Running doesn’t have to be a solo sport, at least not anymore at TRU. Thanks to the launch of the TRUSU Run Club this fall, students now have the opportunity to lace up, build community and discover the joy of running together.
Club president Ayomide Maxwell said the idea to start the club came to him last year while he was serving on the service committee. Many students pointed out to him that there was a TRUSU Law Run club, but there wasn’t a group that was for the general student population. That’s when, over the summer, Maxwell decided to create the run club.
After creating an Instagram account to increase the club’s exposure, Maxwell began recruiting student members. Once the fall semester started, he initiated the process to make the club official through TRUSU.
“Running kind of sucks when you do it by yourself,” Maxwell said. “It’s easier to get into a routine, push yourself and actually enjoy it when you’re surrounded by other people.”
The club’s main goal is to be welcoming to all students, regardless of their level of running experience. Whether students are seasoned runners or just trying to stay active, there’s space for everyone in the club. To accommodate both beginner and experienced runners, the club maps out two routes each session. One route is shorter, featuring a three-kilometre loop, while the other is much longer, taking participants on a five-kilometre route, allowing them to choose which suits them best.
“Quite often, people will even walk parts of the route and that’s totally okay,” Maxwell said. “We want this to be a [club] where beginners feel comfortable. A lot of members have started with three kilometres and eventually built up to five.”
Leaders of the group also make a point of matching paces so no runner is ever left behind. The group also encourages bringing your friends along to the runs.
The club currently meets twice a week: Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. outside of the Stock Pot café on Laval Crescent and Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. across from campus at Bubble Time Tea & Waffles café on McGill Road. But it isn’t just about the runs, Maxwell told the Omega; the club is also trying to create a sense of belonging among participants, while making a positive impact in the community.
Earlier this month, the Run Club participated in the Terry Fox Run, raising $200 for charity. Looking ahead, organizers plan to host themed events, such as a glow-in-the-dark or Halloween run, as well as social nights and community dinners when the official club status is finalized.
“Once we get registration status, we’ll be able to apply for grants,” Maxwell said. “We’d love to host a dinner every couple of weeks for the people who come out consistently, as a way to motivate runners and build friendships.”
Though the club is just getting started, Maxwell hopes it will become one of the largest student groups on campus and a go-to outlet for staying active during stressful semesters. With growth, he also sees the opportunity to participate in more community events and fundraisers.
“We see the Run Club as a really good medium to help people become runners,” Maxwell said. “Running has so many health benefits, but it’s also about building routine and accountability. If we can get more students to experience that in a fun, social way, then we’ve done our job.”
Students interested in joining the group can check out the club’s Instagram account, @TRURunClub, where updates and routes are posted, or connect with the group’s Strava chat.
Beginners are encouraged to come out, even if they’re hesitant.