New Leaders of the Pack: Run/Walk Adds Leaders

Running is something Salman Bhai doesn't mind doing by himself, but he believes it's better when he can share the experience with others. This fall, he and other Duke students will take to the trail with faculty and staff in the Duke Run/Walk Club.

Bhai, a senior math major, is one of several new Run/Walk Club leaders exercising with faculty and staff twice a week during the program's fall session. The goal of adding new leaders to the club is to increase interaction throughout the Duke community while making it easier and more fun to exercise.

"I have first-hand experience of the benefits associated with an active lifestyle, and I want to help others have the same results," said Bhai, who competes in marathons and triathlons and will work with advanced walkers of the Run/Walk Club. "I hope to empower people to improve the quality of their lives."

Bhai and four other students will act as leaders this fall. They're all members of the Duke Roadrunners Club, a group of students who run together and compete in races around the region. Other new leaders include Duke employees and professional runners.

The addition of more leaders won't change the format or structure of how the Run/Walk Club operates, said Elizabeth Grabosky, fitness program manager for LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program. Instead of having one or two leaders at the East and West campuses each week, there will now be eight leaders at East Campus and seven on West.

All of the new leaders have extensive backgrounds in running, including racing in marathons.

"Engaging with students is new ground for the club, but their excitement and love for running is great," Grabosky said. "I think that's going to be contagious."

The free 12-week program runs through Nov. 11 and offers a social atmosphere where anyone from beginners to pros can get fresh air and exercise.

Groups meet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at the East Campus track or the Al Buehler Trail on West Campus, near the Washington Duke Inn. Beginner walkers also meet at the Durham Regional Hospital employee entrance at 5 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. More than 250 Duke employees signed up for the group sessions.

Register for the Run/Walk Club online or e-mail elizabeth.grabosky@duke.edu.

Photo below: Members of the Run/Walk Club prepare for an East Campus workout.