by Kevin Grogan, Clermont Waterront parkrun
The summer heat arrived early for this week’s Clermont Waterfront parkrun at Lake Hiawatha Preserve as 140 runners and walkers gathered for the 7:30am start on a warm and muggy and what felt like 79-degree Saturday morning. Despite the sticky conditions, the energy around the lake remained high as another strong community turnout filled the trail with familiar Clermont Triathlon Club faces, some first-timers, volunteers, and post-run conversations under the warm Lake County sun.
Leading the field this morning was Mascotte resident Jeremy Arguelles, who cruised to an impressive 18:04 victory in his 174th parkrun appearance. Arguelles, a former professional duathlete who now works for Advent Health in Orlando, handled the difficult conditions with experience and composure, separating himself & one other unknown runner early on the scenic waterfront course.
The women were once again paced by Lexi Whitehead, who stopped the clock in 22:22. The East Ridge Knight standout continues to show excellent form following a tremendous prep track season, using today’s effort as a controlled off-season tempo run while still comfortably topping the women’s field.
Today’s featured parkrunner was longtime Clermont parkrun staple Rissi Thieler. Rissi has completed more than 276 parkruns while also volunteering well over 200 times, making her one of the foundational members of the local parkrun community.
Tony Aseere, Rissi Thieler, Jeff Stamborski
When asked about her history with parkrun, Rissi reflected on how deeply connected she has been to the event since the beginning.
“My first parkrun was in April of 2013. This was the very first Clermont parkrun started by Karen and Tim Bowler,” she shared.
Her most memorable day came during her milestone 250th parkrun, though she admitted the exact date escapes her now (January 2025). More than personal achievements, Rissi emphasized the community aspect that keeps her returning each Saturday morning.
“I enjoy socializing with the other runners. I enjoy volunteering,” she said, noting she has accumulated roughly 213 volunteer credits along the way.
For newcomers to parkrun, her advice was simple and encouraging: “Enjoy the event and see what you can accomplish.”
Rissi also spoke about the importance of staying active both physically and mentally, explaining how running, walking, and swimming have helped her through both good times and difficult periods in life. Athletics clearly run in the family as well.
“All my kids run and also my grandkids. It’s a family affair that we’ve enjoyed together.”
After more than a decade involved with Clermont parkrun, her closing thoughts summed up what the weekly event has become for many in the local community.
“Clermont parkrun means a lot to me personally as I’ve been active in it since the very beginning here in Clermont.”
With summer conditions beginning to settle into Central Florida, this morning’s event once again proved that Clermont’s parkrun community continues to thrive thanks to dedicated volunteers, welcoming regulars, and runners of all abilities showing up week after week along the lakefront trail.
