About Us

“The running club is that bright spot at the end of my day, when my classes are over and I can finally relax and spend time with my friends,” says David Wirtz, 2006-2007 President of the Panther Pacers. The club formed back in 1996 when two bold freshman students, James Barnes 99' and Shaun Enderton 00', shared a desire to continue their training habits from high school. They opted to form a community of runners in which others might enjoy this mutual passion and encourage the maintenance of an active lifestyle during college. Eleven years later, the Panther Pacers still meet regularly for leisurely running, social interaction, and study relief.

The club consists of approximately 20-25 members with varied levels of experience and commitment. While many club members were actively involved in track, cross-country or other athletic activities in high school, other members have little or no experience and simply enjoy the opportunity to stay in shape and make new friends.

The tight-knit group meets three times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, at four o'clock at the water fountain outside of Maucker Union on campus. During the cooler season, they meet right inside the foyer of the fountain entrance and sometimes head to the WRC for swimming or a game of basketball. Every week, rain, shine, snow or sleet, the Pacers never miss an opportunity to run outside together or for the treacherous season, engage in some other type of physical activity. Immediately following the run, members retreat to their apartments and dorms for showers and then meet for dinner together at the dining center in Redeker.

Throughout the year, the Panther Pacers participate in other events including the club-sponsored annual Homecoming 5k and attendance to the Living History Farms Race in Des Moines . The club holds the Homecoming race every homecoming game day as a fundraiser and opens participation up to both students and runners in the Cedar Valley Community. The Living History Farms 10K serves as a way for the members to get away for a weekend, run together, and socialize and often times brings fond memories to look back on.

Whether you ran a marathon last week or have never run over a mile in your life, you're welcome to join us. If you enjoy people and the sweet sensation of endorphins coursing through your brain, Panther Pacers might be just the group to spice up your college life. Come check us out!