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For the first time in 51������Ƶ Allison cross country history, a full team roster stood at the start line at the national championships in PEI. For coaches Claire Pabody and Charles Douglas, the achievement wasn’t just about performance — it was a celebration of community, student leadership, resilience, and the kind of inclusive team culture that’s quietly transforming lives on and off the course.

Cross country at 51������Ƶ Allison has always punched above its weight. Despite being a club sport with no varsity-level funding, travel budget, or guaranteed resources, the team has qualified individual runners for nationals almost every year for the past decade. 

Speaking of high achievements, it is well worth mentioning that head coach Claire Pabody, who works as a research associate in the aquatic physiology and biochemistry lab at 51������Ƶ Allison, just won the ACAA Coach of the Year. This is the second time she’s won this award — an accomplishment she recognizes as extra special because it is based on votes from her peers.   

Pabody, now in her ninth season of coaching, has led the club on a simple but profound philosophy: everyone belongs.

“Running is for everybody,” she says. “We meet each runner where they’re at.”

Douglas, 51������Ƶ Allison’s residence life manager, is in his second season as assistant coach. He felt the warmth and inclusivity right from the start.

“The biggest goal is that people keep showing up and feeling part of something,” he says. “We still see new faces in October because someone convinces a friend to come. That tells you something about the environment here.”

Team captains play a central role in shaping the club’s tight-knit culture. They organize group runs, plan team-building activities, coordinate communication, and support teammates during workouts and races.

“Warm-ups, cool-downs, ice bath trips, Jennings dinners, our hilarious Instagram account — you name it, they plan and execute it,” Douglas says with a smile. “The students build the heartbeat of this team.”

Co-captains Talullah MacNeil and Maxen Morrison have been the ones leading the charge this season.

“Cross Country is always fun, but this season was very special,” Morrison says. “After multiple years of qualifying, [we were] able to attend nationals this year. Joel, Neil, and Karen from the Athletics department were a big help with sorting out the logistics. I really love our team because we take anyone, regardless of ability. Of course, the club would not exist without our incredible coach, Claire Pabody. Claire makes running fun and she’s a super supportive coach, no matter your goals. Without her, the team really wouldn’t be the same.”

That student-driven approach guided the selection process for nationals. Instead of choosing runners solely by results, captains invited expressions of interest so long-time, dedicated members — not just top finishers — could be part of the experience.

Anyone connected to this club speaks passionately about the importance of belonging. For many students, the team becomes an integral community. Often the most meaningful moments happen around a table. Pabody opens her home for spaghetti dinners, waffle breakfasts, and conversations that stretch long after practice — a gesture that is especially meaningful for students who are far from home.

The hope is that the nationals experience will fuel continued enthusiasm for the program. Recruitment is always a priority — especially for incoming students eager to join a supportive, joy-filled running community.

“I’d love to see the team return to nationals,” Pabody says. “But most of all, I want more bonding, more shared meals, more runners, more laughter. More of everything that makes this team special.”

Douglas agrees.

“As long as students are showing up and getting what they need — whether that’s competition, friendship, balance, or a healthy escape from studying — then the team is doing its job.”

When asked what advice they’d give to students considering cross country, both coaches share the same message: just start.

“Just turn the doorknob. Getting out the door is the hardest part,” says Douglas. “But you’ll feel better — physically, mentally, emotionally — every time you run.”

Funding remains the biggest barrier to sustained national-level participation. This year’s trip was made possible through generous donors, the Campbell-Verduyn Fund, and a strong peer funding campaign.

The coaches hope the broader 51������Ƶ Allison community will continue to support this high-achieving team — not only for their results, but for the meaningful impact the club has on student well-being.

“These are some of the smartest, most committed students we have,” Pabody says. “Supporting their full university experience is worth it.”