Finding ‘MY’ People at Kansas Run Club

When I first heard about the Kansas Run Club, I scrolled through photos on Instagram, enviously eyeing groups of young people in running shoes, laughing, and posing together. It looked effortless, like the kind of thing where everyone knew everyone, and for someone like me—early twenties, new to the city, and way too comfortable staying home alone—it seemed almost intimidating.

Adriana Van Riesen leading the RUN HER WAY women’s group run. 

I showed up to my first run nervously clutching my phone, debating whether to turn back before anyone noticed me. But as I lingered by the Lululemon entrance, a girl about my age flashed me a huge smile and casually asked if it was my first time. Her easy friendliness chipped away at my hesitation, and when the run started, I found myself in step with her and a few others, chatting in between breaths.

Week after week, I kept showing up, gradually recognizing familiar faces and picking up conversations right where we left off. It was almost magical how it happened—one week, I was a stranger hovering at the edge of the group; the next, I had a group of friends greeting me with high fives and “How’s your week been?” It didn’t matter that some of us were faster runners or that others had to walk a bit; we were all out there for the same reason: to connect.

After each run, we’d head to a nearby bar, and the nerves I’d once felt walking in alone turned into anticipation. We laughed about silly things, swapped playlists, and cheered each other on for everything from job interviews to small life victories. It was like finally finding people who understood what it felt like to be in that uncertain, messy stage of life.

Kansas Run Club has given me more than just a reason to get outside and run. It’s taught me that the friends who make you feel seen and valued are worth putting yourself out there for. I came to that first run hoping for just a workout, but I ended up finding my people.