2024 has been a year of big wins, tough lessons, and tremendous growth for the Russell Run Club. We've had plenty to celebrate, from pulling off fun, unique events like the Beer Mile to the camaraderie of the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Relay. Our running clinics have fostered personal growth and inspiring stories, while our Youth Run Club reached an exciting milestone alongside the expanding Run Jump Throw program. And of course, the Russell Run continued to bring our community together.

But it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Some ideas didn’t go as planned, and we faced challenges with membership growth, inclusivity, and ensuring every runner felt welcome.

These moments pushed us to reflect, adapt, and prepare for a better future.

Looking ahead to 2025, we’re doubling down on what we do best: creating spaces for runners to thrive. We’re enhancing inclusivity, laying down solid foundations with new policies and a board of directors, and ensuring the club continues to grow as a resource and a community for all.

The Russell Run Club isn’t just about running—it’s about the stories we create together, the lessons we learn, and the miles we share. So, let’s look back on what we’ve achieved and forward to the adventures ahead. Read on to celebrate the wins, embrace the challenges, and get inspired for what’s to come.

~Michelle, Dec 31/24

(Note: Photo credits to N. Fortin, J. Hvidsten and M. Carriere)

The Wins

Embracing Fun and Community

One of the highlights of this past year was hosting events that celebrated the lighter, more social side of running.

The Beer Mile, for instance, felt like a gamble on multiple fronts. My biggest concern was the alcohol - consuming four beers in a short period seemed extreme. As a club, our mission is to promote running as a way to maintain both physical and mental health, and I didn’t want us to be associated with a “drunk fest” at the Rockland YMCA. But as I read up on it and watched countless YouTube videos, I began to warm up to the idea. After all, anything with a world record has to be legit, right? We were also partnering up with the Summerspirits Festival; I am sure that organization did not want that reputation also.

On a rainy Saturday during Canada Day Weekend, we pulled together a small group of runners and non-runners to try it out. Our first set of participants to check in included a hot dog, 80's guy, Sir Lancelot and a ballerina. Needless to say, they set the day's tone with their enthusiasm. Rain poured steadily, but it didn’t dampen our fun. We chugged, ran, laughed, and cheered each other on—it was a joyful, shared experience that truly captured the spirit of our club. 

Another concept that had been forming in my mind also materialized this year: the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Relay. With the backing of Eric Collard of the trail and a few members, we organized a 74-km relay race through Prescott-Russell, stretching from St. Eugene to Hammond. Like the Beer Mile, this specialized event raised several concerns: weather, registration numbers, the straight flat course, the time of year—you name it. However, I reminded myself that this was a trial for something larger. We were all guinea pigs.

At the exchange stations, I watched participants bond—sharing stories of the leg they ran, competitive banter and new faces instantly becoming part of the Club. They supported and cheered each other on, creating a sense of community transcending the run. The event’s success wasn’t measured in wins or financial gains but in the smiles, laughter, and heartfelt thanks we received for organizing it.

Next year, we plan to expand the relay with options for solo runners, teams, and varying distances. We aim to showcase the beauty of the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail, highlight our incredible communities along it, and continue fostering the camaraderie that makes events like these so meaningful.

Check out the story behind the relay and the imaging imagery captured by Norm Fortin.

Adult Clinics Where Every Goal Is a Worthy Goal

For the third year, we hosted our running clinics, guiding participants as they worked towards their milestones. The Learn (or Return) to Run Clinic was held four times, from winter’s frigid depths to summer’s sweltering heat. We also organized two clinics focused on the 10 km, 21.1 km, and 42.2 km distances, with participants setting their sights on events like the St. Lawrence Marathon, Army Run, Ottawa Race Weekend, and, of course, the Russell Run.

Throughout the year, we watched participants accomplish their goals — conquering new distances, setting personal bests, and overcoming the inevitable challenges of running, including balancing work and family commitments and dealing with injuries. As with our events, the clinics' success wasn’t measured by finish times but by the moments in between — the feedback and camaraderie during training, the smiles and hugs at the finish line, and the stories shared with friends and family. These were the true markers of achievement and community.

“Hello Run Club Parents and Kids”: 10 years of the Youth Run Club

It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since I stumbled upon a newspaper article that set me on a new path in life and led to the creation of the Russell Run Club. The article was about a kids' run club meeting on Saturday mornings, and I felt compelled to reach out in response to their call for help. It was time to leave my selfish runner’s lifestyle and give back to the community.

I wasn’t comfortable coaching and leading, especially when working with kids. The first few years were awkward, to say the least. But over time, I grew into the role. I found joy in watching the kids challenge themselves, learn, and cross the finish line with smiles of achievement. Each Fall, I looked forward to receiving the email asking me to return and help out again.

Like every situation in life, putting myself out of my comfort zone allowed me to grow into the coach and leader I am today.

As I reflect on this journey, I think about how the youth program we have now become. From Twenty-five kids every fall to over 100 year-round.   Now I enter into the club's next phase—building something beyond me — I hope this story will inspire others to take on similar challenges and create something lasting for their communities.

