Fitness influencer Kate Glavan boosted morale at her monthly run club. (Courtesy of Instagram)

On Saturday, Sept. 16, Kate Glavan, fitness and health content creator, hosted one of her monthly HOKA run clubs. She hosts her run clubs one Saturday per month, which start and end at the HOKA Flatiron store. The September run was a four-mile loop down 5th Avenue, up the West Side Highway and back to the HOKA store. There were hundreds of participants all eager to start their Saturday in a positive way around fellow runners. Another wonderful perk of the event: it’s free.

Glavan is a recent New York University graduate who is pursuing social media and working freelance. Her content highlights her running career, fashion, books and wellness tips. She is also very passionate about social justice issues, and shares helpful links on her platforms on how to support progressive causes. At the moment, Glavan is training for the TCS New York City Marathon on Nov. 5. She is running for Planned Parenthood and has been very transparent about her training journey with her followers, posting weekly updates on her YouTube channel. Her honesty with followers about injury and mental strength is comforting for both experienced runners and those just starting their journey. Along with promoting her own fundraising page for Planned Parenthood, she highlights her followers’ NYC marathon charities. Glavan has created more than just a social media following, but a community of runners in New York and its surrounding areas.

I grew up running cross country in high school and since coming to Fordham I typically run alone, so this was the first run club I attended. I could not recommend it enough. The run started at 8:30 a.m. and all of the participants gathered at the HOKA store. Everyone was given the opportunity to demo a pair of HOKA sneakers. I happily took them up on the offer and ran in the HOKA Clifton 9, which is an everyday running shoe. The running shoe I have been wearing since high school is the Asics Gel Nimbus 24. The HOKA was great, but I did not feel much of a difference between them and my own Asics. 

Before the run, Glavan’s personal physical therapist, Mike, did an active warm up for the group. It was great to learn new stretches and hip mobility exercises, which I can use for my own pre-run routine. 

Finally, we began the run. Glavan led everyone as we ran down 5th Avenue on the sidewalk. We first stopped under the arch in Washington Square Park for a group photo, then headed towards the West Side Highway. The group ran at about a 9:30 pace, which was perfect for talking and getting to know other runners. Everyone was so friendly and eager to learn about one another’s running journeys. My roommate and I chatted with fellow runners who gave us great recommendations for future run clubs, which we will definitely be trying out in the future. The event was also a great way to see different parts of Manhattan that I do not usually visit, such as the West Side Highway. I loved seeing everyone so active and lively on an early Saturday morning.

The run finished back at the HOKA store. Spirits among the participants were high and positivity filled the store. Glavan thanked everyone for coming and announced there was a giveaway for a free pair of any HOKAs. Unfortunately, I did not win the giveaway, but every attendee walked away with a bag of goodies. Glavan explained the bags include her everyday favorites, such as Simple Mills crackers and granola bars, Joggy energy drink, a starter set of AG1 by Athletic Greens, Supergoop Play spray sunscreen, CocoJune yogurt, a Recess drink and Olipop soda. I enjoyed the Simple Mills products and CocoJune yogurt the most, and I will definitely buy them for myself in the future.

I had a great experience at Glavan’s September run club and would definitely participate again. I would recommend this event to anyone, even if you are not typically a runner. It is a great way to start your running journey and meet others who are on the same path as you. It’s always good to keep an eye out for free events in the city, because there are so many opportunities that encompass all sorts of hobbies.