On a quiet residential street in St. Catharines, the morning air is still, with only the sound of birdsong filling the calm April morning. Most people are still inside, preparing for the day, but soon, the peaceful scene is interrupted as a group of runners starts to pass by the corner café. They circle back and stop to stretch, bringing energy to the street.
The group is a diverse mix—some are dressed in the latest running gear, with high-performance shoes, tight leggings, and quick-dry T-shirts. Others are more casually dressed, while a few are not running at all, opting instead to push a stroller or walk their dog.
This group of a few dozen runners and walkers forms the core of Rise and Grind, part of @TheCornersRunCrew, a St. Catharines-based running community that was founded a little over five years ago. The group’s mission is simple: to create a positive space where people of all abilities can move together, support one another, and enjoy the experience of running.
Colin Strickland, the group’s founder, had been running for nearly 20 years when, in late 2019, he found himself scrolling through Instagram, admiring running groups in cities like Copenhagen, London, and Portland. He couldn’t help but notice the lack of a similar local option in St. Catharines.
“I started to think that all the cool stuff was happening somewhere else,” said Strickland.
As an alternative education teacher with the District School Board of Niagara, Strickland quickly realized the solution was simple: there was no need for expensive startup costs or a dedicated venue—he could just send out an invite and see who showed up.
And that’s exactly what he did. What began as a small idea soon grew into a thriving community focused on fitness, camaraderie, and inclusivity. The Rise and Grind group has become a welcoming space for anyone looking to move at their own pace, whether they’re a seasoned runner or just getting started.
