By Marisa Dawson, Photos by David Greene & Marisa Dawson
What started as a relatively small running group in Bennington is quickly gaining momentum.
The Bennington Running Club, established in October 2025, recently saw its largest turnout yet for its weekly Saturday morning run, bringing together runners of different experience levels for a morning of exercise, encouragement and community, followed by a group outing to Cup & Cone.
For organizer David Greene, the growing participation is a sign that the club is becoming more than just a place to run.
“It feels incredible to see a record turnout,” Greene said. “The main goal has always been to bring people in our community together, get them active, and give them something positive to be part of.”
Seeing more people show up, encourage one another and start their Saturday morning together, he said, demonstrates that the group is building something meaningful beyond running.
The club has also continued to expand its offerings, including the addition of a fast-paced run designed to give more experienced runners an opportunity to challenge themselves while maintaining the club’s welcoming environment.
“The growth means we’re creating something that people genuinely want to be part of,” Greene said. “Adding options like the fast-paced run allows us to challenge different ability levels while still keeping everyone connected as one group.”
The goal is to make sure there is a place for everyone, whether someone has been running for years or is lacing up for their first group run.
Greene believes much of the club’s recent growth can be attributed to the members themselves. As runners form friendships, encourage one another and invite others to participate, the welcoming atmosphere continues to spread throughout the community.
“I think the biggest thing driving the growth is the community itself,” Greene said. “People feel welcomed, supported, and motivated when they’re around others working toward similar goals.”
That sense of connection is also one of the biggest differences between participating in a running club and heading out for a solo run.
Greene, who drew on lessons from his military experience, said shared challenges can create strong bonds between people. Running together gives members an opportunity to push through difficult moments, celebrate accomplishments and build relationships along the way.
“One of the biggest lessons I took from the military is that shared struggle creates cohesion and strengthens bonds,” Greene said. “When people challenge themselves together, push through difficult moments, and celebrate finishing together, relationships are built.”
For Greene, that is ultimately what he hopes the Bennington Running Club continues to provide: a place where people can be active while also finding connection within their community.
“You may arrive as strangers, but after putting in that work side by side, you leave feeling like part of a team,” he said.
As the club continues to grow, maintaining that sense of inclusion remains a priority. Greene said the group is not focused on who is the fastest, but on encouraging people to show up, challenge themselves and support those around them.
“This isn’t about being the fastest runner; it’s about showing up, getting active, supporting the people around you, and becoming better together,” Greene said.
With its record turnout and continued additions to the group, the Bennington Running Club appears to be establishing itself as a growing part of the local community, one Saturday morning run at a time. For those interested in joining a run, information about weekly events can be found on the Bennington Running Club Facebook page. They welcome all abilities and paces at their weekly runs.
