What started as a "couch to 5K" initiative to get staff running has evolved into a quest to raise money for two outstanding community organizations.
The St. Clair College Saints on the Run team is participating in the Windsor Waterfront Half Marathon and 5K on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, and is inviting College staff and students to help them make a positive impact in our community.
This year, the Saints on the Run team is proudly collecting donations for the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Windsor-Essex.
A banner is located in the main lobby, with Griffin cutouts available at the Security Desk. All you have to do is write the name of someone you wish to honour or remember and add your Griffin to the banner. Donations are encouraged but not required to participate.
"We have surpassed our first goal of raising $500 and are now aiming for $1,000!!" said Lauren Amlin, a member of the Saints on the Run team. "The completed banner will be brought to the race on September 13, carrying the names and memories of our St. Clair community with us to the finish line."
The idea of running the couch to 5K was discussed at the College's Wellness Committee, and Health and Safety Manager Andrew Campbell took on the task of organizing the running group.
"I started running about a year ago, motivated by a goal to lose weight and build a healthier cardio system. What started as a personal fitness effort turned into a bit of rivalry after my brother challenged me to run a half marathon with him," Campbell said. "I had zero running experience prior to this. I managed to survive my first half-marathon. I was slow, but I crossed the finish line."
Campbell now has his sights set on the full Detroit Free Press Marathon and wanted to bring work colleagues along for the training experience.
"I'd already be out training most evenings for my own races, and I knew how intimidating the first steps into running can feel for someone with no running background," he said. "I figured my own experience might be able to help others get started."
And that it did. Eleven runners have joined the team, including faculty member Andrea Fryer, who is now training to run her first five-kilometre race.
"Joining the Couch to 5K running group has been one of the best decisions I've made," Fryer said. "It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone and showed me that I really can do hard things. Training with this amazing team has kept me motivated, accountable, and committed to reaching each milestone on schedule."
She says the encouragement and support from everyone has made every run more enjoyable and helped her stay focused on her goal.
"What started as a way to get active again has turned into a passion for running, and I'm especially looking forward to continuing this journey and sharing my love of running with my daughter as we make healthy, active memories together," Fryer said.
Terrence Burke, also a member of the Wellness Committee and Associate Registrar - Scheduling at St. Clair College, jumped at the opportunity to dust off his running shoes.
"Although I hadn't been running for nearly 15 years, I've stayed active through a variety of lunchtime workouts over the years. I was excited to join the Couch to 5K program when Andrew committed to leading it, and it has been a rewarding experience," Burke said. "The group that has come together is incredibly supportive, united by a common goal, and a pleasure to run with."
Participants meet three times per week, gradually increasing their running intervals to build endurance and stamina.
At the same time, the Wellness Committee introduced Strolling with the Saints, a new staff walking club designed to encourage wellness, connection, and a little fresh air during the workday.
Throughout the summer months, staff members have been meeting at noon at the main entrance to enjoy a relaxed 30-minute walk together. That group will continue meeting until Sept. 11.
"Whether you're an experienced walker or simply looking for an opportunity to get moving, everyone is welcome," said Amlin.
