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 seven years, Elijah Running Club has helped hundreds of “non-runners” become Marathon Champions. The Program now offers personalized counseling, coaching, food demonstrations and fitness clinics. Many ERC participants have gone on to successfully compete in triathlons and 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, strength training, mental paradigms, and goal setting. A “Spirit Team” has even been developed to encourage runners during their competitions. A regular fixture in the racing community, Elijah Running Club has developed a unique bond with fellow 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 10 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 more about physical wellness.
Darnell and his wife Shalita are certified nutrition consultants and have taught classes and workshops at schools and other organizations.
Darnell has successfully completed 10 Chicago Marathons, 4 Half Marathons, and a variety of other shorter races. He was honored to be a spokes model for the 25th Anniversary Chicago Marathon Ad campaign in 2002. Most recently, he was featured in the 30th Anniversary edition of the Chicago Marathon Race Results, a book sent internationally to all race participants.
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.
