A Q&A with Morgan Walsh: Building Inclusivity and Community Through BU Run Club
Boston — As a sophomore at Boston University, Morgan Walsh, has not only been a devoted member of BU Run Club but also a driving force behind creating a more inclusive environment for runners of all levels. From high school track meets to her marathon aspirations, Walsh’s dedication to the sport has been fueled by the connections she’s built along the way.
Since joining as a freshman, Walsh has worked to make the club more welcoming for women. In this Q&A, Walsh shares her journey as a runner, her experiences with BU Run Club, and how the club is evolving to ensure that every runner feels seen, supported, and inspired.
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What inspired you to start running, and how did your journey into the sport begin?
I was planning to try out for the swim team, but I didn’t make it, so I pivoted to indoor track. The team was really welcoming, and that’s what got me to stick with it. The people are what have kept me running all these years. Now, I’ve been running for almost seven years.
What was your experience like joining BU Run Club as a freshman, and how did it compare to your high school running experience?
It felt great to join such a welcoming group in college. In high school, my cross country and track teams were very competitive, so it was refreshing to be around people who ran for the joy of it, without focusing on running the fastest or beating people. This changed my perspective on running—it became about feeling good and spending time with friends. The Run Club also hosts social events throughout the year, so I got to meet different people across campus.
When you first joined BU Run Club, were there any barriers that might make it hard to engage fully?
When I joined last year, there were definitely fewer girls involved. Part of that was because the e-board had been predominantly male for several years, which made the club feel intimidating for women. On workout days, for example, most of your group members might be guys, which can make it harder for women to feel included.
What initiatives have been introduced to make the run club more inclusive for women?
The biggest change this year has been offering different distances to make the club more welcoming for girls who want to run at a slower pace. It doesn’t mean they’re not good runners—it’s just physiological that they might not run as fast as guys. We’ve added two- and three-mile groups and focus on making sure no one gets dropped so everyone feels included. We’re also organizing social events that aren’t just centered around activities guys might prefer. For example, instead of team basketball, we’ve added cooking nights, pancake breakfasts, and events everyone can enjoy.
What are your hopes for BU Run Club’s future?
I hope the club continues building a stronger culture, and I can already see it moving in that direction. I want people to come to Run Club feeling like they’re meeting their new friends for the next four years. They should feel comfortable, have fun, and take pride in becoming better runners. I hope when I graduate, I can say that most members feel a close connection to one another.
Do you have any personal milestones or running goals you want to achieve this year?
I ran my first marathon this April at the Newport Marathon, my second this summer, and I was planning to run my third this fall, but I couldn’t because I got COVID. My ultimate goal is to run the Boston Marathon as a senior for my last Marmon, you know. That's my hope.
