After Student Affairs approved the Hillsdale Running Club this semester, leaders of the club will give a presentation to the Student Federation for club funding next week. 

“The vision of the club is to foster running and build a running community,” said Associate Professor of Economics Charles Steele, the club’s faculty advisor. “It is for people who are the greatest runners, people who are not runners but would like to try, and everyone in between.” 

Junior Katie Edison, the club’s president, said the club hopes to fill a gap between high school and collegiate running. 

“As it stands, running is one of the most popular youth sports for boys and girls,” Edison said. “Despite this vast talent pool and interest, less than 5% of high school runners go on to run in college. Looking at the statistics of high school runners, it just makes sense for there to be a space to bring runners together.”

Edison said the club will provide a consistent training plan in addition to racing opportunities.

“We will provide a weekly workout schedule for all abilities, opportunities for road races, track, and cross country in the fall,” Edison said. “Our first race will be the Super 5K in Novi, Michigan, on Super Bowl Sunday.”

Edison said she hopes to hold optional practices Monday through Thursday at 4:15 p.m. and on Saturdays at 9 a.m. 

Both Steele and Edison said they hope for the club to be a networking opportunity for runners looking for partners or groups, in addition to a practice schedule and racing opportunities. 

“The goal of our club is that even if they can’t make these times, we hope to foster a community where people can meet up outside club times and run together,” Edison said.

Edison said the club has had an enthusiastic reception, with more than 80 students signed up already. About half of these have racing experience.

Freshman Connor O’Donoghue previously ran cross country in high school and said he wants to keep running in college.

“It’s a really great way to think about things and just clear my head,” O’Donoghue said. “It’s just really helpful for health across the board.”

O’Donoghue said he hopes to prepare for the 25K River Bank Run in Grand Rapids in May.

The club’s leaders and adviser shares this passion for running. 

“My sister Brynn and I have been lifelong runners — we love the sport and the community,” Edison said. 

For Steele too, running has been an integral part of life.

“Man is the rational animal, but he is also the running animal,” Steele said. “It has taught me how to set goals, how to plan, how to work consistently, how to persevere.”

In addition to practices and races, Edison hopes to integrate the club into campus life.

“We’re also planning social events, educational events, and hoping to work with SAB or the student rec on running-themed events, and volunteering with local youth teams as well,” Edison said.

Edison and Steele both emphasized that the club is open to anyone. 

“Distance running is something nearly everyone can do,” Steele said. “If you think you can’t, you can. But you must have the will. We’ll show you the rest.” 

Those interested in joining should email Katie Edison at kedison@hillsdale.edu, or connect on Instagram at hillsdale_runningclub.