The Growth of Youth Programs and Run Jump Throw

Have you ever heard what 50 kids running around the sports field at the Township of Russell Sports Dome sounds like? It’s the best thing ever. And if you've witnessed the “Yelling Game,” you know this group can shake the dome's fabric with energy.

This past winter, I took advantage of Russell Township's mailing list and access to its facilities to bring our Run Jump Throw program to the community. We had 100 kids join us over two sessions, and we sold out just 4 days after registration opened — something that usually takes us 3 to 4 weeks to even reach halfway.

Our inbox is constantly flooded with inquiries about youth programs. The most common questions are, "When do they start?" and "Is my child old enough to join?"

In recent years, youth programs have taken a backseat. I’ve focused more on adult clinics and my training but realized that we exist because of the kids.

So this spring, I adjusted my schedule to add an extra session for 10 to 14-year-olds. Tuesday evenings became a balancing act — racing from work to the Dome for the Youth program, then heading to the Park and Ride for the Adult Clinics. I also rearranged my Saturday mornings to ensure we were back on the track and running through the conservation area for our Fall programs. We competed against hockey and soccer, but the volunteers and parents made it work. This year, we had a fantastic group and a blast.

The kids joined us at the Russell Run - donning their red branded T-shirts.  Some nervous energy for sure; the 5 km distance seems daunting for some.  But we reassured them that they did the training, the route was well marked, and fellow runners were generally supportive - they would look out for them.

Now, it’s all about keeping the momentum going. These graduates of our Youth Programs are our future assistant youth leaders. Our alumni from earlier years are now assisting us, not because of the volunteer hours but because they enjoyed being our athletes and wanted to give back as instructors.  

The Kids Take over Russell Run

Lucky No. 13 for the Russell Run! This year, we matched last year’s participant numbers, yet with the same turnout and higher fees, our revenue fell short. As I dug deeper into the figures, I noticed a shift in the ratio of adults to youth. More runners opted for the reduced U18 rates, which led to fewer overall funds. Was I disappointed? Absolutely not. Seeing so many kids racing around the track during the 1.2km run is priceless. Some ran solo, while others were paced by their proud parents.

The younger runners even claimed the podium for the 5km, with ages ranging from early teens to twenties (though one gentleman showed that age isn’t always a factor when it comes to pace).

The 10km was also full of excitement. Our men’s course record shattered, with five other men also running under the previous record.

We watch the event grow yearly, with more participants, volunteers, and community support. We also see an increasing number of out-of-town runners and walkers from neighbouring counties and beyond. The common feedback is that they love the small-town, no-frills community atmosphere. That’s our goal: to create an event that’s accessible to all ages and abilities.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s 14th annual event this October.

We Started A Newsletter/Blog

Consistency is key. One example is our weekly newsletter and blog, which we’ve published since early summer.

While some people are fortunate enough to navigate life without a social media account, we see social media as an invaluable tool to reach a wider audience. Through the newsletter, we aim to complement this reach by sharing event updates, club schedules, stories, and achievements in a more personal and direct way. It also serves as a living record of our club’s journey, showing how we continue to grow and evolve.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to enhance the newsletter to become a valuable resource for runners and walkers alike. We’re exploring new topics such as a “Coach’s Corner” for training tips, “What We’re Reading, Watching, or Listening To” for inspiration, and even member contributions to make it more interactive and engaging.

If you’re not receiving our newsletter in your inbox, don’t miss out—sign up here:

The Not-So-Successful Ideas

Walk with Us

Some ideas sound great on paper but don’t pan out. Our walking club is one of those puzzles we’re still trying to solve. The idea seemed promising—bridging the gap between inactivity and starting to run, tapping into a market we hadn’t yet explored.

We even surveyed to gauge interest, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. But when it came time for people to show up, the turnout didn’t match the enthusiasm we saw in the survey. Was it the season, the time of day, or the day of the week? We’re not sure. One thing I’m certain of, though, is that 100 people didn’t fill out the survey just because they enjoyed answering questions. We read through the comments and saw genuine reasons for interest, which makes the disconnect even more baffling.

When one of the walk club members, Gordon, joined our Christmas light run, it reminded me why this idea matters. Watching him walk through town, chatting with our members, and soaking in the festive atmosphere was a clear sign of offering something like this that is valuable.

Moving forward, we’re considering different approaches. Maybe it could work as a clinic-style program, or we could integrate it into our biweekly group runs. However, combining walkers with runners might deter new members looking for a comfortable, low-pressure environment to start their journey. We’ll keep thinking about it because the potential is still there—we just need to find the right formula.

Trail Run

The weekly trail run was another idea that didn’t go as planned, primarily due to challenges that hindered its growth. While we had three enthusiastic volunteers ready to lead, scheduling conflicts and injuries made it difficult to sustain. Unfortunately, my packed schedule also limited my ability to step in and assist.

