DKU Running is more than just a sports program — it’s a vibrant, inclusive community dedicated to health, connection, and personal growth. It is open to all undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and staff of Duke Kunshan University, aiming to bring together people from all backgrounds and ability levels who share a passion for movement and meaningful community engagement.
DKU Running’s primary mission is to promote lifelong wellness and to foster inclusivity through sustainable running and grounded programming. If you are interested in improving your health, both physically and emotionally, DKU Running is an excellent choice.
DKU Park Run
DKU ParkRun is a biweekly series of 5Ks hosted by DKU Athletics and DKU Running Club, which provides a supportive environment for group running and community engagement, inviting community members, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level. It goes beyond a simple event by nurturing a sense of belonging, promoting physical fitness and mental well-being, and positively impacting Kunshan City.
As of Spring 2025, DKU Running has hosted 40+ DKU Park Runs and gathers an average of 200 Participants per DKU Park Run; therefore, whether you are a runner, jogger, walker, or volunteer, DKU Park Run is your chance to move, belong, and connect.
DKU Running Club
The DKU Running Club (DKURC) is the heart of running life at Duke Kunshan University — a student-led organization dedicated to making running, hiking, walking and outdoor movement super fun and super inclusive.
Club Practice
Club Practices take place from Monday to Thursday between 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM on the Outdoor Track, offering a consistent space for aerobic training and personal growth. DKU Running is committed to creating an inclusive space, so we have a dedicated walker and a dedicated jogger at every practice, ensuring that no one is left behind and everyone feels welcome – no matter their pace or experience.
Intramural Sprint Series
In the Fall Semester, DKU Running will host an Intramural Sprint Series, a fun and low-stakes set of track races open to the entire community; consisting of the 100m, 200m, and 400m, and a Final Sprint!
Jiangsu Trail Series
DKU Running leads group hiking trips to nearby natural destinations on a monthly basis, with past trips including Qionglong Mountain, Wang Mountain, West Mountain, etc. It is open to the entire community, and are especially great for amateur hikers, nature lovers, or anyone looking to escape campus for a day of exploration.
Social Events and Team Building
DKU Running is about more than just movement — it’s about belonging. In the course of the academic year, we host signature events that bring our running family closer together, including; The Fall Training Camp (our signature retreat for bonding and skill-building, previously held in Suzhou, but soon to be held in Wuxi), Thanksgiving Banquet (an annual tradition that brings everyone together for a homecooked meal and gift-exchange), End-of-Semester BBQ (a festive send-off to wrap up the semester with grilled food and outdoor games), Boston Marathon Watch Party (gathering for a viewing of the iconic race, with delivery pizza and fried chicken)
