Find Support, Community and Sunshine in Duke Run/Walk Club

Staff and faculty can register now for the Spring 2026 program, which meets Mondays and Wednesdays March 9 to May 30

People walk on a gravel path on Duke's East Campus
Rose Volponi, left, says the Duke Run/Walk Club has helped her connect with other staff and faculty at Duke. Photo by Travis Stanley

In September 2024, Rose Volponi began her position as a Senior Program Coordinator for a cancer research group in Duke’s Department of Population Health Sciences.

In March 2025, Volponi signed up for the Duke Run/Walk Club as soon as she heard about the exercise program offered by LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke’s employee wellness program.

“I jumped in right away because it seemed like a great opportunity to meet some other people from Duke and exercise and walk,” Volponi said.

A year later, Volponi is eager to participate in the Spring 2026 season of the Duke Run/Walk Club when it begins March 9. Registration is open.

Volponi appreciates that support and coaching is offered by LIVE FOR LIFE specialists 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 train at East Campus, while all running levels and advanced walkers meet at the Al Buehler Trail on West Campus.

Rose Volponi waves at the camera while holding an apple
Rose Volponi calls Duke Run/Walk Club "a great social connector for Duke." Photo courtesy of Rose Volponi

More importantly, Volponi appreciates that until the season ends May 30, she’ll have her calendar blocked off twice a week for exercise and connection with co-workers.

“I don’t have popping in my brain all day, ‘Are you going to walk? Am I going to get my steps in?’” Volponi said. “Yes, I will be walking at the Run/Walk Club.

“And it’s just such a great social connector for Duke.”

In Volponi’s first year of participating in Run/Walk Club, she often invited team members to join her on a loop strolling around East Campus. And when she showed up solo, she’d often meet someone who works in a different part of Duke – all while enjoying fresh air and movement.

“Being outside has so many benefits, and so does making sure you're connecting with friends and staying connected with new people,” Volponi said. “It makes you feel good about working at Duke because you will hear some incredible stories.”

For those who aren’t able to access campus in person twice a week, an option to participate independently also is available. Participants who log at least 10 sessions earn LIVE FOR LIFE Dollars that can be used to buy items from the LIVE FOR LIFE store.

But Volponi, for one, can’t wait to get back to her twice-weekly routine of walking loops around East Campus, deepening connections with colleagues and meeting new people at Duke.

“It's not going to be 40 people huffing and puffing and elbowing you out of the way,” Volponi said. “It's sunshine and happy and relaxed and very welcoming.”

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

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