The Perry Green Runners were back in action Sunday.
The group, founded by Antonio and Gerardo Rios and Emily Stout has a simple goal: Enjoy some physical activity while being a good neighbor in the community.
While the trio were all distance runners for Perry High School athletic teams, Gerardo Rios said it was not a requirement for inclusion in the club.
“You don’t have to run at all,” he said. “All you have to want is to get in a little physical exercise and be piling to pick up some garbage. We want to be encourage social interaction in the community and anyone is welcome to join us.”
The group, founded in 2012, was meeting for the third time this year when they gathered in the Hy-Vee/Shopko parking lot, with guests from Webster City, Ames and Des Moines present. The Perry High School grounds and the area around the Perry post office were the first two locales visited this year.
PGR meets each Sunday at 6:30 p.m. and spends approximately an hour spreading throughout their target area, picking up litter and garbage and collecting recyclable items.
Those present then visit a local restaurant for dinner and a social hour. The choice of locale to be canvassed and eatery to be visited changes each week, with members — and anyone interested in joining them — able to find information on the group’s facebook page.