Those who have attended PRoject Rise on Thursday mornings at 5:29 a.m. on the riverfront know to expect high fives, encouragement and lots of positivity often before the sun comes up. Dylan Hammons, one of the creators of PRoject Rise, describes those who attend as an all-inclusive group that is all about becoming one tribe.
“Spontaneous encouragement is everywhere and you will feel welcome,” Hammons said.
As people gather to walk, jog or run for thirty minutes of physical activity, a sense of community builds among the group week after week. This Thursday will be no different except the crowd may be a little larger. On June 20th, “The PRojectRise Drive for 300 Summer Solstice Tribe Party” will take place at 5:29 a.m.
“I am excited about bringing our community together for a morning of movement,” Hammons said.
Jessica Jones has been attending regularly and loves that the workout focuses on each person’s individual pace. It doesn’t matter if one is just starting out or if the person is one of the fastest runners in Owensboro; everyone is out there together. On a more personal level, Jones says that PRoject Rise played a role in their recent adoption.
“The communities we each belong to change lives!” Jones said.
Eric Hoagland, a local distance runner, has been attending the early morning Thursday workout group for a little over two years. He likes all of the positivity and encouragement that is given.
“It doesn’t matter if you are faster or slower, younger or older — everyone is there for the same reason — to get better,” Hoagland said.
Ericka Roberts of 270 Power Yoga is honored to be leading Yoga after the run/walk portion of the morning. Everyone is encouraged to bring a mat and tap into some presence, sweat, and empowerment. She is most excited about seeing the community come together, describing the group as so much stronger together.
“PRoject Rise and events like this are so important because it gives people the opportunity to be a part of something bigger, we aren’t just showing up for ourselves but for every human there,” Roberts said. “The high fives, empowerment, encouragement, smiles. It’s all magical!”
PRoject Rise is free to attend and everyone is welcome regardless of previous experience or ability level. Participants are encouraged to invite friends and family to join them. If the group reaches three hundred participants this Thursday, it will be the largest turnout they have seen.
Participants meet near the front of the RiverPark Center and the workout officially begins at 5:29 a.m. For more information, visit PRoject Rise on Facebook.
