One of the new but steadily growing clubs to touch down on Howard’s Campus this year is the 1867 Run Club, which has been meeting weekly since the end of August. We recently visited the club, spoke with its members and founders, and experienced its unique culture firsthand.

Co-founder Khari Davis, a senior biology major with a chemistry and mathematics double minor from Tallahassee, Florida, stated:

“My co-founder and I came up with this idea over the summer and wanted to find a way to get people out and active and give them stress relief while navigating the school year that is cheap, effective, and allows students to meet new people, exercise, and have a good time.”

Additionally, co-founder Avery Cloud, a senior computer information systems major, sports administration minor from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, also discussed his reasoning behind creating the 1867 Run Club. He went on to say:

“The purpose for starting the 1867 Run Club was really to create community and build more focus on things that we think are important to students at this time to help improve their mental and physical health by creating an environment where the people are rooted through this excellence and bettering their bodies and minds. It’s been great so far, and we just can’t wait for the club to keep growing.”

In addition to hearing the enthusiasm of the masterminds behind the club, it was important to also highlight those involved by hearing their thoughts about the club and their drive behind being a part of this new and bright concept.

Ava Davis, a student majoring in chemistry, stated: 

“I decided to come to the Run Club to get outside and get active and push myself.”

Hannah Hardy, a student majoring in sociology, said: 

“I think Run Club is a great community where people come together to do something good for themselves; it’s wholesome, and wellness is great.”

We also heard from another student who works for the club, Joshua Taylor, a senior television and film major and photography minor from PG County, Maryland, who serves as the social media manager for the 1867 Run club. Taylor stated:

“Avery reached out in the summer about starting the club since there was nothing like this on Howard’s campus."  

Being a part of the creation of a contemporary club that was new to Howard was something Joshua took a liking to.

The community of the run club has been transformative and empowering to the Howard community so far, and those involved in the club's activities have been able to see the positive efforts, support, and activeness of the club. The campus and its students are looking forward to the club's future accomplishments. Having already collaborated with other successful health and fitness clubs, such as Mecca Yoga, the 1867 Run Club shows great promise.