UPEI education student leaving a legacy with new campus-wide running club
A new running club has launched at the University of Prince Edward Island, led by education student and UPEI Cross Country standout Jack Roberts. The Panther Run Club is open to everyone on campus—students, athletes, staff, faculty, and alumni—and participants are encouraged to bring a friend.
“In the spring, I was approached by our varsity coordinator to consider starting a running club as a legacy project that welcomed people from all backgrounds at UPEI,” said Roberts. “In August, I started brainstorming the logistics of it, which I really enjoyed doing. This initiative combines being creative and running, which are two of my favourite things, so it was an easy decision to say ‘yes’!”
As an education student planning to coach cross country and track in his teaching career, Roberts said organizing something like this feels like a natural fit.
Ron Annear, Varsity Coordinator with UPEI Athletics and Recreation, said during the fall team orientations each year, leadership is discussed with a focus on three areas: learning to lead yourself; learning to lead others; and leaving a legacy.
“The intent of leaving a legacy is not just about athletic success but about leaving your program in a better place. One example is to initiate a program that lives on after you have completed your student-athlete experience,” said Annear. “Jack has been a great Panther ambassador who is in the education program and his fifth and final year of U SPORTS eligibility—a perfect fit to launch a campus-community initiative.”
The club meets every Monday at 4:30 pm (unless otherwise noted on the Panther Run Club Instagram page, @pantherrunclub). The main route is 5 km (3.1 miles), with an option to circle back at 3.2 km for those who prefer a shorter distance. The route begins at the UPEI track gate, loops onto the Confederation Trail, and finishes on the shaded grass area next to Parking Lot D. All paces and personal goals are welcome.
“Besides promoting movement and health, another goal of this club is to bridge the gap between the athletes on campus and everyone else. We’re all Panthers so I think it’s a great idea to bring people together of all ages and different walks of life who share a common interest,” said Roberts.
The club’s first run, held on September 15, was a success, with participants enjoying the experience. Roberts noted he was pleased with the turnout. No registration is required, and there are no limits on the number of participants.
The next run is scheduled for September 22. For updates and more information about the UPEI Panther Run Club, follow @pantherrunclub on Instagram.
