By KURT NICOLL

Traffic tie-ups could occur three times a week where the Canal Path crosses Washington and Fall Hill avenues in downtown Fredericksburg.

Fortunately, no more than 10 of the 90 members of the local chapter of seeMOMMYrun usually venture out at any given time with their baby strollers.

"A lot of them don't come out that frequently. And some we have never seen at all," team leader Stephanie Hayden admitted. "Generally, we just want to stay in shape. But also to socialize and have our kids socialize with other kids."

Pushing sons Henry (4) and Oliver (2) three times a week does have its advantages. The lean and trim Hayden finished nearly four minutes faster than her two-hour goal in May's Marine Corps half marathon.

Four years ago, Andrea Vincent of Fairfax founded the organization, which now has 20,000 members across the country.

Occasional chapter runs are held at the Battlefield park on Lee Drive and on a trail off Harrison Road, but the Canal Path course is the current favorite of the group due to its flatness and smooth surface.

"This is a great one because of the playground [at Memorial Park] and the kids like to play afterwards," said Telly Salafia, out for a stroll with her two children, Siena (2) and Luga (10 months). "Yeah, this is a good location for me because it is close to my house. I'm always running late with the kids. I get here pretty easily."

Free to join, the chapter is flexible in scheduling its 4-mile weekly runs and e-mails members of cancellations or site or time changes.

Wednesday brought a typical turnout with one group departing with their strollers from the sidewalk on Mary Ball Street at 8:30 a.m., followed by a larger group at 9:30. Members set their own pace, stopping or walking when necessary.

Maggie Van Zandt has been a member of the club for over a year and often varies her arrivals, depending on the disposition of Palmer (2) and Griffin (10 months).

"They generally like it and usually afterwards we get to play in the park with their friends," the city resident said. "Some mornings, it's a challenge to get everybody up. If they are sleeping in the morning, I generally let them sleep a little bit. I switch it up."