Many students struggle with early mornings, but not everyone! A dedicated group on campus meets at 7 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday to run a three-mile loop as the sun rises. They’re motivated by the tasty treat waiting for them after the run and the friendships built along the way.
Healthy Celebrations, founded in 2022, helps students stay active with friends. Recently, the club has stepped up its game on Instagram to attract brand sponsorships. This new focus turned it into a thriving community. These brand partnerships reward members for getting out of bed early and help fuel their day. Sarah Smith, a sophomore studying German and economics, plays a key role in this effort to boost membership and social media engagement.
After reaching out to about 100 brands, including Poppi and LesserEvil, Sarah saw the club’s social media following jump by over 50%, and participation increased nearly 65%. She’s selective about which brands to partner with.
“I look for brands with clean ingredients and a positive impact,” Sarah explains. “I want to work with companies that focus on doing good in the world, not just making a profit.”
After each run, members gather at the starting point near the lake to sample the sponsored brands. This setup allows them to try healthy options without spending their own money. Advertising sophomore Hannah Harp appreciates this chance, especially as a college student on a budget.
“I love being able to test the products first,” Hannah shares. “This morning, we had Barebells protein bars. I could see myself buying those at the store.”
Though the brand giveaways attract new members, co-leader Olivia Chapman believes that the club’s friendly and welcoming environment is what keeps people coming back. As a sophomore in international relations and global studies, she’s excited to see the club grow.
“I want to welcome a more diverse group of people,” Olivia says. “It shouldn’t just feel like a sorority. Everyone should come, no matter their background.”
Hannah hopes that as the club grows, real friendships will develop beyond the morning runs. “The goal of Healthy Celebrations is all about meeting new people,” she adds. “College can be overwhelming, and we’re all just looking for ways to connect with others.”
