About Liberty Running Club
Our Mission
Liberty Running Club is dedicated to fostering a community of runners who seek to glorify God through their passion for running. We believe that every stride we take is an opportunity to honor our Creator and inspire others.
What We Do
- Weekly group runs for all levels
- Social Events
- Participation in local and regional races through NIRCA
Competition
We compete in several local races including several comunity 5ks and trail races along with a few NCAA meets. Our main competitions are the NIRCA races. Please see that section for more details
Join Us
Whether you're a seasoned runner or just starting out, we welcome you to join our community. Together, we can encourage one another, improve our physical health, and grow in our faith.
What is NIRCA?
The National Intercollegiate Running Club Association (NIRCA) connects running clubs nationwide through friendly competitions. NIRCA hosts a full cross-country season, a Cross Country Championship Series, the Road and Track Nationals, and all-club conferences. Athletes may participate in as many or as few meets as they wish. Race fees are paid on race day and refunded at the end of the season. If you wish to participate in NIRCA and have not already been onboarded, please fill out this form
Our Socials
Our Leadership Team
Cole Schwartz
Club President
Cole is a current Junior studying Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Liberty University. He has been a part of the Running Club for three years, having held leadership positions for two of them. He competed in Cross Country and Track and Field from 7th to 12th grade in the humble Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and recently ran his first half-marathon on the Liberty Mountain! His interests include running (duh), playing board games, watching Survivor and other reality TV, and totally nerding out about any of those topics.
Kyle Moore
Vice President
Kyle is a fourth-year student from Raleigh, NC studying History and Theology. He enjoys the 3200 and anything long distance, as well as skateboarding, pool, procrastination, and long walks on the beach.
Leah Kelley
Treasurer
Leah is a second-semester student from Richmond VA studying Business with a cognate in Nonprofit Management. She loves long-distance events and ran every distance event in high school, but especially loved the 4x800! She hopes to continue her passion for running in distance events with further half marathons and hopefully a full!
Collin Rose
Social Media Coordinator
Collin is a second-year student from Sunny Orlando, Florida, who loves middle and long-distance events, is a running shoe connoisseur, and a master on the Aux.
Joshua Harden
Director of Training
Joshua is a second year Masters student. He graduated from Liberty in 2023 with a Criminal Justice degree. He is one of the founding members of the club.
Jesse Harrell
Club Chaplain
Jesse is a fourth-year student from Bulls Gap, TN, pursuing an MDiv with a concentration in chaplaincy. His ministries include the military, hospice, and pulpit supply. He enjoys most runs as well as music, hiking, and music.
Jadyn Talley
Team Mom/Female Captain/Event Coordinator
Jadyn is a 3rd year student at Liberty University pursuing a B.S. in Exercise Science: Therapeutic Science with minors in Strength and Conditioning and Chemistry, and a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with focuses in Natural and Physical Sciences. Jadyn has the desire to become a Registered Sports Dietitian as well as become a Certified Strength and Condition Specialist once she graduates. Outside of running, she enjoys hiking, swimming, biking, dance, and anything artsy. She loves social event planning and making sure the team has what it needs to compete its best!
Skylar Waechter
Advisory Board Member
Skylar is a senior mechanical engineering student at Liberty University with a passion for endurance sports. A dedicated member of the Liberty Running Club since fall 2021, Skylar also competed with the Liberty University Triathlon team from 2022 to 2024. With a love for running and swimming, Skylar enjoys combining athletic pursuits with philosophical debates, often finding that running provides the perfect opportunity for meaningful conversations.
Matthew Petke
Head of Logistics
Matthew is a senior IT Web and Mobile Programming major from Lynchburg passionate about combining strategy and outdoor adventure. He is also an avid disc golf enthusiast, enjoying the sport for its unique blend of precision, strategy, and the opportunity to connect with others.
George Crowder
NIRCA Coordinator
George Crowder is a first-year student at Liberty University from Winchester, Virginia. He is pursuing degrees in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. George loves middle-distance events and enjoys mountain biking, rock climbing, and caving.
Jacob Dryer
Advisory Board Member / Alumni Liaison
Jacob is a Liberty Law student who graduated from Liberty with Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice and Law & Policy in 2024. He serves the club as an alumni liaison by co-managing the Alumni page on the Liberty Alumni Community. He also serves the club in an advisory role. Jacob is a long distance runner. Outside of class and running, Jacob enjoys hiking, playing sports, and watching sports.
Angelo Cosentino
Alumni Liaison
Angelo is a member of the Class of '22 and works as a special mission pilot based in the Shenandoah Valley. A Pennsylvania native, he joined the Liberty Running Club in the Fall semester of 2021. During his time with the club, he served as the NIRCA/Special Project coordinator, helping the team plan their first semester competing as a club. He enjoys traveling the world, but loves coming back home to the valley. Angelo co-manages the alumni page.