Running the Campus: how we are finding stride in community
Photo Courtesy of Adobe Stock
3…2…1… RUN!
Whether you're a casual jogger, a dedicated runner or a full-blown sprinter, running is a beloved way to stay fit, boost endorphins and connect with others.
Lately, it feels as though the latest trend is to be a part of the “inner circle” running community.
How do people do this? People have turned to participating in a marathon or joining a run club.
I recently participated in the HOAG Orange County Marathon Running Festival, where I completed the 5k. Being surrounded by people of all ages and running backgrounds, it was invigorating and exciting to be a part of this community.
I’ve always loved running, but never considered myself to be someone who could keep up with the people who ran in marathons or were a part of running clubs. Little did I know, these organizations welcome people of all running backgrounds — there's no need to be a pro.
After seeing the numerous Instagram posts from fellow Chapman students who either ran the 5k, half marathon, or full marathon, it got me thinking, what is it about running culture?
Many students who participate in Newport Run Club, the HOAG OC Marathon or even our very own Chapman Run Club, spoke on this.
“They support runners of all levels and are very inclusive! …pushing me to hit my goals,” shared senior communications major Rylee Knaap, on her experience with Newport Run Club.
No matter your age or running level, people love coming together to engage in healthy exercise while creating new and meaningful friendships along the way.
“Newport Run Club is incredibly welcoming,” said senior data sciences major Ruby Link. “The group is mostly made up of young professionals, many of whom are new to the city, so everyone’s really open to making new friends.” She added that the club inspired her to train for her first half marathon this summer — and even led her to meet her boyfriend.
Being a part of a run club is inspirational for other members, such as Knaap, who was influenced to create her own fitness journey (@rylee.on.the.run) and spent the entirety of the spring semester training for the HOAG OC Half Marathon with her fellow peers.
“To me, run club is a lot less about the running and more about the time I get to spend with the people I care about…also a great excuse to buy a $7 coffee…” said senior health sciences major Kate McFarland.
“Being part of Run Club has been an amazing way to stay active, explore the beautiful city we live in, and strengthen my friendships along the way,” said senior accounting major Sydney Kolker.
We all know that cardio is an important part of physical exercise, contributing to cardiovascular health and good mental health. We know these things, but the physical act of running is no easy task for everyone. I always feared that running clubs were exclusively for people who are able to sprint for miles without a break, making them seem daunting or simply out of my league.
However, participating in running events such as the OC marathon, and hearing about all my friends who love Newport Run Club, it's evident that the community aspect of running can have the most long-lasting impact on running culture, which makes people love it.
“Finding the motivation to run is not always easy, but knowing I get to destress and laugh with close friends has made going to the run club the best part of my week,” said McFarland.
It was the community aspect of running that inspired Chapman University students President Alana Firsty and Vice President Xander Beaulac to start the student-led Chapman Run Club. Motivated by a desire to build a running community specifically for Chapman students, they founded the club with inclusivity as its core value.
“We welcome runners of all levels — whether you’re just starting out or have been running for years… we keep the atmosphere relaxed and social, with music and friendly conversation to take the pressure off,” Firsty said.
Chapman Run Club aims to grow its membership and enhance inclusivity by offering more run times, participating in additional off-campus races, and collaborating with other local universities. For details on upcoming events and how to get involved, visit their Instagram page.
I’ve always valued the importance of exercise, and starting my day with a workout makes me proceed with the day with a sense of accomplishment and relatively less stress. Working out should be something you want to do for yourself, and not for anyone else. However, there's something to be said about how working out in a community can uplift yourself and those around you in ways that a solo workout can’t. One of my favorite takeaways from running in the OC marathon was that it was something I accomplished alongside friends, while giving me the internal motivation that I can be a part of the bigger running community.
As I prepare to graduate, experiences like these have inspired me to sign up for 5Ks and join run clubs when I return to my hometown of San Francisco for graduate school, with the hope of building similarly meaningful connections.
No matter your running experience, consider joining the running community — its strong sense of connection and support matters far more than skill or expertise. Based on the experience of Chapman students, in addition to the guaranteed runner's high, you might come out of it with a cup of coffee, a medal from a marathon, friendship or even a romantic relationship.
