FLEMING ISLAND – Noel Reforma is a Boston Marathon finisher, but another cherished accomplishment is a little closer to home – he's run every road on Fleming Island. 

"At this point, I've run almost all single runnable roads and trails in the area. I learned from this experiment that Fleming Island is a clean, safe, and runner-friendly place," he said in an Instagram post, illustrating his filled-in Strava Heatmap. 

Fleming Island has a thriving running community.

Lisa Miller is an organizer of a running club that meets at Your Pie in Fleming Island every Thursday night at 6:30. It is an open invite for runners of all ages and all paces. 

"Bring your dog. Bring your kids. Bring your kids in a stroller. Bring your dog in a stroller," Miller said. 

Miller pairs up each new runner with a guide. The 3.5-mile loop begins at the restaurant, continues south along Town Center Boulevard, circles back north along U.S. Highway 17, and finishes back at Your Pie. 

Last Thursday, I laced up my running shoes and slipped on my Gate River Run hat to come out for the group run. I stretched, warmed up, and was paired up with Reforma. We hit it off instantly.

We talked about running, naturally. On Fleming Island, running under the shady pines along Eagle Harbor Parkway was a favorite route for both of us.

We found out we ran in the same Ameris Bank Jacksonville Marathon a few years back, although Reforma finished over an hour ahead of me. His 3:07 (three hours and seven minutes) time qualified him for the Boston Marathon, which is the oldest and one of the most exclusive marathon road races in the world. 

Reforma helped popularize the #RunFlemingIsland movement, which encourages recreational running in the community. The Your Pie owners have supported the movement and continue to be welcoming for the joggers and athletes who come out on Thursdays, he said.

I enjoyed the 3.5-mile loop – the scenery, the stunning sunset, and the prize at the finish line.  

As a courtesy from the owners of Your Pie, runners who sign in and complete the loop receive a ticket that can be exchanged for a complimentary soft drink, alcoholic beverage, or gelato dessert. 

It's a casual open invite. The runners are friendly and have many great tips for those trying to get back in shape, myself included. Come out to Your Pie on Thursdays at 6:30 for exercise, community, and a sweet treat.