The Running Hub

There’s a stigma out there among some that distance runners are boring, particularly at the professional level. We wholeheartedly disagree, and challenge anyone that feels this way to have a conversation with Bill Rodgers for about five minutes. In fact, his origin story sounds more like that of a rock n’ roll legend than one of a world-class endurance athlete.

An above average runner in college-though far from world-beating-he walked away from the sport shortly after graduating. He soon became somewhat of a barfly-hanging out in local Boston watering holes and gradually becoming a two pack-a-day smoker. He never quite lost touch with the sport, however; standing each year at the finish line of the Boston marathon in the early ‘70’s smoking ci******es and watching the runners come in. One of the reasons Rodgers got back into running was, like a lot of Americans, he was inspired watching Frank Shorter win the gold medal in the marathon in the 1972 Olympic Marathon on television. The other-and perhaps the main reason-is that someone stole his Triumph motorcycle so he had no other way to get around!

A little over two years and a few thousand miles later, he showed up to the start of the Boston Marathon on a sunny, breezy morning donning a T-Shirt that he’d literally found in a garbage can and hand-written “Boston GBTC” in marker on. He was also wearing a pair of gardening gloves his brother bought at a hardware store down the street since he’d forgotten to bring any. For a water bottle he carried an old, rinsed-out shampoo bottle.

The gun went off, and in short order Rodgers was dropping 4:45 miles, breaking free of the pack and on his way to his first Boston Marathon victory, and into the history books. Along the way he stopped to tie his shoes, and stood in the middle of the street drinking water on multiple occasions. When his time of 2:09:55 was announced as he crossed the finish line-an American record at the time and a mark that might still win the race to this day-he exclaimed, “This is absurd! I can’t run that fast!”

The rest, as they say, is history, with Rodgers going on to win 3 more Bostons and 4 New York City Marathons; becoming the greatest marathoner in the world in the late 1970’s. Ask anyone and they’ll tell you he never lost touch with his regular joe roots, though, becoming an ambassador of the sport and hanging out with runners of all levels for the past 50 years; in it for the “love of the game”.

There’s a reason that Rodgers remains as relevant as ever at nearly 80 years old. It has far less to do with any records, times, or titles, and far more to do with the fact that he’s truly one righteous dude...

You don't have to take our word for it though!! Come talk to Rodgers yourself this Saturday! He'll be at the High Desert Miles Group Run at 8:00 a.m. at Santa Fe Community College (NM), and at the High Desert Miles - 25 Years of The Running Hub Party from 12:00-4:00 p.m.

Bill would love to chat with you and tell you of his adventures himself!!

https://runsantafe.com/high-desert-miles-25-years-of-the-running-hub

The High Desert Miles Group Run will be a chance to run with the great Bill Rodgers, but it will also be the "mother of all wear-tests"!! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️👟

That's right, we'll have multiple running shoe brands with models available for wear-test for the entire run. Try before you buy!!

Our friends at Topo Athletic are coming out in force for it... They're bringing THREE premium models to demo:

🛣️ Phantom
Your go-to daily trainer built for comfort and smooth miles.
✔️ Plush, high-cushion ride
✔️ ZipFoam™ midsole for lightweight responsiveness
✔️ Neutral support
✔️ Roomy toe box with a secure midfoot fit
✔️ Great for daily runs, walking, and long-distance comfort

🌲 Terraventure
A versatile trail shoe that's ready for technical terrain.
✔️ Moderate cushioning for trail feel and protection
✔️ Vibram® Megagrip outsole for exceptional traction
✔️ Rock plate for underfoot protection
✔️ Lightweight, nimble design
✔️ Perfect for everything from local trails to mountain adventures

⛰️ Mountain Racer
Built for speed and confidence on rugged trails.
✔️ High-cushion platform for long trail days
✔️ Responsive ZipFoam™ midsole
✔️ Vibram® Megagrip outsole for superior grip
✔️ Rock plate for added protection
✔️ Ideal for technical trails, ultras, and mountain running

Come experience Topo's signature natural foot-shaped fit and see which model feels best for your next run!

