Running is not only about physical fitness. It is also a great way to relieve stress and boost mental well-being. When you run, you can concentrate on your breathing, the environment around you, and your meditative state. Moreover, you can share your passion with people who think likewise. Running clubs offer a sense of community and belonging. It is easier to reach your goals when you have enough motivation. The community of like-minded runners can bring you the necessary motivation. Also, you can get a professional boost by networking with the clubs’ diverse members – alumni, professors, and community members. This article will tell you more about the most popular running clubs for students.
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Texas Running Club (University of Texas at Austin)
Known for its large and active membership, the Texas Running Club hosts various running events and training sessions. One of the club’s goals is to create a pleasant and supportive atmosphere and encourage recreational running. The club is perfect for those who need an extra push to reach their running goals. It hosts the Longhorn Run, a popular annual race that supports student scholarships. The club also offers specialized training groups ranging from 5Ks to marathons.
Cornell Running Club (Cornell University)
This club promotes fitness through group runs and races and has been successful in various competitions. The members meet on the stairs to Goldwin Smith regularly (according to the information on the club’s website, at 5:00 PM on weekdays) to run together. Running in a group brings motivation and creates a safe environment for people who might otherwise run alone. You can become a member, no matter if you are a beginner or experienced marathoner. Because Cornell Running Club is a National Intercollegiate Running Club Association (NIRCA) member, more competitive members can contest in intercollegiate cross country and track meetings. Throughout the year, members participate in many local and regional races.
Michigan Running Club (University of Michigan)
The club offers a supportive community for runners of all levels and organizes races and training programs. It is popular because of its active participation in Ragnar Relay races, fostering a team spirit. The club competes at a high level and wins races ranging from 5k to half-marathon distances. Even though MRun is highly competitive, the club welcomes runners and athletes of all levels of physical abilities. To join the club, you do not need any tryouts or time trials.
UCLA Running Club (University of California, Los Angeles)
It is a fully student-led club that provides a common space on campus for students to run, explore, and have fun together. The club is famous for its inclusive approach to running and strong participation in local races and marathons. The practice sessions take place Mondays through Fridays and offer routes ranging from 3 to 7 miles. The club does not have any requirements as to your running experience. You can join it whether you are a first-time jogger searching for exercise partners or a former cross-country/track star hoping to stay competitive. There is also a possibility of personalized coaching and training plans. Another noteworthy fact about this club is that it holds regular alumni events, helping to maintain a strong network of former and current members.
Oregon Running Club (University of Oregon)
The University of Oregon Running Club allows students to run, train, and race together. The majority of the sessions consist of steady runs; however, there are harder training sessions two days a week (intervals, repeats, hills, tempo runs, cruise intervals). Every Sunday, club members receive an email with their weekly workout schedule. The club has no membership fees. Tom Heinonen is the club’s coach. He is a member of the Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame. He retired in 2003 to start the club, which he has coached ever since.
One of the greatest advantages of the club is its location in Track Town, USA, with access to world-class track and field facilities. As a student, joining a running club can significantly impact your physical and emotional well-being, personal development, and social connections. It’s a wonderful way for students to maintain a healthy lifestyle while studying.