A fresh and dynamic student-led initiative has landed at the University of Exeter, fostering a community where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to share a common interest in running. The name of this initiative: Pacexeter. Designed solely on the principles of community, socialising and lifestyle, Pacexeter is attempting to go outside the norm of running clubs – it’s evolving into a movement that embraces social connection, health and personal growth for all members. I had the opportunity to speak in person with two members of Pacexeter, George Gero and Ethan Gallant, to hear their exciting perspective on this blossoming community.
Starting from a phone call between co-founders Jack Ross and George Gero one Sunday evening, they were looking to add purpose to their university life. Out of this conversation, Pacexeter was born. Since then, the team has grown into an 8-person student-led running club, all sharing different skills and talents that have helped with the quick growth of this initiative. With 90 students attending their first 5 kilometre run, Pacexeter has demonstrated the large amount of interest that students have in sharing the same values that it was built upon.
Throughout our conversation, it became clear that Pacexeter was all about its community and is continuously being built by its members. At the centre of the club lies individuals, who they aim to create an environment where students can connect beyond the academic pressures of day-to-day life.
With an awareness of the growing presence of new running clubs across Exeter, Ethan was keen to share that “what makes us unique is our emphasis on socialising and the social aspect of our club… this is the driving focus of our identity.” Socialising and community go hand-in-hand with Pacexeter, ensuring that members from all ages are able to connect with new people and build friendships. With its members and committee showcasing a plethora of age groups, George commented that “from final-year to first-year, we are together as one.”
What makes us unique is our emphasis on socialising and the social aspect of our club… this is the driving focus of our identity.
We’ve all been there, the narrow mindset that the only way to socialise at university is to go to TP or the pub with friends, however Pacexeter is challenging this narrative and kickstarting the promotion of a healthier lifestyle. Exclaiming that students are choosing healthier lifestyles these days, they stated that “We’re victims to it… we’ve been to the same club’s way too many times now… people want a change of scenery.” Pacexeter has brought forward this healthy lifestyle and combined it together with community and socialising, in order to make its members feel like they aren’t missing out and making a positive choice whilst meeting new people.
We’re victims to it… we’ve been to the same club’s way too many times now… people want a change of scenery.
Accommodating to all abilities, Pacexeter believes that running with a community and others helps push individuals for succeeding in their pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. “No one finds it easy to run by themselves… but if you run with other people you’ll create a new mindset…it connects a healthy lifestyle and creates a positive impact,” they told me. Taking place every Tuesday evening, no matter your ability, when attending a Pacexeter run there will always be a member of the community that will run with a group of individuals.
No one finds it easy to run by themselves… but if you run with other people you’ll create a new mindset…it connects a healthy lifestyle and creates a positive impact
Pacexeter has grown at an incredible rate since the beginning, and it looks like it isn’t going to stop any time soon. From sponsorships with companies like Gary Lineker’s Drink company Hearth, to promotion via social media, the club has already built a strong presence on campus. With visions in the next year to spread this club internationally in locations like Barcelona and Austin, Texas, the club wants to expand its message.
For students looking to ride the wave of this thriving community, Pacexeter offers the perfect space to run, connect and grow as individuals. Their message has been clear in bringing people together through movement, community and socialising. For those wanting to try something new, get healthier, or even connect with new people… the Pacexeter community is waiting with open arms.
