's fitness by donating $5,800 to fund a jogging path in Grove City.

Cleary said that he thought of the path as a safe place for people to get in shape.

The path, located next to Grove City High School, is designed so that it is far away from the roads to keep runners away from traffic. The path will also be used as part of Grove City High School's cross country course.

"My idea was to help out the community," Cleary said. "I was happy to fund a worthwhile cause to promote safety and fitness."

The path, which is 700 yards long and 10 feet wide, was designed so that runners will be able to travel in both directions at the same time. It's made up of three layers of crushed limestone.

Cleary said that the crunching underfoot of the limestone is good for ankle, knee and hip problems.

"Running on the path is like running on the beach," he said. "It's extremely easy on the legs."

The idea for the path came to Cleary about a year ago. He said that attending conferences and seeing the jogging paths at hotels inspired him to create one in his hometown community.

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