Square Runners: Practice, Practice, Practice

By John Pilecki

In just a few months, the has become a presence in the Regent Square area. New runners show up every week at the 7 p.m. Thursday runs that start in front of the on South Braddock Avenue. The Square Running Club group on Facebook has grown to over 70 members, a virtual community for local runners to share experiences, plan runs, and even swap running wear that does not quite fit!

Any successful enterprise requires inspiration and leadership. has provided plenty of both for the Square runners. An ambitious runner himself—William completed last May’s Pittsburgh Marathon (“I cried at the finish line!”) and plans to participate in a triathalon and an ultra marathon within the next year—Wlliam wants to share his love of running with others: “I started the club because, though I was able to lose weight by working out, I did not enjoy exercising until I began running. I knew that if I could achieve my running goals with the limited available time I have, others could do the same.”

As the catering season intensifies, William’s available time is going to become even more limited. “My focus for the next several months will shift more to helping new runners achieve their goals, whether it be a two-mile run without stopping, or the preparation for next May’s Pittsburgh Marathon. We are learning from each other and loving it. It’s been thoroughly rewarding to watch an idea grow and spread out to a community and see people making it their own.” 

So, go ahead and find the Square Running Club on Facebook, and join us for this Thursday’s run. It is likely you will agree with William that participation is “something wonderful that I am happy to be a part of.” 

And—a big congratulations to of Regent Square, a member of the club, who recently completed the Buffalo Creek Half Marathon! Shah started running with the club this summer.