📍 High Desert Miles Group Run
👟 Demo shoes available before the run—come early to grab your size!

We hope to see you there! 🙌

https://runsantafe.com/high-desert-miles-25-years-of-the-running-hub

It's really getting real... Like, for REAL! 😁

We're preparing event bags for the High Desert Miles Group Run Saturday July 11th... They'll be filled with coupons, flyers, freebies and more from some of the finest brands and events in endurance sports!

Sign up to come to Santa Fe Community College (NM) and pick one up yourself, then lace up for a run with Bill Rodgers the greatest American marathoner ever! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

https://runsantafe.com/high-desert-miles-25-years-of-the-running-hub

Afterwards, head to our giant 25th Anniversary parking lot party at Santa Fe Brewing Company HQ from 11:30-4:00 p.m.

We hope to see you Saturday!!

The first practice of the High Desert Half Marathon Training Group Santa Fe is the books! We have a record number on the roster, and a record was set at the 1-mile time trial as well!! What's the saying; records are made to be broken??

If you'd like to break your personal record in the half marathon-or run your very first... This group is for you!! It's for runners all levels and abilities, from first-time half marathoners all the way to advanced runners.

If you'd like to join us, registration is certainly still open! Or, come check out a practice and sign up if you like what you see! The first practice was basically the "syllabus day", so you haven't missed much at all... 😁💪

This coming Saturday we'll be at the High Desert Miles Group Run with Bill Rodgers at Santa Fe Community College (NM) at 8:00 a.m.

Check out more info and sign up through the link below!
https://www.gaynortrain.com/projects-6

“Your training partners are key to your success, and friendships based on your runs together are strong.”

-Bill Rodgers, 4x winner of the Boston and NYC Marathons

That's the quote that appears at the top of our High Desert Half Marathon Training Group Santa Fe training plan. While many training plans might include a generic quote from some inspirational wall poster, or maybe even a quote or two from a famous athlete, few will back it up like we will...

That's because if you join our training group, you can ACTUALLY come make friends with THE Bill Rodgers yourself this weekend! The legendary American marathon GOAT will be at practice this Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. at Santa Fe Community College (NM).

The first High Desert practice is TONIGHT at 6:30 p.m. at The Running Hub. If you'd like, stop on by and check out a practice before you sign-up. Or, to register today and for more information, follow the link below:

https://www.gaynortrain.com/projects-6

We hope to see YOU on the High Desert Half Marathon Training Group roster!

What are YOU doing this Saturday?? 😎🥳🎉🎊🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️‍➡️

https://runsantafe.com/high-desert-miles-25-years-of-the-running-hub

The journey starts TODAY!!

Our smash hit High Desert Half Marathon Training Group Santa Fe returns for its second season in 2026... Our first in-person practice will be tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. at The Running Hub.

If you're interested and haven't registered, don't worry!! There's still plenty of time to sign up... Register through the link below!
https://www.gaynortrain.com/projects-6

Or, stop by The Hub tomorrow and check out a practice before you sign up.

High Desert is the surest way around to get in shape for a fall race... Starting the week of July 6th, we'll be embarking on training targeting numerous events, including RunFit's Chips and Salsa Half Marathon, the Santa Fe International Half Marathon, The Big Tesuque Trail Run, and the Duke City Half Marathon. And more so than ever, this group is an absolute bargain!!

Members also receive in-store discounts here at The Hub including 20% off a pair of shoes and 10% off ALL purchases, a High Desert ASICS Tech T, and numerous other perks and giveaways throughout the program.

Santa Fe Group members also receive Santa Fe Striders membership-with a discounted rate for current members! High Desert is also proud to be the official training group of the Santa Fe International Half Marathon, for which members receive a 30% discount.

You'll even be able to train with Bill Rodgers-the 4x winner of the Boston and New York City Marathons and the greatest American Marathoner EVER! That's right, registration for the High Desert Miles Group Run on July 11th is also included in the price of signup for all High Desert members!

