University of Richmond alums on the go
Alumni
On Sunday mornings, a group of University of Richmond alumni winds through London parks and along the River Thames. A few miles later, they gather around a pub table for a traditional British roast.
The Run & Roast Club, started in April 2025 by Richmond business administration alum Sam Weaver, brings runners together once a month.
“I moved to London in 2020 after graduating, having grown up nearby in Essex,” Weaver said. “The club started almost by accident. I was finding it difficult to get everyone together for a night out on a Friday or Saturday, so I tried a Sunday morning run instead.”
What began with a handful of Richmond alums quickly grew as friends invited others to join. Today, the group chat includes 47 members.
“A roast dinner is a traditional Sunday staple here in Britain — whether at home or a pub,” Weaver said. “It felt like the best way to get everyone to mix and make new friends, especially during the colder months. Plus, it was a great way to introduce my American friends to a proper UK tradition.”
Each month, Weaver scouts a new place for the group to run, maps a course, and makes a reservation for the post-run meal. Past runs have taken the group through Battersea Park, Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, and Victoria Park.
For Kakie Pate, a 2019 Richmond alum who majored in English and moved to London last July, the club made the transition to a new city easier.
“At typical run clubs, it's quite difficult to make true connections,” she said. “You chat while running a few miles but then everyone just goes home. The roast aspect is a great addition because it gives us all a chance to sit down, catch up, and learn more about each other in an enjoyable setting.”
Her favorite memory came during her first Run & Roast in August 2025, when she ran 5.7 miles along the River Thames, passing the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben.
“I had just moved to London and still couldn't believe I now called this dreamy city home, making the experience almost surreal, especially along a route as iconic as that one,” she said.
Runners in the club range from relative beginners to those training for marathons and other races. The runs are from 2.5 to 6 miles — though some participants admit they come mainly for the roast.
Weaver said the group now includes friends from many parts of his life, including Richmond alumni, former classmates, work colleagues, and friends of friends.
“It’s really cool to see people from different parts of my life coming together and becoming mates,” Weaver said. “Seeing those new friendships emerge is the most rewarding part of the whole thing for me.”