The Artist Run Club SLC in front of Sophie Nebeker’s mural in South Salt Lake.

Blending the arts and athletics isn’t something you encounter every day, but when it happens, it’s magic. That magic is unfolding in Salt Lake City thanks to local artists Aimee Odum, Catherine Velasquez, and Dax Hansen—the organizers behind Artist Run Club SLC.

Artist Run Club SLC launched in March 2024, founded by Odum and Velasquez. The two first connected at another run club, and after an inspired conversation realized Salt Lake City needed its own version of the Artist Run Club, a concept that began in Austin, Texas. Odum reached out to Austin co‑founder Phillip Niemeyer for guidance on starting a chapter in Utah. With his support–and Odum and Velasquez’s shared enthusiasm–the SLC group soon took shape. A year later, Hansen joined the team, completing the trio. “His enthusiasm was contagious, and we knew he was the perfect fit to keep the group growing and flourishing,” Odum says.

With the three organizers sharing responsibilities, the club hosts weekly meetups every Wednesday at 7am. As leaders, their approach is highly collaborative, often sharing ideas of new artists they’ve met or exhibitions they heard of as potential meet up sites. While they generally take on distinct responsibilities, Odum oversees the calendar, Velasquez designs the 5k routes, and Hansen creates video recaps—they work together to ensure the runs are fun and safe for all participants. As Velasquez explains, “We provide an authentic community, and I honestly think that is hard to find. Artists need community. It feeds the soul and inspires us to keep creating. This club encourages conversations about our work that feel vulnerable but ultimately further our practice. Or we just catch up with friends and talk about the funny thing their kid said, the trip they just got back from, or the job they’re hoping to get. We all leave feeling a little bit better about the world and grateful for each other.”

Each week offers a new experience. One week you might visit a gallery or museum; the next, a public artwork or mural; and another week, an artist’s personal studio. To mix things up, the group occasionally meets at a local coffee shop for conversation before heading out for a relaxed morning run.

Visiting Kirsten Noelle Anderson’s studio.

When I joined the club, my first experience was visiting local artist Sophie Nebeker’s newest mural for the South Salt Lake Mural Fest. I’ll admit; at first I was intimidated. I hadn’t been on a run in years, and running was never my favorite activity. But that changed the moment I arrived. The organizers and participants greeted me warmly, immediately putting me at ease. The featured artist, Sophie, generously shared insights into her creative process and the work behind her vibrant mural. Her passion was infectious, and it was the perfect introduction to the group.

Because the mural was located in an industrial area, we relocated to the Jordan River Parkway near Tracy Aviary’s Pia Okwai Nature Center for the run. Starting the day with art, lively conversation, and a scenic run left me feeling energized, accomplished, and already connected to a newfound community. I was hooked.

The following week, we met at Finch Lane Gallery, where Gallery Director Todd Orbendorfer introduced us to solo exhibitions by Susan Kirby and Hannah Vaughn. We were especially lucky because Vaughn joined us to talk about her work. Outside of art school, it’s often rare to have such an intimate experience with an artist discussing their practice. Afterward, we ran through the beautiful surrounding neighborhoods, chatting with fellow artists and runners. One thing I love about this group is that they always begin with introductions, making newcomers feel welcome and comfortable.

Early morning light in front of the Salt Lake Arts Council’s Finch Lane Gallery.

The next week, we visited the studio of local artist John Sproul; a true highlight. Sproul generously shared works in progress and the deeper motivations behind his practice. Our conversation turned to the importance of gatherings like this, especially in tumultuous times. “Salt Lake City is home to some incredibly talented, hard‑working artists and galleries, and they should get all the attention we can give them,” Hansen says. “Running, for me, is not about competing but rather healing and becoming. Same with art. I genuinely love that someone would have the courage to make something and put it out into the world. I will celebrate that whenever I get a chance.”

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a total beginner, you should absolutely consider joining Artist Run Club SLC. Everyone involved is kind, welcoming, and genuinely invested in building community. The runs accommodate all skill levels, and even if you’re not particularly into art or running, the people alone make it worth showing up.

Beginner Tips from the Organizers

Aimee Odum

“We get a lot of questions about pacing and what to expect during the run. This is a socially focused group; we keep the pace mellow and conversational, with someone at the front and back who knows the route. We encourage folks to preview the route on the Strava event or reach out with any questions.”

Catherine Velasquez

“Wear comfortable clothes for the season and bring a water bottle so you can stay hydrated. We do our best to maintain a conversational pace–no PRs here–so it stays inclusive and beginner‑friendly.”

Dax Hansen

“In the colder seasons, I have one word: layers. You’ll start cold, but you won’t end that way. I love my FlipBelt to store my phone and keys. I always bring water for after the run, but mostly I hydrate the night before and drink a big glass first thing in the morning.”

Inside John Sproul’s studio.

“I hope someone else finds what I did: a community that drives me to make more art, move my body, and make a few friends. Long‑term, I hope we keep learning and seeing more of the SLC art community,” Hansen says.

Catherine echoed this sentiment, adding, “Long‑term, I hope our club brings more awareness to the importance of the arts and helps other artists and galleries gain traction. Short‑term, I hope it’s a highlight of everyone’s week. We don’t have goals to become a huge run club–we’d rather stay small and genuine. But if we grow while staying true to our roots, that’s great too.”

Aimee concludes,:“I hope people leave inspired, encouraged, and better connected with other members of the community. Long‑term, I hope more exhibition spaces, artists, and creative partners get excited about collaborating with us.”

The ultimate goal of Artist Run Club SLC is simple: bring artists and runners together to have fun, learn about local art, and connect with their community. It’s hard to imagine a better way to start the day.

To stay up‑to‑date on the Artist Run Club schedule, locations, and run routes, follow @artist.run.clubslc on Instagram. The club meets every Wednesday at 7am, year‑round – rain, snow, or shine.

Kasey Lou Lindley

Kasey Lou Lindley is an arts professional with formal training in fine arts, holding a BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design and an MFA from the University of Connecticut. She has written about contemporary arts and culture for Sarasota Visual Art and Art at Bay.