Run With Christ Launched University of Mississippi Chapter
The national running ministry expanded to Oxford on August 29, 2026, with an event drawing over 100 participants.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Running
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Run With Christ established its newest chapter at the University of Mississippi on August 29, 2026. The launch event in Oxford brought together more than 100 people for a session involving devotional study, fellowship, and exercise.
Why it matters
The organization was founded to combat a perceived shortage of weekend Christian community activities for students and residents. It aims to integrate spiritual life with physical health by combining faith-based fellowship with group fitness.
The program features a 5K run or a 3K walk as its primary physical activity. The national organization now operates in 100 cities across five countries.
The players
Will Garinger
He is the founder who established the Run With Christ ministry in 2024.
Cole Dorsey
He serves as the city director for the new University of Mississippi chapter.
Eli Griggs
He serves as the assistant city director for the Run With Christ chapter in Oxford.
The details
Founded in 2024 by Will Garinger, the ministry facilitates a regular itinerary that includes prayer, fellowship, and communal athletics. Cole Dorsey, serving as the local city director, built the leadership team by recruiting members from the existing Christian community in Oxford.
Timeline
Will Garinger founded Run With Christ in 2024.
The University of Mississippi chapter launched on August 29, 2026.
Season Trajectory
The establishment of this chapter aligns with the growing trend of faith-based campus fitness ministries expanding across higher education institutions. This entry into the Oxford community mirrors the national growth strategy to connect local campus populations through structured weekend outreach.
Interested participants can join the organization for future 5K runs and 3K walks hosted by the leadership team in Oxford. The chapter plans to increase event frequency, providing a regular weekend option for students and residents seeking faith-based fellowship.
The takeaway
The program offers a unique intersection of physical health and spiritual growth for the local community. Residents and students are encouraged to monitor future scheduling for opportunities to engage with the new leadership team.
Further reading
For more on local athletic developments, visit Running.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Mississippian.
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