It's a sunny Sunday morning. The streets of downtown Fayetteville are quiet at 7 a.m., and the urge to tip-toe feels appropriate so as not to wake the sleeping city.

Plush green lawns sparkle in the early morning sun, the roads are empty ahead of the Sunday morning church rush, and it's the perfect time for a run — or leisurely walk if one feels so inclined.
For members of the Fayetteville Running Club, it's always a good time for a run.

A loose group of people, around 12 or so, assemble in the Airborne and Special Operation Museum's deserted parking lot, and it's hard to detect a stranger among them. The club members all squeeze in for a smiley "before" picture snapped by hostess Nichole Jenkins, and then they're off.

The group immediately falls into threesomes, pairs and singles as everyone sets their pace for the four-mile loop through a shuttered downtown.
It's a motley crew as some in the group look as if they'll attack the four miles in a single bite, while others have only come to graze. The chatter is light and easy as they wind down Hay Street, around Festival Park and through gardens in riotous bloom.

There's not a whiff of competition or judgment as everyone finds their rhythm within the group, and it's easy to see the camaraderie and affection between them.
Long-time members Karen Shotwell and Trina Tellames, who arrived in matching Fourth of July-inspired T-shirts, make it a point to speak to everyone; their energy is nothing short of infectious.
Angela Crosby, director of operations at Cozy Corner Child Development Center and Jump Start University, who arrived with her 9-month-old granddaughter in tow, has been a member of Fayetteville Running Club for two years and smiles easily when asked about it.

"It's a great way to stay active," said the newly minted grandmother. "A friend from my gym told me about it, and I originally came just to hang out with her — now here I am."
The feeling of acceptance is immediate and genuine. No one is left out or left behind, and according to Fayetteville Running Club's President, Shawn Wussow — that's the point.

"The first hurdle is signing up," he explained. "There's a fear of not fitting in, of thinking you're not a runner or that you won't be able to keep up. We have people in our club who can run a mile in 20 minutes and people who can run it in six. We try to make our meetups inclusive. We try to make them fun. It's more about community and dynamics rather than how fast you can run. We're a socially inclusive club, and we celebrate every milestone."

A member of the group since 2012, Wussow summed up the Fayetteville Running Club with one word when asked:

"Awesome!"

Fayetteville Running Club, established around 2009, is an ongoing active running club that offers weekly runs, social gatherings, training, support and accountability to the people in their community.
While there is a heavy emphasis on running, Wussow wants people to know that Fayetteville Running Club is much more than just a running club.

"Fayetteville Running Club is one of the most incredibly diverse groups of people I've ever seen, and that's what drew me to it," he shared. "People think we're a pack of Olympic runners, but there's a lot they don't see —we're much more than a group of runners."

As a non-profit organization, Fayetteville Running Club dedicates its time to the betterment and support of its community in a number of ways. From monthly donations to local charities to volunteering to run with animals at local shelters, Fayetteville Running Club is an organization committed to an attitude of service.

With over 10 weekly meetups, and at least one every day, the club takes the running aspect of its reputation very seriously. With runs that suit every fitness level, lifestyle, body type and schedule, the Fayetteville Running Club is first and foremost a club for all people — not just the athletic ones.

The sign-up is the same for the first-time walker ready to get healthy or the seasoned runner with medals adorning their wall.
Potential members can look up Fayetteville Running Club on its various social media platforms or register through runsignup.com. While access to meetups is free, a paid membership offers the following incentives: a free T-shirt, a discount at local running store Fleet Feet, access to a private Facebook page, nutrition and fitness advice and discounts on fun activities and races.
As outlined on runsignup.com, current membership rates are $30 for the year for new members or $45 for a 12-month membership for a family of four (new membership only).
Wussow, dedicated to "making membership matter," invites anyone interested to check out a meetup, introduce themselves, and get a feel for the group.

"We have a walking group twice a day. You can find a run at 5:30 in the morning or 5:30 in the evening, and two a day on the weekends. We try to fit into your schedule, so you don't have to work hard to fit us into yours."

The running club, which also partners with Cool Spring Downtown District, can be seen on the streets of downtown Fayetteville handing out flyers on 4th Friday. They also partner with Black Girls Run, Team Red White and Blue and other organizations supporting health and empowerment.

Through Fayetteville Running Club, Wussow hopes that walkers, runners and those in-between find a place to belong as they explore their personal goals.

"This club is my family," Wussow said. "I look at every single person and see them as a person I'm responsible for. I even worry about the new folks. I worry about them feeling welcome because joining something new is hard. I want everyone to have the time they think they should, and I want everyone to have a sense of accomplishment."

To sign up as a member of the Fayetteville Running Club, visit. https://runsignup.com/Club/NC/FAYETTEVILLE/FayettevilleRunningClub.
To join them for a walk or run, visit https://www.meetup.com/fayrunclub/.