University students are finding joy in running. You can see them jogging around campus, united by their love for distance running. For many, this isn’t just a way to stay fit; it’s a journey into a new lifestyle. Some students are training for marathons, like the upcoming Richmond Marathon. It’s an experience that can help others through phases of life, like a “quarter-life crisis.”
Training for a marathon is rewarding but not easy. Students juggle busy schedules, work, and studying while training. For Gulnar Bankwalla, a fourth-year Education student, training wasn’t just an individual goal. It started when a friend invited her to run together, which then led them both to train for the Richmond Half Marathon. “Running with my friend gave our runs a new purpose,” she shared.
Like Gulnar, graduate student London Tuma turned to running to spend time with a friend. “We’d run slow and chat. It became our way to hang out,” she said. Family also plays a role—third-year student Sam Darer was inspired by his father, a marathoner. He sees marathon training as a way to set and achieve long-term goals.
These students are part of a larger trend among young people. There’s been a noticeable rise in marathon participation among Gen Z, often connected to feelings of restlessness or crises in their lives. Yet, Bankwalla views her decision to run marathons positively. “I wanted to challenge myself,” she said. Similarly, Tuma found herself reflecting after completing her training, realizing how much she missed the structure it provided in her life.
Time management is key. Darer recognizes the commitment involved in logging 20-mile runs. “It’s hard to fit it all in,” he noted. Prioritizing runs became essential. Tuma suggests strategies to make runs more enjoyable, like listening to music or running with friends. Social connections can enhance the experience.
However, the risk of injury looms. Even with strength training, issues like shin splints can derail efforts. Bankwalla emphasizes the importance of nutrition. Learning how to fuel properly, especially with carbohydrates, is vital. “You can’t run 26 miles without the right energy,” she said.
After training, many students quickly find themselves wanting to tackle more races. Bankwalla recently completed the full marathon in Richmond, where the support from friends, family, and even strangers amazed her. “People cheered and offered food. It was incredible,” she remarked. Darer also participated in the race, but supporting his loved ones made it even more special.
Tuma now aims for the Boston Marathon, with a fundraising goal of $26,200 to support research for a rare disease affecting her father. “This will be the most emotional performance of my life,” she said, demonstrating how running can have significant personal meaning.
Students here believe that anyone can take on a marathon. For Gulnar, starting was tough, but once she built up to a 5K, the miles came easier. Tuma agrees, saying that mental strength is crucial. “It’s all about consistency,” she advised. The body is capable of achieving much more than we think; marathon training just requires the right mindset.
In the end, whether running for fun or for a cause, these students show that marathoning is accessible. With discipline and determination, anyone can cross that finish line.
For further insights on the rise of marathon running among younger generations, refer to this [@The Guardian article](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/27/running-gen-z-boom-athletics-london-marathon) and explore related trends on [Vox](https://www.vox.com/even-better/385283/train-marathon-gen-z).
