Sometimes a new adventure is only a step away.

The Linville Lopers Running and Walking Club offers anyone the chance to lace on a pair of shoes to run a race, explore a trail and meet a fun group of people. With the help of the Klamath Falls KOA Journey we take a look into the Linkville Lopers and some upcoming events.

"I love the convenience of running," said Amber Singh, Lopers vice president. "No matter where I am, I don't have an excuse as long as I have a pair of running shoes. Just lace up and go."

The Linkville Lopers was founded in 1970s to host official timing at local events. It is a nonprofit that donates proceeds to the Klamath Trails Alliance, Friends of Moore Park, Steen Sports park, Rails to Trail (Oregon State Parks) and the OC&E Trail.

"Our membership is represented by the entire spectrum of performance, including elite runners, mid-packers, back-of-the-packers and recreational walkers," the organization's website states. "Among our ranks are marathoners, triathletes, vegans, high school cross country team members, carnivores, the young and the not-so-young."

The group is welcoming to newcomers and newbies to running or walking.

"I feel like being a Loper member gives me a sense of belonging," Singh said. "We have local races here in the Basin which give many opportunities for runners/walkers to set goals, whether they are time goals or distant goals."

This spring the Singh and the Lopers are organizing the Trail Series, which hosts runs every Sunday at 5:30, usually in Moore Park. The distances vary each week, starting with a 5K in March and leading up to a 10K on May 20. The cost is $5 per event or $20 for a season pass.

The Lopers also hold weekly runs on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Mondays at 5:30 p.m. runners meet at the Klamath Union High School track for speed work, and on Wednesdays runners start at Asana Yoga and Sole at 6 p.m. for group run.

And there are many races this spring, either sponsored by the Lopers or promoted by them on the club's website and Facebook page. Those include:

Run for the Birds - May 12
Spence Mountain Run 25K and 50K - June 2
Klamath Hospice Remembrance Run 5K and half-mile walk - June 2
Lake of the Woods 5K and 15K - June 9

See the website for more detailed information on these upcoming races.

Singh said running is also a great activity for families. She loves setting a good example for her daughter and other children.

"Running as a family is fun," she said. "Getting out and breathing fresh air and exploring ares you may not normally visit is a great adventure kids will remember."

Written by Samantha Tipler for Klamath Falls News.

Basin Adventures is brought to you by the Klamath Falls KOA Journey. Centrally located in Klamath Falls, the Klamath Falls KOA Journey is the perfect base camp to visit all the spectacular recreation sites of the Klamath Basin.

Visit http://koa.com/campgrounds/klamath/ for more details.