TUFF Run Club is Making Running Accessible to All

When Jennifer Shetler walked away from the Umstead 100 with her first DNF (Did Not Finish) in April 2023, she never imagined it would be the catalyst for creating one of North Carolina’s most inclusive running communities. What started as a simple Facebook group of 12-15 friends has blossomed into the Trail and Ultra Fun Fam (TUFF) Run Club, now boasting over 950 members.

“I sat down on and opened up Facebook. I grabbed a few of my friends that had trained with me for my first half marathon, some that I had met volunteering at Umstead 100 and others that I had met just running in the park so often in training. I created a Facebook group for all of us,” Shetler recalls. Her initial goal was simple: connect runners who were already sharing the same spaces but missing each other by minutes.

Building Community One Step at a Time

The club’s cornerstone is their Sunday morning meetup at Umstead State Park, where runners gather for an hour-long run on beginner-friendly trails. “It’s beginner level trail,” Shetler explains. “There’s not a ton of elevation. The first two miles are relatively flat. No rocks, no roots. It’s not single track.”

What makes these Sunday gatherings special isn’t just the running – it’s the post-run fellowship. The group has organically developed traditions like sharing coffee and snacks after their runs. Another admin of the club, Cameron, even uses commercial-grade coffee equipment to serve fresh brew to tired runners.

Breaking Down Barriers

Despite having “Trail and Ultra” in its name, TUFF Run Club is actively working to be more inclusive. “Sometimes the name trail and ultra can be intimidating for people who are working on their first 5K,” Shetler acknowledges. To combat this, the club organizes various activities beyond running, including hiking events and social gatherings.

“We’re trying to be intentional and better about including everyone,” says Shetler. “Sometimes you just need to be outside. If you don’t want to run or don’t have a run on your plan, come and walk, bring your bike or push your kids in a stroller. The fellowship means more than the activity.”

A Culture of Kindness

The club’s motto, “It’s not the FLUFF Run Club,” perfectly encapsulates their philosophy. While members tackle challenging goals and push their limits, kindness remains at the core of their identity. “We’re tough as hell and we do really hard things, but we’re also really kind,” Shetler emphasizes.

This approach extends to celebrating all achievements equally. “We’re not going to shame anyone because their run is a 20-minute mile. We’re not going to elevate someone who happens to run a 5:20 mile. They’re just different,” Shetler states firmly.

Growing Beyond Boundaries

While primarily based in Raleigh, TUFF has expanded its reach through satellite groups and destination races. Members who have moved away remain part of the community, and visitors are always welcome to join their runs when in town.

The club maintains an active presence on Facebook, Instagram, Strava and now Discord with Facebook serving as their primary communication hub for organizing events and connecting members.

Making a Difference Through Service

TUFF emphasizes giving back to the running community through regular race volunteering. “For me, it makes sense that if I’m racing and racing and taking, taking and not giving back, I don’t feel comfortable with that,” Shetler shares. This commitment to service has led to TUFF becoming a major volunteer force at local races, particularly at the Umstead 100.

Looking Ahead

As TUFF continues to grow, they remain focused on maintaining their core values of inclusivity, kindness, and community. Whether someone is training for their first 5K or their tenth ultra-marathon, they’ll find a supportive community ready to celebrate their journey.

For those interested in joining TUFF Run Club, the group can be found on Facebook as “Trail and Ultra Fun Fam – TUFF,” where new members are always welcome, regardless of their running experience or ability level.

“Our only requirement? Don’t’ be a jerk.”