Calgary has a lot of hills, is cold, and dry. Running culture exists there but since Calgary is a smaller city, the culture is not as evident as in Toronto, which has many run clubs. I decided to come to Toronto for the UofT Eng Sci program and the big city vibes!

Rosedale is my favorite area to run in Toronto. It is secluded, does not have many lights, and is peaceful. I discovered this area through the UTRC routes. I have also met so many good friends in different academic programs through the run club. I find it very refreshing.

I have lived in Toronto my whole life yet I still see new things in the city through run club. Everyone who comes to the runs are kind and supportive, even if you fall behind or need a break. People are always willing to wait for you.

While I’ve always been involved in various sports, it was only when I started university that I took up running. Originally, I ran just for fun and to enjoy nature, but joining run club has allowed me to make new friends while exploring new areas of Toronto.

My favourite part about run club are the weekend long runs! I like being able to explore Toronto. I especially liked the Riverdale Park route. Overall, I prefer running in nature compared to the city, it is more refreshing! My goal is to complete a half-marathon by the time I graduate.

There are so many things I love about run club. The run leaders are great at what they do. It’s so nice getting to enjoy all the different routes they come up with and having coffee together after the Sunday runs. The runners who come are always friendly and talking to them while running makes time fly by so fast! Running gives me peace of mind.

I enjoy running in a group and the feeling of community. Everyone is going through the same workout and we can all motivate each other to make it to the end. Running is definitely a morale booster. There were not many options to meet people during the pandemic, but the UTRC was the perfect opportunity to get outdoors, exercise, and make friends!

I don’t have to travel far for a good run. Each time I come to the UTRC, I have a different experience with unique people and routes which makes each run memorable. I have met a lot of cool people through the club. Most notably, I have met people from my hometown of Mumbai!

Competitive running was mentally draining. I wanted to compete against myself rather than against others, so I switched to casual running. I am very happy to have joined the UTRC. I love meeting a new face every time I come to a run!

The UTRC motivated me to sign-up for and complete the Toronto half-marathon! It was my first time running this distance. I might start my own run club when I return back to the Netherlands after I finish my exchange.

I was on my high  school’s track team in Bangkok. Thailand is very hot and humid compared to Toronto. I like running in Toronto as I am not limited to indoor tracks or short outdoor distances. The UTRC runs allow me to get away from my assignments. It was also a nice way for me to talk to people after the pandemic.

I was forced to run when I joined the military in 2019. Everyone came from different running backgrounds so we  mainly did short tempo 3k distances. My favourite distance is a 2.4k. However, being part of the UTRC is fun since it pushes me to do longer runs and gives me a chance to explore Toronto!

One of my favourite aspects of the UTRC are the ever-changing routes. I appreciate the variety and creative special events. To run a half-marathon would always seem like a crazy or difficult thing, until I started training  and realized it wasn’t! Running is a good way to break away from routine and leave one’s comfort zone. I really enjoy run club to motivate myself to train and enjoy that with others.

I was motivated by my dad and got into running in 2019. I’ve been doing it on and off ever since. When I first started, I couldn’t even run further than 1.5 km. I then set a goal to run down Yonge street. With help from run club, I was recently able to achieve my goal of running Yonge Street from Steeles  Ave. to Waterfront!

I found it hard to meet people through grad school and my classes. The UTRC was the best way to connect with others of diverse backgrounds on campus. The club has been my source of happiness during the pandemic. My current running goal is to complete a half-marathon in 1:40 to 1:45 hours!

I just like being outside. I find running peaceful and relaxing. The UTRC is a great place to meet like minded people who enjoy running. It is nice to have a regular group that brings out a great crowd, otherwise I’d be inside studying all the time!

I’ve been running  since 2019 when I was part of the Norwegian military. We did intervals and marches. I prefer to run in Toronto compared to Oslo because there are so many more routes here! I like how the UTRC has a huge social aspect. I get to talk to new people all the time, which is really fun!

My mom did not want me to do contact sports, so I did cross country and track.  When I joined the UTRC, I met someone who went to the same high school as me, which is pretty cool since we are both from Princeton, New Jersey! I truly love the social aspect of the club. While I run on my own time for longer or more intense workouts, I appreciate the UTRC for offering leisurely and fun runs which I enjoy attending.

As a co-op student, I didn’t know anyone prior to moving to Toronto. The UTRC has also been a great opportunity to meet others, especially for people like me who are new to the city. I even became friends  with a run club member who I now consistently run with on the weekend!

When I first moved to Toronto, I wanted to run but found it discouraging to not know anyone or routes. Joining the UTRC has really encouraged me to meet new people and share my running experiences. It has been great to run with others while exploring the city!

I started running 5 years ago as a joke but then realized how much fun it was! I set goals for myself to run longer distances over time and my passion for the sport took off. I enjoy running with the UTRC because I’ve made lots of friends and find that it decreases my stress.