Club Sports Series: Princeton Running Club

Starting this semester, the Daily Princetonian will publish a weekly feature centered on one of the University’s club sports everyWednesday. Clubs interested in being featured should contactsports@dailyprincetonian.com.

A dedicated and close-knit group of running enthusiasts, members of the Princeton Running Club enjoy anything from light runs through the Institute Woods to nature-bending runs in the chill of winter. An expanding organization on campus, the club has grown from a small band of graduate students to a major, organized group of over 50 student runners in just under five years. Now, with a fresh cohort of talented freshmen and enthusiastic, core leadership, Princeton Running Club hopes to make a significant national impact this year.

While some club sports on campus struggle to organize or compete, PRC has solidly established its reputation as a serious, competitive organization. A member of the National Intercollegiate Running Club Association and frequent competitor in national and regional meets, Princeton’s own running club has defied its doubters.

Club race coordinator and leader sophomore Liam Collins explained, “We have people training on the varsity level every day.” This elite level of competition was perfect for current vice president and women’s captain junior Lindy Zeng, who came into college “looking for something similar to what [she] had in high school.”

On the other end of the spectrum, the club makes a conscious effort to create a supportive atmosphere such that even the novice runner could find a place in the community. In fact, when asked to distinguish the club from others on campus, PRC guru and active presence junior Zartosht Ahlers applauded the leadership’s extensive efforts to “make [PRC] as inclusive as possible.”

At the same time, it is important to note that the club did not always enjoy its current level of diversity and widespread reach. Club president and women’s captain junior Avery Kratzer explained, “Going back just five years ago, there really weren’t many girls.” But since then, under the leadership of two female captains, Kratzer explained, “Our women’s team has expanded exponentially over the past few years. There’s a really great balance of girls who’ve raced in high school and those who just want to come out.”

The schedule and timing of the club operate on a regular basis: on any given day, the club’s members assemble in front of Dillon Gymnasium shortly after classes have ended. The members then voluntarily divide themselves into groups of different paces and intensities so that any runner can participate at an appropriate pace. During the run itself, passive onlookers can overhear the members actively engaging by shouting chants, encouraging each other or vigorously debating the meaning of life.

The down-to-earth nature of the leadership has proved beneficial for a club that, practically speaking, operates on a predominantly student-run basis. The officers tackle everything from organizing transportation to national tournaments to handling the logistics of hosting Princeton Invitationals.

However, one could argue that PRC’s greatest and most precious moments take place beyond the scope of running itself. When probed about the impact that the club has had on their college experiences, members of the club fondly recalled perilous runs in foot-deep snow, club-wide dinners in the Forbes dining hall on Friday nights, and middle-of-the-night conversations on the car ride back from nationals.

The club is excited for a dominant year ahead. Though some have jokingly labeled the PRC as the “Perpetually Recovering Club” due to several injuries in recent history, the club believes that its revived health and new talent will be keys to success. Leaders in the club specifically commended freshman Bennett Weissenbach for his tremendous spirit and commitment just a few weeks into the year.

Up next, the PRC plans to host other collegiate clubs in the region for the annual Princeton Invitational this weekend. Though the Tigers won’t be engaging in their typical shouting and debating discussions during this serious competition, onlookers will be sure to see a family of proud, competitive, and dedicated Princetonians.