Join a Club That Keeps You Moving

Sign up for Duke’s Run/Walk Club before Aug. 11 and stay motivated through guided workouts and a built-in community

Two women walk on a gravel path on Duke's East Campus
The fall season of the Duke Run/Walk Club begins on Aug. 11. Photo by Travis Stanley

Before this year, Charlene Simmons had signed up for the Duke Run/Walk Club one other time in her 22 years of working at Duke. Back in 2006 or so, Simmons, a Special Assistant in Duke’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division, thought she might find motivation in the twice-weekly group exercise meetups. But she can’t recall if she ever went to a gathering.

With a new commitment to be physically active in 2025, Simmons signed up for the spring season of the club run by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program, and found exactly what she was looking for – and more.

“One unexpected bonus was the opportunity to meet others who were also committed to bettering ourselves,” Simmons said. “It created a sense of community and accountability that made the experience even more rewarding.” 

The fall season of Run/Walk Club begins Aug. 11 and continues through Oct. 31, with options to meet in person or participate independently. Registration is open.

A head shot of Charlene Simmons
Charlene Simmons

With the club, support and coaching is offered by LIVE FOR LIFE to anyone who wants to walk, run or do a combination of both in twice-weekly meetings each Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Beginner to intermediate-level walkers participate at East Campus, while all running levels and advanced walkers meet at the Al Buehler Trail on West Campus.

Simmons said she attended all but two group meetings in the spring and found the encouragement invaluable.

“Having a good support system with exercise is so helpful for habit building and building community, in general,” said Julia Phu, a Fitness Specialist for LIVE FOR LIFE. “By the end of the last season, we had solid groups coming to every single session and it kept everyone motivated and inspired.” 

To register and learn more, visit hr.duke.edu/runwalk.

Share your health and wellness story and photographs through our story idea form or write working@duke.edu.

Follow Working@Duke on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and subscribe on YouTube.