The Spire

Colette Potter ’26

Staff Writer

65 students, 9 weeks, 4 Holy Cross staff, and a lot of great energy! Associate Director of Student Wellness, Joy LaGrutta, and Alex Weld, NP, led a group of students in training for a half marathon. Last year, the program began with Women on the Run, a group celebrating 50 years of coeducation through an all women group training for a half marathon. This year, the program was open to everybody, with a new name: RUNsilience. The program began in late February, where students attended a 6am morning run. The first run was 5 miles, and each consecutive week, students ran one more mile! The program culminated with 65 students running a half marathon in Hamilton, MA on April 21. James Blum ‘26 won second place in the race. 

The running group was started partly as an outlet for students to set and achieve a non-academic goal. Joy explained this as, “it was great to give students something to excel at that had absolutely nothing to do with academics.” Especially at an academically rigorous institution like Holy Cross, this ability to have a non-academic achievement can help students less of their own self-worth strictly into academic achievements. It was an achievement that also many of the group may not have thought they could do, especially considering the many first time half marathon runners in the group. 

Running was also a way to better both student mental and physical health. Alex Weld, a nurse practitioner at Holy Cross and a leader of the group, said “exercise is an important factor in leading a healthy life and it was wonderful to see so many students make this commitment.” Many students also did supplementary runs and cardio to prepare for the race. Joy added, “running can be a tremendous resource for mental health. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins which elevate your mood and help with stress. I love showing students that there are lots of ways that they can improve their wellness, and running is one of them.” Many of the runs started in the dark, but runners saw some beautiful sunrises. Seeing the sun rise, and starting out the day with a long run, was an experience that was both mentally and physically gratifying. James Blum ‘26, club member and second place finisher summarizes, “running in general, let alone at such a perfect time, is so great for physical and mental health in my opinion because it just makes you feel so accomplished at such an early time, it makes all of your other problems throughout the day seem much more achievable.” 

As experienced runners themselves, Alex and Joy both led and joined students on the morning runs, and also ran the half marathon. As Joy said, “I have been a distance runner most of my life and I know how much I have gained from the sport. I love role modeling health and wellness for students, showing them that I am willing to work hard too. If you get up at 5am, I will get up too.” Alex and Joy were sources of guidance for running long distance, but also provided a great deal of encouragement and positivity. Alex spoke of this sense of community, saying “running builds friendship and connection. You are working together toward a shared goal. You support one another. It was great to see all the new friendships that formed on those early morning runs.” RUN-silience had a positive, encouraging environment, and students bonded over their shared running experience. Student James Blum also commented, “I never saw anything but an abundance of positivity among the tremendous group of people who had it in them to get up and run at six in the morning in the cold months of the year.” 

Joy commented on the infectious and uplifting environment on race day, saying “ I think the best part of the group was seeing the excitement on race day. Watching students cross the finish line after completing their first half marathon was so rewarding. I got teary eyed multiple times. I know this program had such a positive impact and I’m fairly sure most of these students plan to keep running. So for that, I feel really proud.” Running is a lifelong sport, and many students found a habit that leads to feelings of accomplishment, and overall better physical and mental health. It was a great opportunity for students to meet new people, build a sense of community, and accomplish running a half marathon!