Lace up your running shoes — a new student-led organization is picking up pace on campus, offering students a chance to stay active, build community and rethink what the sport of running can look like.
Recently founded by students Piper Campbell, Sadie Cyr and Bess Parnell, the Guilford College Running Club began with a simple idea.
“[Campbell] came up to me one day and said, ‘Do you want to start a running club?’ And I said, ‘Sure, I like to run,’” Parnell said.
The idea grew naturally from the founders’ own experiences. Campbell, Cyr and Parnell all participate in a variety of running-oriented sports at Guilford, including cross country, triathlon and indoor/outdoor track and field. This, along with timing, played a vital role in getting the club off the ground.
“It was a time when [Campbell] and I weren’t in season — triathlon had just ended, and she wasn’t doing indoor track,” Cyr said. “We were running on our own when the weather was nice, and we thought it would be great to have more people join us.”
For Campbell, inspiration for the club came from social media and the growing popularity of casual running groups. “I saw a girl on TikTok who started a girls’ running club at her school, and it looked like so much fun,” Campbell said. “It would be great to have a group where running wasn’t so serious — just something fun to do together.”
While the original idea formed as a girls’ running club, similar to the example Campbell took inspiration from, the founders quickly decided to expand their vision. “We wanted it to be inclusive so everyone could have a chance to be a part of it,” said Campbell.
Cyr summed up the decision simply: “It’s the Quaker way.”
That emphasis on inclusivity is reflected in the club’s weekly structure, which is designed to accommodate all experience levels. With events like “Mini Mondays,” “Walk Wednesdays,” and “Far Fridays,” the club offers a range of options for both beginning and experienced runners.
“We wanted to welcome as many people as we can,” Cyr said. “If runs are really long at the start, people might feel intimidated. This way, anyone can come. If you want more mileage, you can come on Fridays. If you just want to get outside, we have walking on Wednesdays.”
To support runners with a range of abilities, the founders plan to adjust pacing based on who shows up.
“It’s helpful that there are three of us,” Campbell said. “We can have different pace groups, and it depends on the day and who’s there.”
Parnell emphasized that speed is not the focus. “It’s about building community and being together. Even if we slow down, that’s okay. It’s about creating the environment.”
The process of officially starting the club required several steps, including drafting a constitution, submitting a proposal, securing an advisor and presenting to the Guilford Student Body Association.
Although the weather delayed their first official run, the founders are optimistic about student interest.
“We haven’t had a run yet, but [Walk Wednesday] will be our first event,” Cyr said. “Starting with a walk will give us a chance to talk to people, see where they’re at and what they want from the club.”
Ultimately, the founders hope the club becomes both a social outlet and a resource for students.
“Don’t be scared off because it’s running,” Campbell said. “It’s not supposed to be stressful. We just want to make running and exercising fun. Even if you’ve never run before, trying it could be really cool.”
No matter if you run 5Ks, 10Ks or half-marathons, the Guilford College Running Club invites students to lace up, find their stride and be part of a community — all at their own pace.
