Every month, hundreds of Planoites and neighbors from surrounding suburbs line up at 8 a.m. in Windhaven Meadows Park for the Plano Pacers’ signature runs. The club’s two‑a‑month schedule provides a range of distances—from a 3K family‑friendly route to a challenging 15K—so runners of every skill level can set personal records or simply enjoy a healthy start to the day.
Leadership rooted in community service
Fred Ellefson, a retired telecom engineer who spent decades working with fiber‑optic equipment, has served as president of the Plano Pacers since 2020. He has personally participated in more than 120 Pacers events and volunteered at roughly 100 others. “Running was a great stress release while I was working,” Ellefson explains. “After retiring, I have spent more time running with a variety of groups and it has become more social for me.”
A nonprofit tradition dating back to 1978
The running club was founded by the City of Plano Parks & Recreation department in 1978 and has operated as a nonprofit ever since. Today, the organization boasts about 900 active members, with 200‑300 participants turning out for each monthly race. “It really is a community with a core group of regular runners that show up each month,” Ellefson says. “We also have a core group of volunteers that are the backbone of our group.”
Inclusive events for families and newcomers
Membership is not required to join a race. Non‑members may pay $15 per event, while an annual adult membership costs $40, with discounted options for families, students and seniors. Upcoming races include the Turkey Run‑Off on Nov. 28 (offering 5K, 15K and a Kid’s K) and the Holiday Hustle on Dec. 26 (featuring 3K, 8K and a Kid’s K). The club’s emphasis on welcoming runners of all levels has attracted participants from virtually every suburb in the Dallas‑Fort Worth metro area, even those an hour’s drive away.
Park locations and seasonal adjustments
Most races are held at Windhaven Meadows Park, with occasional events at Bob Woodruff Park. This year’s schedule is centered at Windhaven Meadows while construction continues at Bob Woodruff. Both parks provide ample space, scenic trails and easy access for families arriving by car.
Building health, fellowship, and local pride
The Plano Pacers’ monthly runs do more than promote fitness; they reinforce the city’s tradition of community‑focused recreation. By offering structured, affordable events, the club supports families seeking healthy activities, encourages social connections among neighbors, and showcases the quality of Plano’s park system. As the club looks ahead, Ellefson and the volunteer board remain committed to expanding race options, enhancing volunteer opportunities, and keeping the running community vibrant for years to come.
Original reporting: Plano Magazine — read the source article.
