Run or Walk Your Way to Wellness with Duke's Run/Walk Club This Fall
Register for the Duke Run/Walk Club, which meets Aug. 12 through Oct. 30
LIVE FOR LIFE Fitness Specialist Lauren Olimpo said the twice-weekly meetings through Oct. 30 offer a chance to “join forces with fellow Duke employees” to reach fitness goals.
Anyone from beginner walkers to advanced runners – and everything in between – can participate in the free club that meets each Monday and Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
Beginner through intermediate walkers and runners use the East Campus Loop Trail and meet across the street from the Duke Human Resources building at 705 Broad St. Advanced walkers and runners use the Al Buehler Trail on West Campus and meet in the trail parking lot at 751/Cameron Boulevard.
In-person, remote and hybrid options are available, and everyone who participates will receive a weekly email with tips, motivation and a training plan. Participants can earn LIVE FOR LIFE dollars by logging their activity online.
"Whether you're sprinting, strolling or mixing it up, Duke's dynamic Run/Walk Club group provides the camaraderie and coaching you need to smash your health goals,” Olimpo said.
Federal guidelines recommend adults engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days a week. Studies have found that simply adding brisk walking to a workout regimen can lower mortality risk by 35% and lower risk of developing heart disease or cancer by 25%.
Hilliard participated in the Spring Run/Walk Club in 2024, signing up a few months after he started working at Duke in 2023. He diligently logged his walks and weekend runs and earned enough LIVE FOR LIFE dollars for two water bottles for his kids – who often accompany him on hikes when he tallied many of his steps.
“It's a nice little fun incentive for something that a lot of people are already doing,” Hilliard said, “but it makes you feel a little more cohesive doing it with a group.”
For more information, visit hr.duke.edu/runwalk.
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