That said, this is not a program I’m giving up on. Looking ahead to next year, I’m excited to build on our growth and recruit dedicated run leads to bring the idea back. Instead of weekly runs, it will evolve into a special event—a monthly “treat” that offers a refreshing change of scenery at various locations in our community, complementing our regular group runs.

The Mistakes We Made and the Challenges We Face

I saw it in the pictures and wondered if it was just me noticing. It wasn’t. A comment from someone outside our club stuck with me: “You look like a tight-knit group.” It sounds like a compliment, right?

Every group run concludes with a photo, capturing the faces of our community. While it’s rewarding to see familiar faces week after week, I noticed fewer new members joining us. The same core group of ten to fifteen runners appeared weekly; others had also picked up on this.

Our approach to holding Learn to Run (LTR) sessions and group runs simultaneously turned out to be counterproductive. Instead of fostering inclusion, it created a clique that newcomers found hard to penetrate. It may have left LTR participants feeling like they could never match the seasoned runners. We tried various methods—group introductions and alumni sharing their stories—but the approach wasn’t working.

This highlighted a critical issue: for our club to thrive, we need growth, which depends on attracting and retaining new members. To address this, we began implementing systems to promote inclusivity and ensure a welcoming environment.

We developed a group-run policy emphasizing safety and support. The goal is to provide a positive experience for everyone, whether it’s their first run with us or their fiftieth. We also introduced Group Run Leads, who play a pivotal role. These leaders arrive early to greet new runners, explain the route, and check in with participants. Their primary focus isn’t on the fastest runners but ensuring no one feels left out—especially newcomers who may worry about being “too slow.”

We also moved our Learn (or Return) to Run program to a separate location and time. This change allows us to focus entirely on new members, giving them the confidence to transition into regular group runs eventually.

But this is just the beginning. We’ve started spotlighting members and sharing their stories, hoping to inspire beginner runners by showing that everyone starts at 0 km at some point. A social media campaign is in the works to amplify these stories, showcasing our community's welcoming and supportive nature.

By reflecting on our challenges and making these changes, we’re laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, supportive, and vibrant running community.

Looking Ahead in 2025

Focus on What We do Best

With 2025 just hours away, I’m excited about what’s to come. Our priority will be focusing on what we do best: Group Runs and the Russell Run. These are the heartbeat of our club. Without them, we wouldn’t have the memberships, growth, or financial support necessary for day-to-day operations.

Growth is essential, but so is avoiding overextension. Other events and clinics are bonuses we’ll hold if resources allow—qualified coaches and dedicated race directors.

We plan to continue the events we held in 2024 and expand further. However, the structure will be different (another work in progress).  In addition to the Beer Mile and Relay, we have the Dion Snowshoe Squall at Hammond Hill in February and the Chase the Sun event, where participants run as many miles as possible between sunrise and sunset. These events challenge runners to push themselves, have fun, and do epic things.

Our clinics and youth programs will also continue. We’re constantly evolving to enhance everyone's experience. Inspired by other clubs, I’d love to add kids’ running events to our lineup. Again dependent on resourse such as time and volunteers.

A Club That Thrives Beyond Me

This summer, I took two weeks off to run across Tennessee and spent weekends training on the Rideau Trail. During my absence, the club carried on seamlessly. Group runs happened, emails were answered, and parkrun continued as usual. It was a powerful reminder that the Russell Run Club is no longer just my club—it’s a community-driven organization thriving independently of me.

That realization has been both humbling and motivating. I’ve spent countless late nights drafting bylaws, policies, and procedures this fall. These documents are designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and consistency, serving as a blueprint for how the club operates today and how it will grow. While they’re still in draft form, they are essential in solidifying the club’s foundation.

As the club evolves, I learn to set boundaries and balance my coaching, member, and friend roles. Building this community has required countless hours—creating training plans, coaching courses, managing social media, and overseeing operations. Now, it’s time to step back from the day-to-day and focus on improving my coaching skills and the quality of services I provide. It’s another unexpected but rewarding detour in this journey.

To carry this vision forward, I’m building a team to support the club’s growth. While I’ll remain the spokesperson and Head Coach, the club is no longer “Michelle’s club”—it’s truly our club. Over the years, I’ve observed how members interact: who steps up to volunteer, who offers help when needed, who makes new members feel welcome and who brings energy to the community. I don’t plan to leave the club anytime soon, but I know the importance of preparing for that day. While finding another “Michelle” would be ideal, my husband would likely sigh with relief—one of me is enough!

As a newly established not-for-profit organization, we now have bylaws governing our operations and are forming a board of directors. This spring, we’ll host our first members’ meeting, introducing and voting on the board, unveiling the bylaws and policies, and, most importantly, sharing the club’s vision for the future.

Despite the challenges and occasional headaches, I’m proud of the community we’ve created. I hope the Russell Run Club will become the gold standard for community running clubs. Here’s to another year of running, growing, and building epic stories—together.

These are just a few of our members who ensure our events and programs are running smoothly. When you join us for a group run or event remember to say thank-you or better yet ask them about their running stories and what they enjoy about the club. I am sure they will inspire you.