As soon as the last bell rings, Junior Fabio Bolz rushes to the bathroom to change into running clothes and hurries down to the commons. After meeting up with other CHS runners, Bolz and the others chat about their day before deciding which course to run, stretching and setting off.

Bolz, along with other CHS runners, meet every day after school as part of the Winter Running Club. Because there are no running sports during the winter season, Winter Running Club allows runners to run together and motivate each other to stay fit during the off season between cross country and track and field.

Cross country and track coach Kurtis Werner has has been the sponsor for Winter Running Club from the beginning. “[The club] started three years ago as an opportunity for our runners and other athletes to stay in shape during the long winter season,” Werner said.

Like all other sports, running for cross country and track requires constant practice and a lot of motivation. Along with no official running sport in the winter season, many students find it hard to motivate themselves to run outside during the freezing winter weather.

This year, the club has grown significantly. A few weeks after the cross country season ended, over a dozen students showed up to run. “We have had a few more non-track athletes practicing during the winter months to get in shape for their respective sports,” Werner said.

Not only did more non-track athletes join, but also more cross country members decided to participate.

“I think a lot of it has to do with our cross-country team and increase in numbers compared with last year. When you have more people saying, ‘Hey, come do this, it’s a challenge, but fun,’ Clayton students tend to react,” Werner said. “I also think the presence of Coach Levine helps a lot. It’s nice to share responsibilities with our running programs with him.”

So far, most of the students have had positive experiences. Bolz, who ran almost everyday explained why he enjoys the group, “I like Winter Running Club because the people are nice and I get a good feeling after the run, although it is sometimes really cold.”

Even students who are not regular runners, such as sophomore Jack Monshausen, agreed that group has been helpful. “I feel like I’m doing better and can run faster,” Monshausen said. “It was a struggle getting back into the rhythm of running after the three week break in between my first run and the end of the soccer season. But now when I run I can keep up with most of the cross country people, and have a blast while doing it.”

For those interested, Werner is still encouraging students to join for the beginning of second semester or next year. “During the winter months it is very easy to turn into a hibernating bear and not want to get out of bed, off the couch and out the door in the cold,” Werner said. “Winter Running Club offers an opportunity right after school that allows students to get rid of stress and get their exercise in for the day.”