For several members of Ohio State’s Running Club, the first weeks of Spring Quarter have been a time of intense training.

Emily Blake, president of the club, will participate in her first marathon May 16 in Cleveland. Blake has trained for the event by running at least four times a week. Her shortest runs are 11 miles and her longest are 16.

“It’s a good way to let go of the stress and keep things in perspective,” said Blake, a fourth-year in mechanical engineering.

Allison Lawrence, a second-year in French, has two races to prepare for this spring. On May 1, she will participate in the Empower 5K at Fred Beekman Park in Columbus. The proceeds from the race help to raise money to provide education for AIDS orphans and children of Uganda. Lawrence will also take part in the Spring into Fitness 5K on May 8. The event, which also takes place at Fred Beekman, is aimed at encouraging students to develop a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Running Club even has one member who has trained to run in the Boston Marathon this month. Ryan Jackwood, a third-year in biology, will participate in the prestigious marathon April 19.

For many members of the club, running has been a constant passion in their lives.

“I’ve been running since sixth or seventh grade,” Lawrence said. “Cross-country was my favorite sport.”

In her first year at OSU, Lawrence found that the club helped her become more accustomed to campus.

“I learned safe running trails in the area and gained a familiarity with the campus,” she said.

Along with the health benefits, the organization also strives to plan social activities throughout the quarter.

“We stay pretty active with team dinners, barbecues and other types of socials,” said Michael Shah, a third-year in computer science engineering.

Shah, co-vice president of the organization, emphasizes that the club welcomes students of all fitness levels.

“People think that you already have to be a runner,” he said. “We are open to all individuals who show interest in running.”

The club meets for runs at 4:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the CABS bus stop behind the Union. Whether going the whole distance or just a mile, all students are invited to join the club on these runs.

“Running with a group truly helps make the time go by faster,” Lawrence said.

For Blake, it’s the members that have helped keep her going through every run.

“They have been here for me since freshman year,” she said. “The members are phenomenal.”