More than 100 runners gathered early Saturday morning on the Arkansas State University (A-State) campus for a special event celebrating football season.
The Gearhead Outfitters Run Club hosted its first “Gameday 5K” of the season at 7 a.m., attracting 105 participants for a fun run around the campus ahead of the A-State Red Wolves’ home football game.
On most weekends, the club holds its Saturday morning runs from downtown Jonesboro, meeting outside Gearhead Outfitters on Main Street. When the Red Wolves play at home, however, the run’s route shifts to the university campus, starting near the Red Wolf statue.
Stacy Walz, who serves as the club's primary organizer and is also the dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at A-State, attributed the club's growth to its focus on fostering community connections. After briefly pausing its activities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the club has seen attendance grow rapidly, from around 15 participants weekly to now averaging 50 to 60 runners each Saturday.
“I know I’m personally addicted to the socialization that goes along with the run club,” Walz said. “It’s just really fun to be able to chat with people as we gather each Saturday morning.”
The run club is free to join and open to runners of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced athletes. It operates year-round and in all kinds of weather. Walz highlighted the value of the group dynamic, explaining that having others to hold you accountable and motivate you can make it easier to commit to early weekend runs.
“Being part of a run club and the accountability of having people waiting on you on Saturday mornings, that’s going to encourage you to get out of bed and join,” she added.
The Gearhead Outfitters Run Club provides a regular, welcoming environment for fitness and social connection in the Jonesboro community, offering an accessible way to blend physical activity with camaraderie.