For Christina and Christopher Castello, running has always been about more than exercise. It’s where their story began, and today, it continues to be one of the ways they connect with each other and with their Skaneateles community.

The couple first met at a track camp at Cornell University while they were still in high school. Life took them in different directions, but years later, they reconnected through social media. Their relationship grew, and eventually they were married at the Cornell track—the very place that played a role in bringing them together. Not long after, they made their way to the Finger Lakes and began building a life here.

Today, Christina and Christopher share their home with their one-year-old son, Chase, and their two-year-old Great Dane, Champ, who is very much considered part of the family. Champ has even developed a following of his own on Instagram at @champdaneproblems.

The Castellos moved to their neighborhood about two years ago and quickly discovered the warmth of small-town life. Coming from Long Island and New Jersey, respectively, they appreciate the friendliness and sense of community they’ve found in Skaneateles. Christina and Chris joke that one of the pleasant surprises of living here is that drivers actually stop for pedestrians rather than honking at them!

Much of their time revolves around Chase, whom they describe as “the light of our lives.” He loves being outdoors, exploring new places, and spending time with his very large—and very patient—four-legged brother, Champ. As a family, they enjoy walks, local parks, trails, and discovering new experiences throughout the Finger Lakes. Fillmore Glen is a current favorite, while Austin Park has become a go-to destination for Chase, especially for its swings.

Their ideal Sunday reflects their appreciation for simple family time: breakfast at the Auburn Diner, a walk with Champ at Fillmore Glen, and an early homemade dinner with a glass of red wine. No packed schedule, no obligations—just time together.

Even their busiest mornings have become meaningful family rituals. After Chris returns from his morning run, the family gathers for breakfast. With Chase usually awake around 6:30, they have about an hour together before the day begins. Over coffee and the inevitable morning chaos, they talk about their plans and enjoy being together. For the Castellos, these ordinary moments are often the ones that make them feel most connected.

Professionally, both Christina and Chris have found careers centered around helping others, although in very different ways. Christina is a special education teacher who is pursuing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst degree and currently works as a clinical supervisor for a special education company. Her passion for the field began while volunteering during college, when she discovered how much she enjoyed helping students grow and succeed.

Chris studied engineering and now works as a Senior Representative with National Grid in its Energy Efficiency and Clean Programs Department. He enjoys finding creative solutions to problems and helping make a positive difference through energy efficiency and clean energy programs.

That same desire to help others has carried into one of the Castellos’ newest community endeavors: SkanRunClub, which they launched this summer.

What began partly as a way for Christina and Chris to reconnect as a couple has quickly grown into something much bigger. With a young child at home, traditional date nights aren’t always easy to schedule. A weekly run gave them dedicated time together while also creating an opportunity to meet people who share their interests in fitness and social connection.

Every Thursday night, runners can be seen making their way through town with SkanRunClub. Chris also shares his passion for running as a part-time run coach at the Skaneateles Community Center.

The club has grown into a welcoming community where people encourage one another, celebrate milestones, connect with local businesses, and make new friendships. Christina especially loves watching members quickly take ownership—helping with routes, pacing alongside another runner, or welcoming someone new.

For the Castellos, that sense of inclusion is what makes SkanRunClub special. They want it to feel less like a club that belongs to two people and more like a community everyone helps create.

They’ve already hosted their first ice cream social, bringing together local favorites including Doug’s Fish Fry, SkanStrength, and Finger Lakes Running Company. Supporting local businesses, organizations, and causes that benefit children, families, education, and the community is important to both Christina and Chris.

When they’re not running or exploring with Chase, the Castellos enjoy experiencing the local places that make Skaneateles special. Some of their favorite stops include The Sherwood Inn, Doug's Fish Fry, LakeHouse Pub, and Gilda's.

When asked what they are most grateful for, their answer is simple: their family. Everything ultimately comes back to the four of them—their shared adventures, their morning routines, their love of running, and the life they are building together in Skaneateles.

For the Castellos, it seems the best runs aren’t necessarily measured in miles. They’re measured in the people you meet, the places you discover, and the memories you make along the way.