UNA students have formed an organization dedicated to their shared passion for running.

The new organization, Once a Runner, is open to all students interested in the sport.

“Once a Runner will be great for people who want to stay active and who enjoy running,” said UNA junior Katherine Vandiver.

The name of the organization is based off of John L. Parker’s novel “Once a Runner.” The book is about the hard work dedicated to becoming a good runner.

“Besides loving the book, we chose the name because it describes the reason for the group,” said James Cochran, a UNA junior. “We are here to remind people that you can leave running but the runner inside of you always remains. Thus, once a runner, always a runner.”

Members are required to pay a one-time fee of $20. The fee pays for a shirt and will help fund the organization.

The first interest meeting will be held in September, and further information will be posted on UNAPortal.

Vandiver said that the organization will benefit any type of runner, whether he/she is a beginner or has completed prior races.

Multiple time slots will be available for members each week. Team leaders will run different days both in the morning and at night.

“We understand schedules become hectic with classes, but we plan to offer many options so people can work them into their schedules,” Cochran said.

Training will take place at McFarland Park, Deibert Park, UNA’s track and downtown Florence, with meetings held monthly.

Throughout the fall semester, guest speakers will discuss first aid, nutrition and other topics that will benefit runners.

Cochran said that many of the runs will be at the intermediate level, but they will also offer short distance runs for beginners.

Best said that several of the members hope to be trained to complete a half-marathon race by the end of the spring semester.

“The experience will be rewarding and hopefully we’ll get better at the sport,” he said.

One main goal for the organization is to be able to supply everything a runner would need to begin a love for the sport or to strengthen his/her competitive side.

“It’s going to be a team effort where we all better ourselves individually,” Best said.