Tyrese Perkins, Assistant Sports Editor
VCU’s Cross Country and Track and Field Club has experienced a surge in competitive prestige over recent years, breaking multiple club milestones and bringing national recognition back to Richmond.
The National Intercollegiate Running Club Association was established in May 2006 during a national conference at Ohio State University. Two decades later, club cross-country and track and field programs continue to experience growth at the collegiate level, with more than 120 active college and university running clubs across the United States.
VCU officially joined the association during the fall semester of 2017. The club competes in the mid-Atlantic region. Operating year-round, the club focuses on cross country during the fall semester, before shifting to indoor and outdoor track and field in the winter and spring semester.
The program accepts athletes of all skill levels, from casual runners looking to stay active to highly competitive sprinters, jumpers, throwers and distance runners aiming for regional and national championships at NIRCA invitationals.
The VCU Cross Country and Track and Field Club resume has garnered national recognition in recent seasons. M’Kayla Murdaugh won a NIRCA national championship in the women’s high jump, sprinters Dameon Lewis and Landon Reeves placed the Rams on the national leaderboard in the 400-meter dash, according to the National Running Club Database.
A typical practice for the club begins with a team meeting before splitting into event-specific groups, according to Mark Janssen, a middle-distance runner and the group’s co-treasurer.
Practice begins with two warmup laps followed by team stretching. Workouts are tailored to meet individual and event goals. For middle-distance runners, drills include 800-meter repeats and ladder workouts, Janssen said. Despite conducting different workouts, teammates continue to encourage each other throughout practice.
“Between reps or sets we cheer each other on, especially on workout days when we’re pushing the tempo,” Janssen said. “You never know when someone’s having a rough day or week so supporting them can help in more ways than just getting them through a workout.”
For field athletes complete stretches that specifically benefit their events. At the throwing circle, athletes take turns warming up with the shot put before beginning their throwing cycles, according to Krystal Ward, a thrower and co-treasurer.
Club co-treasurer and thrower, Krystal Ward, said music is a key part of practice and plans to create a collaborative playlist with the other throwers to help make workouts more enjoyable. The unique combination of event-specific training and a relaxed team environment helps members focus on improving, while still enjoying the people they train alongside.
The club’s team building also extends beyond practice. Members occasionally have team dinners after workouts, providing another opportunity to socialize and strengthen the relationships built during training.
“Practice is not simply about completing a workout,” Ward said. “It is an opportunity for runners and throwers with different events and goals to train together, support one another, and build a lasting community.”
This tight-knit community gathers right outside Cary Street Gym Monday through Friday with meeting times posted to their Instagram. Attendance is voluntary, so the club relies on an organic dedication from its members to maintain its competitive edge.
During one of our officer meetings our coach made one of my culture’s dishes which really touched my heart,” Ward said. “Moments like that really make me appreciate choosing VCU.”
Their strategy works; through a blend of flexible, athlete-driven training, and genuine emotional support leaving the team fueled and ready for success. Now, the club is turning that collective energy toward the track and field as they prepare for a demanding lineup of upcoming competitions throughout the 2026-27 school year.
Whether pushing their physical limits at an event or bonding at a weekend social, the athletes continue to prove that a club built on community runs furthest. Ultimately, it is this balance of athletic ambition and genuine friendship that ensures VCU’s running legacy will keep growing, one stride at a time.