The club consists of approximately 20-25 members with varied levels of experience and commitment. While many club members were actively involved in track, cross-country or other athletic activities in high school, other members have little or no experience and simply enjoy the opportunity to stay in shape and make new friends.

The tight-knit group meets three times a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, at four o'clock at the water fountain outside of Maucker Union on campus. During the cooler season, they meet right inside the foyer of the fountain entrance and sometimes head to the WRC for swimming or a game of basketball. Every week, rain, shine, snow or sleet, the Pacers never miss an opportunity to run outside together or for the treacherous season, engage in some other type of physical activity. Immediately following the run, members retreat to their apartments and dorms for showers and then meet for dinner together at the dining center in Redeker.

Throughout the year, the Panther Pacers participate in other events including the club-sponsored annual Homecoming 5k and attendance to the Living History Farms Race in Des Moines . The club holds the Homecoming race every homecoming game day as a fundraiser and opens participation up to both students and runners in the Cedar Valley Community. The Living History Farms 10K serves as a way for the members to get away for a weekend, run together, and socialize and often times brings fond memories to look back on.

Whether you ran a marathon last week or have never run over a mile in your life, you're welcome to join us. If you enjoy people and the sweet sensation of endorphins coursing through your brain, Panther Pacers might be just the group to spice up your college life. Come check us out!

The Panther Pacers running club was formed in 1996 by freshmen students, Shaun Enderton '99 and James Barnes '00. Enderton and Barnes created the club out of a shared desire to continue their training habits from high school cross country. They opted to form a community of runners in which others might enjoy this mutual passion and encourage the maintenance of an active lifestyle during college.

Enderton's original club name, “Panther Pace Setters,” was modified to “Panther Pacers” at the first club meeting ten years ago. Don Williams, the former University Health Services Administrator, became the club's advisor, eager to support the club's mission, which is to promote the sport of running, and act as a resource for its members.

Don left UNI at the end of the 2007 school year and was replaced by Eugene Wallingford. The number of club members has fluctuated from as few as two to as many as forty over the years, and the group continues to seek membership from students who are interested in running and staying fit.