WASHINGTON -- Many marathoners said running the distance is easier when done with a group. A set of local runners said when that group consists of neighbors, it can offer even more motivation.

Bertha Cross, 40, leads a running group she calls Fitness Heights International at the Willpower Health and Fitness Studio in Northeast Washington.

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Cross said that although the Willpower Studio has only been open for 14 months, she spotted it soon after she moved from Virginia to the District and quickly decided to locate her training program there.

"I'd like to get more people in the community running because when you see people running in the area, it makes them feel proud of where they live, and it makes you feel happy because there's lots of encouragement along the way saying, 'Hey I'm going to come with you next week,'" she said.

Half of the runners in this group are training for the Wirefly National Half Marathon, which takes place this weekend.

Caleeta Balas said she just started seriously running last summer but has already conquered the Marine Corps Marathon.

"There's no reason to get out of bed at 5:30 if there's nobody to meet up with," she said. "There's a real camaraderie about the group and flexibility -- we're all out here more for health and to keep in shape, active and fit."

Sheylinda Burney said she already has the Miami half marathon under her belt.

"There are runners at different pace levels, too. It helps because you have someone to pace with you," Burney said.

Roxanne Smith-White said she hopes her first medal comes on March 24, with the National half marathon to be her first running test.

"I'm the non-runner of the group. Bertha has converted me," she said.

Like Cross, Smith-White said she also recently moved into Northeast and found the running group a perfect way to get to know the city.

"When can you learn Georgetown, 6 in the morning when there's nobody running up and down the street, so now, I know the nooks and crannies of the city I wouldn't have known driving around during rush hour," Smith-White said.

Cross said she is also hoping to increase business with the Willpower Studio being located on H Street -- part of the route of the full National Marathon.

Meantime, Cross' group said it is looking forward to reaching the finish line together.

You don't have to be a runner to get involved with the Wirefly National Marathon. For more information on how you can volunteer for the race, click here.

More Information: Fitness Heights International