Five years ago, on February 14, 2020, just before the world changed with COVID-19, we officially launched the Prosper Running Club. What started as an idea among a few friends has grown into a thriving community of runners who support, motivate, and challenge each other every step of the way.
How The Prosper Running Club Began
Our journey to founding the Prosper Running Club started in late 2019. My wife and I had moved to Prosper, Texas, in 2013 from the Chicago area. Over time, we built friendships, including with Denise, a dedicated runner chasing a sub-4-hour marathon (which she impressively achieved on her sixth attempt which she ran at the Mesa Marathon!).
Denise had been involved with the McKinney Running Club but saw the need for something similar in our rapidly growing town of Prosper. When we moved here, the population was about 18,000—now, 12 years later, it has surged past 42,000. With this growth, a local running community made perfect sense.
Initially, I wasn’t sure if a running club was for me. I had been running since 2004, and for me, running had always been a solo pursuit—a way to clear my head, listen to music or podcasts, and problem-solve. But I decided to give it a try, and little did I know, it would completely transform my running experience.
From Solo Runner to Running Community
We officially launched the club on February 14, 2020, and right from the start, the response was incredible. Our first runs drew about 20 members, and today, we’ve grown to over 50. Of course, members come and go—some find that group running suits them, while others prefer solo training—but the core group remains strong.
At first, I was hesitant about giving up my me time on solo runs. But what I quickly discovered is that I love talking while I run! Over the past five years, I’ve had countless conversations on long runs—sharing stories, discussing training, swapping injury recovery tips, and celebrating personal milestones.
Running with a group makes time fly. A 10-mile run feels like nothing when you’re deep in conversation. It’s not just about the miles; it’s about the camaraderie, motivation, and shared passion for the sport. What started as a solo pursuit for me has turned into something so much bigger—a true running family.
5-Year Anniversary Celebration
This morning, we gathered to celebrate five years of the Prosper Running Club, and it was a fantastic event! We were thrilled to have support from local businesses and organizations, including:
– Project Lean Nation – They joined us to discuss nutrition for runners, offering insight into their meal prep solutions. My wife and I even signed up to test their meals, so stay tuned for a future blog post on that experience!
– Turbo Metabolic Training – Jason and his team came out to support us, and we’re even planning a Prosper Running Club group session at their new gym soon because of how import strength training is for runners.
– Dallas BMW Marathon – They generously donated giveaways, including a Dallas BMW Marathon-branded tumbler and vest.
To top it all off, our annual membership is still incredibly affordable at just $30 for individuals and $45 for families. And as part of our 5-year celebration, members received a special anniversary t-shirt, which I’m proudly wearing as I write this post!
Why You Should Join a Running Club
If you’re someone who has always viewed running as a solo activity, I get it—I used to feel the same way. But I encourage you to give a running club a try. You might be surprised by how much you enjoy the community aspect.
– You’ll make new friends.
– Your running will improve.
– Long runs will feel easier and more enjoyable.
– You’ll stay accountable and motivated.
For me, joining the Prosper Running Club has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my running journey. I’m grateful for the friendships, the support, and the countless miles we’ve shared. Here’s to many more years of running together!
Until next time—keep moving forward.
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