Starting a new club during the pandemic was a challenge, but Lauren's persistence paid off
With more than 100 student clubs and organizations at the University of Hartford, chances are a student can find a club that fits their interest. And if not, the University will help them start a new one, as Lauren Abrams learned when she founded the UHart Running Club last year.
Lauren, a sophomore in the pre-physical therapy program in the College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions, considers herself an “average” runner who competed on her high school track and field team but was not at the college level. When she arrived at UHart, she wanted to continue running for enjoyment while being a part of a team.
“I wanted to be a part of a community of runners where I could have the structure and camaraderie of a team, but not have the pressure of being on a college team,” Lauren said. “I was motivated to have a community to run with, which I missed very much from high school.”
Starting a running club during a pandemic was not an easy process, as she quickly learned. The first month was difficult and discouraging due to Covid restrictions, and Lauren wondered if the club would ever become a reality. “Everything changed when I got in contact with an amazing advisor, Jenn Siegal at the Center for Student Success, who loves running as much as I do,” Lauren said.
After hosting some virtual events with low attendance, Lauren found a few students who loved the idea of a running club and would join her on runs from time to time. By the end of her freshman year she had met the requirements to start a club, but it really took off during the Club Fair in the fall of 2021. “Many people came up to me to say how thankful they were to be able to join a running community without the pressure of doing a college sport. Now we have events and meetings that have over 20 dedicated runners who show up on a weekly basis,” she said.
Lauren Abrams '24, Running Club PresidentOur main goal is to build an environment that is inclusive and allows runners of all skill levels to participate."
The club usually organizes runs once or twice a week. Typically, runs take place on Mondays and Fridays in the late afternoon, with varying mileage and pace based on members’ abilities. They have explored the neighborhoods around the UHart campus including Elizabeth Park, Downtown Hartford, and the nearby Cigna corporate campus.
“Our main goal is to build an environment that is inclusive and allows runners of all skill levels to participate,” Lauren said. “Some members are just looking for a fun way to stay active, while others are looking to compete in races. And when Covid hit, so many gyms were closed, so some members hadn’t run since before the pandemic. We are open to all abilities and levels.”
Club Vice President Casey Fishman, a senior majoring in marketing in the Barney School of Business, also joined the club as a way to connect with others. “Being at home last year during Covid was kind of lonely, so this is a good way to meet other runners and have some fun,” he said.
In addition to their regular runs, the Running Club also volunteered at the Hartford Marathon in October by staffing a water station along the route, and cheering on Fishman and club members Mitchell Hart and Helen Newman, who competed in the half marathon. The club is currently fundraising to help pay the entry fee for members to run in future marathon events.
After the race, the club received a message from a runner who said, “I did the Hartford Half Marathon last weekend and I have to say that the only water station that provided enthusiasm and energy was the one manned by the students from UHart! They also happened to be at one of the worst stretches of the race and I have to say they gave me just the boost I needed.”
Students interested in joining the Running Club can DM them on Instagram - @uhartrunning - or email the club at Uhartrun@gmail.com