Club History

Eugene Running Company Thursday performance group formed October 2005, one year after the Eugene Running Company opened. It was the desire of some folks to have a workout group that would raise their level of fitness to improve on the events that they were to run. Some folks were getting ready for the marathon and some the shorter local 5 and 10k races. As a result of this desire, owner Michael Black decided to form a 6:00pm meeting that met weekly, Thursdays at Hayward field.

Part of the incentive was to form this free, drop in workout group. It was desired to encourage camaraderie and friendships besides aiming to improve the performance of these folks. The group consisted of young, old, male and female. The emphasis wasn’t to train experienced runners, but all levels of athlete.

Despite the sessions starting in the dark, damp of winter, a lively and joyful crowd of all levels were having a blast.

Part of the ritual was and still is a meeting at a restaurant, brew pub after the workout. This ritual has been a great aspect of the whole workout.

Over the years coaching has changed. People have had experience with many modes of training from coaches who have had years of top level training.

Matt Scherer’s coaching service, FastRunnerZ joined the Eugene Running Company and a there was a match made in heaven. The athletes from Fast RunnerZ are Olympic hopefuls who live and train in Eugene. Heather Hanscom was the original coach. Max King has more recently joined as the head coach. The match is great and the people are getting fitter and fitter. The best part, new best friendships have formed. So sweet it is.

The group has married the names and created a club: EugeneRunningCompanyFastRunnerZ. The name my say fast, but the real truth is that everyone is getting faster and faster. More importantly, the group has created a great bond and newcomers are welcome like family. It’s been and is still great fun.

~ Written by Mike Black, Co-Owner of Eugene Running Company