We'd love to see YOU on the High Desert roster... 😎💪

It's this week!!!!!

This coming Saturday, July 11th, we're going to party like it's 2001!! 🎉🥳🎊 We're celebrating 25 Years in business serving City Different-a place unlike anywhere else...

Check out our "High Desert Miles - 25 Years of The Running Hub":
https://runsantafe.com/high-desert-miles-25-years-of-the-running-hub

We'll start things off at Santa Fe Community College (NM) with a group run at 8:00 a.m. with Bill Rodgers, the world-famous 4x winner of the Boston and New York City Marathons! Run 3 miles with Bill and learn from the "King of the Roads" with Q&A afterwards.

After that, we'll head over to Santa Fe Brewing Company Headquarters for a giant parking lot party from 11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Some of the finest brands in all of endurance sports, both locally and nationally will be in attendance. We'll have a lot of sales and deals on all sorts of merchandise.

At both the group run and the parking lot party, we'll be raffling off awesome prizes including FREE brand-new shoes!! We'll do a raffle at the group run, and then one at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the party.

At the party we'll also have some sale shoes priced at 2001 prices!!! 😎👟💪

Registration for the group run is $15, and admission to the party is free!

We hope to see you there!!!

Santa Fe Community College is located at 6401 Richards Ave, Santa Fe, NM 87508, and Santa Fe Brewing Headquarters is just up the road at 37 Fire Pl, Santa Fe, NM 87508.

Here at The Running Hub, we wish you a happy 4th of July weekend!

Start things off with a speedy morning at the NM Red White and Blue Run; a RunFit event! It will be held tomorrow morning-the 4th of July-in Rio Rancho, and offers a 10k, 4 mile, 2-mile walk, and Kids K.

It is also the unofficial start of our brand-new High Desert Half Marathon Training Group Rio Rancho! For those signed up for the program, it will be a great chance to test fitness heading into the next several months of training.

If you're racing and are interested in the program, stop by our table at the event tomorrow for more information and to sign up!!

The High Desert Half Marathon Training Group runs 15 weeks from Monday July 6th through Sunday October 18th. In-person practices will be held twice weekly; for the Rio Rancho group Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm and Saturday mornings at 8:00 am; both at various locations around Rio Rancho. It trains for several fall events, including RunFit's Chips and Salsa Half Marathon in September and the Duke City Marathon in October.

For more information and to sign up for the High Desert Half Marathon Training Group Rio Rancho, follow the link below!

https://www.gaynortrain.com/projects-6

We hope to see YOU on the High Desert roster... 😎

It all starts next week!! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Our smash hit High Desert Half Marathon Training Group returns for its second season in 2026... ALL NEW, we're offering separate branches in both Santa Fe and Rio Rancho!!

There's still plenty of time to register... Sign up for either branch HERE:
https://www.gaynortrain.com/projects-6

High Desert is the surest way around to get in shape for a fall race... Starting the week of July 6th, we'll be embarking on training targeting numerous events, including RunFit's Chips and Salsa Half Marathon, the Santa Fe International Half Marathon, The Big Tesuque Trail Run, and the Duke City Half Marathon. And more so than ever, this group is an absolute bargain!!

Santa Fe Group members receive Santa Fe Striders membership-with a discounted rate for current members-and new for 2026, Sandia National Labs employees also receive a discount! High Desert is also proud to be the official training group of the Santa Fe International Half Marathon, for which members receive a 30% discount.

Members also receive in-store discounts here at The Hub including 20% off a pair of shoes and 10% off ALL purchases, a High Desert ASICS Tech T, and numerous other perks and giveaways throughout the program.

You'll even be able to train with Bill Rodgers-the 4x winner of the Boston and New York City Marathons and the greatest American Marathoner EVER! That's right, registration for the High Desert Miles Group Run on July 11th is also included in the price of signup for all High Desert members!

We'd love to see YOU on the High Desert roster... 😎💪