Members of the RIT Running Club cross Scottsville Road during their Tuesday evening run.
Eric Drummond

“Running is awesome!” members of the RIT Running Club exclaimed as they stretched in preparation for an evening run.

Monday through Thursday at 6 p.m., the Running Club meets on the Quarter Mile by the Student Life Center to enjoy the trails around campus at swift speeds. Not only do they run during the week, they also plan longer weekend runs and other activities, such as ultimate frisbee games and rock climbing. Members participate in some events with the Triathlon Club, such as the swim clinic held last year.

RIT’s Running Club began as an opportunity for women to run at RIT. When the varsity team was started, the Running Club became a venue for any student wanting to delve into the wonders of running without the commitment of a varsity sport. Member Adam Cornwell “ran sporadically,” but when he joined the club three years ago he began to take running “more seriously” while enjoying the group atmosphere.

Club President Dave Howe joined the club two years ago since he was no longer participating in sports as much as he did in high school. Howe finds that running regularly not only keeps him in shape but also relaxes him. Fellow club members agree.

The club competes in about two community races each quarter. They do not officially compete against other schools; they just enjoy running in the community. Howe feels that the Running Club provides an ideal opportunity to become active both physically and socially. The group consists of many skill levels, including former high school cross country runners, people training for track season, and newcomers, all looking for a group atmosphere in which they can run and train.

For more information, contact Club President Dave Howe via email at djh0240@rit.edu or to join their Facebook group, called the RIT Running Club.