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Mejia Marcial and the run club at the Wellness Party run. Photo by Marisa Lombardo

Students find connection and motivation with every mile

By Hailey Rohrer '25, MBA '27

What started as a small group of students meeting for casual runs has grown into an increasingly active campus organization that brings 51³Ô¹Ï students together through fitness, wellness, and community.

Founded by international student and business management major, Emilio Mejia Marcial '27, the Alvernia Running Club provides students of all running abilities with a welcoming space to stay active, build healthy habits, and connect with others.

"It all started with me being in love with running," Mejia Marcial said. "I was looking at other universities having their own run clubs, and I asked myself, 'Why don't we have something like this?' I used my passion for running and my desire to provide as much as I can to Alvernia students as a student leader and came up with the Alvernia Running Club."

The club held its first run in March, drawing just three students. After continuing to promote the organization and expand its executive board, the club began to see increased participation.

"This year we've averaged around 15 people per run, which is an amazing number for a small-sized university like Alvernia," Mejia Marcial said. "It is truly amazing to watch the club reach mainstream attention now that the idea has been settled on campus."

The club currently brings together students from a variety of majors and athletic backgrounds. Members typically meet for weekly runs and participate in social events, community service opportunities, wellness initiatives, and local races. Most recently, the club partnered with Alvernia Campus Recreation to host a Wellness Party that drew a crowd.

Mejia Marcial and the campus community practicing yoga at the Wellness Party under the Pavilion. Photo by Marisa Lombardo

"Running has always seemed like a daunting 'task' and isn't something I'd usually see myself doing in my free time," Isabella Hoffman '26 said. "After being influenced by Emilio to come to one of the meetings, I truly enjoyed my experience. All of the executive board members made me feel extremely capable and were supportive."

Senior marketing student Logan Goldenberg has also found the club a way to become more connected to the university while developing a new hobby.

"The Alvernia Running Club has been a great experience for me," Goldenberg said. "Not only is it helping me keep in shape, but it's also making me feel much more connected with the university."

For Mejia Marcial, the club's growth is about more than the number of students attending each run. He hopes members leave with a stronger sense of belonging and an appreciation for healthy habits.

"I hope students find a sense of belonging, develop healthy habits, and learn that fitness can be enjoyable when you're surrounded by supportive people," he said.

Mejia Marcial and the Running Club at the Pack Dash 5k. Photo by Kristin Eck

Nine members of the Running Club also participated in Alvernia's second annual Pack Dash 5K during Homecoming & Family Weekend, with Mejia Marcial finishing in second place overall and first in his age group. 

"It was never about the number of people; it is all about making good habits," Mejia Marcial continued. "Can't wait to see what the future holds for us... Big things ahead!"