About Us
The Elijah Running Club is a 501c3 organization that promotes endurance running as a path to improve overall health and wellness. We empower people with the tools they need to build endurance, attain health goals, grow in self-discipline and gain confidence through faith-based principles & fitness techniques.
History
The Elijah Running Club was started in 2001 by Darnell Williams to help others further embrace the message of health and fitness. The group name “Elijah” comes from a biblical reference in I Kings 18:46 where a prophet of God outran a king in a chariot. One translation of the scripture says that this race occurred for “almost 20 miles” because the Lord helped the prophet.
Over the last 11 years, Elijah Running Club has helped hundreds of “non-runners” become Marathon Champions. The Training Program now offers health counseling, skilled coaching, strength training demonstrations and shoe fitting clinics. Many ERC alumni have gone on to successfully compete in ultra-marathons, triathlons and 1/2 & full Ironman competitions.
Elijah Running Club has always had a commitment to transform the mind, body, and spirit of its participants. Since its inception, programs have grown to include modules on nutrition education, sports nutrition, strength training, mental paradigms, and goal setting. A “Spirit Team” has even been developed to encourage and support runners during their competitions. A regular fixture in the racing community, Elijah Running Club (with their readily recognizable bright green shirts) has developed a special bond among fellow endurance athletes and businesses that have forged lasting friendships and enduring partnerships.
What We Believe
We believe that any goal can be achieved with God’s help. The person that says, “I could never complete a marathon” is our core customer. We help our members make a paradigm shift through education, association, and socialization. When we teach them how to systematically achieve an “unattainable” goal, mental barriers get broken that catapult them toward a success-minded future.
About The Founder
Darnell Williams has been active in the Health & Nutrition arena for more than 14 years. His passion for healthy living was sparked when he took a nutrition class at his local church, Living Word Christian Center. He later joined the Agape Health & Fitness Ministry, a volunteer group that helps people learn and apply physical wellness principles.
Darnell and his supportive wife Shalita are both certified nutrition consultants and have taught classes and workshops at schools, Ironman training groups and other wellness organizations.
Darnell has completed a Half Ironman (70.3), the New York Marathon, 12 Chicago Marathons, a Green Bay Wisconsin Marathon, 6 Half Marathons, and a variety of other shorter races.
Darnell was a spokesmodel for the 25th Anniversary Chicago Marathon Ad campaign in 2002. In 2007, he was featured in the 30th Anniversary edition of the Chicago Marathon Race Results, a book sent internationally to all race participants. Darnell has also been honored to be a regular guest on Moody Radio's Urban Praise broadcast.
Darnell’s life mission is to see people take charge of their health and empower them to achieve a maximized sense of well-being and purpose.
