Greensboro Running Club creates community and camaraderie

After a long day of work, Sarah Hampton hops out of her car with her son Lincoln at Steel Hands Brewing to meet runners of the Greensboro community. Every Tuesday at 6:15 p.m., members of the Greensboro Running Club (GRC) come together to run, jog or walk – whatever one’s prerogative. 

Hampton and the runners of GRC consider Tuesdays their favorite day of the week because not only do they have the opportunity to exercise or train for a race together, but it’s time for them to catch up over appetizers and drinks afterward at the brewery.

Whether someone’s been a member for nearly five years like Hampton (the board president), just joined a few weeks ago, competes in marathons, or just wants to walk with friends — running clubs like GRC try to offer something for everyone.

"Joining a run club is really important because it lets you socialize, and you can find your niche of people," Hampton said. "It'll push you in ways that you didn't know you needed to be pushed. My friends motivate me."

Why a group?

Running in a group setting provides a multitude of benefits. According to members of GRC, safety, motivation and a social aspect are some of the most important factors.

The running club meets in the evenings as the sun starts to set during the run later in the year, so the more that stick in a group the safer, Hampton said.

"Running in a group adds an element of safety for sure," Hampton said. "If you're running on your own, there's always a safety risk."

While it can be nice to run alone sometimes members say, it's not a way to meet new people in the running community or the Greensboro area.

Just over two years ago, Dana Ysensei graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She stayed nearby for her job but noticed it was more challenging to make friends outside of college while in the workforce full-time. 

“When you're on campus, you get to go to all your different classes, speak to the person right next to you — boom, there goes this conversation and a new friend. Living by myself post-grad was a social adjustment,” Ysensei said. “But being a part of something like this community is truly amazing and has been a great way for me to make friends after college.” 

GRC provides Ysensei with the chance to meet new friends every week locally, as well as venture out of her comfort zone. 

Many join running clubs not just to meet new people in the area, but as a way to meet others when they first move and know no one. 

Dorian Medina immigrated from Mexico earlier this year with his family and lives right around the corner from Steel Hands Brewing. He saw people running outside his house on a few Tuesday evenings, so he investigated it, leading him to join GRC.

"I love this community. They've helped me feel a sense of home since moving to the States," Medina said. "Plus, I now actually enjoy running."

Running and walking show no age limits as running clubs provide a means for those of all ages to join to exercise and socialize. 

A lifelong runner now in her 80s, Nancy Wise Cameron prides herself on being the oldest member of GRC and looks forward to weekly “walk/runs” with her community friends. 

“Back when I was in school, there were no girls’ track or cross country teams. I’ve just enjoyed running on and off throughout different stages of my life, whether it’s racing or for fun,” Cameron said.

Cameron attended a small, rural high school before Title IX was enacted in 1972, so she never joined an official team for running – a large reason why she has appreciated being in running clubs in North Carolina. 

Running clubs allow for those to meet friends to train with for races too, as the club offers a training program. Many GRC members said it's easier to pace in a group where they can encourage each other to keep going.

Mary Bryan Stewart and Jennifer Eller met at GRC two years ago and have been training together ever since.

"I'm not very motivated by myself. I will go a lot faster and farther here," Stewart said. "I also feel pushed, folks use it as a challenge.

"We're not competing against others, but rather challenging ourselves by keeping up with somebody. That's what I got Mary for," Eller said.

Stewart and Eller typically enjoy running a four-mile route beginning and ending at Steel Hands.

GRC provides six different routes ranging from two to five miles for members to run or walk every week. Below is the most commonly run two-mile route:

GRC's training program includes separate longer routes each week with various mileages.

Membership

GRC offers two annual basis memberships, family (any number) and individual. Member dues cover donations to local charity races and help give runners discounts to participate in races in the Triad area. 

The run club currently consists of 118 paying members – 104 individuals and 14 families, according to data from its September board meeting. In 2022, there were 122 total members – 94 individuals and 28 families. In 2021, there were 162 total members – 130 individuals and 32 families. 

Prior to 2021, no official annual membership records were kept – something new Hampton implemented during her board presidency. 

Although there's been a slight decline in membership in the last three years, Hampton believes the run club will grow in the next few months as she notices runners beginning to attend weekly runs more consistently.

This summer, GRC officially began to meet at Steel Hands Brewing for its weekly runs. Prior, they would host an eight-week themed run series from various restaurants, breweries and parks throughout the city.

"I think staying here at Steel Hands has really helped us grow our image," Hampton said. "It makes people comfortable 'cause they know where we're gonna be every week."

Although GRC does not keep membership data by age or gender, Hampton and other members consider the group to be diverse and welcoming to anyone who wants to come out to run/walk. Members are also encouraged to bring a friend too – after all, no one should have to run alone.

In running clubs across the country, people of all ages enjoy participating as groups attract a range of younger to older runners, according to survey research from Running USA. 

"No one should ever have to run alone," Hampton said. "There's running clubs out there for everyone."