Let’s run together! RSU organises running training for students and staff

Photo: Courtesy of the runners

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) invites students and staff to join group running activities aimed at promoting an active lifestyle and strengthening the sense of community.

This summer saw the successful launch of the RSU Runners Club, bringing together students and staff through regular runs. The first group run took place on 4 June, and despite the specifics of the academic year and the summer break, the club has managed to continue the runs practically every week and attract new participants. So far, more than 15 group runs have been held, and the number continues to grow. The club’s active members plan the routes and distances themselves. Usually, running takes place in two groups where one group covers 5 to 6 km, while the other – 8 to 12 km. It is important to note that the group runs are not competitions – the event is designed for fun and active socialising, involving everyone who wants to exercise together. Therefore, anyone can participate, regardless of previous experience or fitness level.

Currently, the focus in terms of routes is on Pārdaugava, and each run also includes stops related to RSU, at various RSU study bases. This way, students who have recently started their studies not only get to know Riga but also see exactly where their study activities will take place. Since the beginning of summer, runs have covered Āgenskalns, Torņakalns, Dzirciems, Zasulauks, Imanta, Iļģuciems, Ķīpsala, Ķengarags, and the Old Town. The runs usually start at the RSU main building, but on some occasions, the starting point has been the Riga Rise Ferris wheel. At the beginning of September, the first run took place from the Anatomical Theatre building and went through the Skanste neighbourhood.

The most enthusiastic supporters of these runs are international students, who enjoy exploring various routes around Riga. On 27 August, the club organised the first RSU International Students’ Welcome Week Morning Run, which attracted nearly 40 participants! However, local students and RSU staff are also well represented in the runs. These group activities help colleagues and students get to know each other, while for international students who have just started their studies at RSU, it is an excellent way to integrate successfully into the University’s environment. Sports exercises bring people together – we have seen this at every group run!

Running with an athletics coach

Every group run organised by the RSU Runners Club begins with a warm-up and preparation, which is an essential part of the exercise process. To further improve the quality of the group runs and participants’ preparedness, as from October, students and staff are invited to join a group run together with Anita Siliņa-Kažemāka, an athletics coach with 18 years of experience in professional sports and 10 years of experience as a coach, assisting to prepare for both short and long run distances.