Join the Duke Run/Walk Club and Find the Motivation to Keep Moving

Registration is open for the fall season, where staff and faculty can build healthy habits alongside colleagues

People run and walk on Duke's East Campus
The Fall 2026 season of the Duke Run/Walk Club begins Aug. 10. Photo by Travis Stanley

As a Home Health Field Nurse with Duke HomeCare & Hospice, Brenda Williams spends much of her day on the move. But after work, she’s often found it easy to slip into a more sedentary routine.

That's one reason Williams signed up for the Duke Run/Walk Club for the first time this spring.

"I was trying to be more mindful of my health," Williams said. "But it also just kind of encouraged you to keep moving."

Now Williams is looking forward to returning when the Fall 2026 season of the Duke Run/Walk Club begins Aug. 10 and runs through Oct. 30. Registration is open.

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The program, offered through LIVE FOR LIFE, Duke's employee wellness program, provides staff and faculty with structured opportunities to walk, run or do a combination of both while connecting with colleagues across the university and health system.

During the season, the group meets each Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Beginner to intermediate-level walkers and runners train at East Campus, while more advanced runners meet at the Al Buehler Trail on West Campus. For those who aren’t able to access campus in person twice a week, an option to participate independently is available. All participants receive weekly emails with suggested exercise goals.

Whether you are in person or walk or run independently, 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.

For Williams, the biggest benefit wasn't just exercise — it was accountability.

"The days I didn't feel like going, I thought, 'Hey, I made a commitment,' so it's a part of being accountable," Williams said.

Brenda Williams
Brenda Williams

Although she joined the program without knowing anyone, Williams found a community. She gravitated toward others who shared a similar walking pace, creating friendships that helped make the weekly sessions something to look forward to.

Williams missed only two sessions during the spring season and is eager to return this fall.

"Lord knows," she said with a laugh, "I'm looking forward to it."

To register and learn more about the Duke Run/Walk Club, visit hr.duke.edu/runwalk.

Send photos of your activity with the Duke Run/Walk Club here for a chance to win a prize from LIVE FOR LIFE's store. 

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