How fast are easy runs?
The fastest group runs around 7:00 pace. We have groups that run 7:00 - 7:30, 7:30 - 8:00, and 8:00 and above. If you don't fit into any of these categories, we still encourage everyone to come out! This being said, if you run slower than a 9:00 minute/mile pace we recommend having a friend join you and/or knowing the routes we run ahead of time for safety reasons.
What happens if I have a conflict with practice?
If you have a conflict with practice, that's fine. To officially be considered a member of the club, you only need to attend practice at least three times per month, and we’re flexible.
Do you have workouts and long runs?
Yes. We usually have two workouts a week as well as a long run on Saturday morning, typically at Umstead State Park. Join the club GroupMe for the latest news on long runs.
Do I have to do workouts?
No. If you only want to do easy runs, feel free to do so. We have several people who only do easy runs. The same applies for races - you don't have to do them if you don't want to.
How far do you run at practice?
Most easy runs are between 4 and 9 miles. However, if you want to run more or less, you can turn around early or keep running longer.
Is practice held when it is raining?
Yes, we run in the rain, snow, and everything in between. We completely understand if you don't want to run in the rain, though.
What should I expect at practice?
A large group of people will be standing around before practice talking. When practice starts, a club officer will make announcements to the group about the day's run or workout, club dues, races, volunteering, social events, etc. Then the run or workout will begin. Afterwards, people will generally talk for a bit and some will go to Carmichael Gym to stretch/roll or an on-campus dining hall.
Where do you run?
You can find the routes that we run here!
Races
Do you compete in races?
Yes. In the fall we compete in cross country, in the winter we compete in indoor track, and in the spring we compete in outdoor track and road/distance events. Many of our runners find and run in events independently as well.
Do I have to race?
No. If you don't want to race, then you don't have to. Non-racing members of the club pay $25 in dues, whereas racing members of the club pay $50 in dues.
What distances do you race?
In cross country, women compete in 5Ks and 6Ks and men compete in 5Ks and 8Ks. In indoor and outdoor track, we compete in standard track distances from 60m to 10,000m. In the spring, we also compete in 10Ks, half marathons, marathons, and ultramarathon relays.
When are the races?
Most races are on Saturday mornings, but we will sometimes have one on Friday afternoon or Sunday morning.
What if I have a class during a race?
For all races that lie on Friday, an absence note will be provided for you to give to your professors. While technically it may still be an unexcused absence, it is very rare for professors to take issue with the excusing process. The club prides itself on the athletic as well as academic performance of its members, so prioritize accordingly!
Who is allowed/eligible to race?
Any eligible member of the club who has paid club dues for racing members ($50) is eligible to race.
Do you compete against other clubs and colleges?
Yes. A few of our meets are NIRCA club team meets only (regionals and nationals in cross country), but in most of our meets we compete against Division I, II and III varsity teams (including our own NC State varsity team, as pictured below).
Do you have club records?
Yes. Check out the club records page for the list. If you think you have what it takes, all dues-paying members can set new club records.
Other
Where can I get shoes, flats, and spikes near NC State?
The two closest running stores to NC State's campus are the Fleet Feet off Wade Avenue and the Fleet Feet in the Village District.
Do you do anything other than run?
Yes. We plan several social and volunteering events throughout the year.
What volunteering opportunities are there?
Several times throughout the semester, we will announce events in which we can give back to our community. What we do varies from year-to-year. The good news is, the more we volunteer, the more money we get, so the less you have to pay for meets, transportation, etc. Find out about volunteering opportunities by getting on our email list or by checking our Facebook page.
Club members at Duke University after a food-packing volunteer opportunity benefiting Servants with a Heart
Do you eat together after practice?
Yes. There is usually a group of club members going to Fountain Dining Hall after practice. Some will also go to Coco Bongo and DP Dough on Tuesday nights.
Is it possible to walk on to the varsity team from the club team?
Yes. If runners do well enough during cross country or track, varsity coaches may become interested. It varies from year to year how fast a club runner would have to be to be noticed. Several runners have walked on to the varsity team in the past.