Laced Up and Linked Up: A Deep Dive on Running Culture at CBGS 2026

Pictured: Run club members on a morning run

While Boys and Girls State strives to replicate state government processes, it has also organically fostered community connections and customs: particularly through it’s strong running culture. From the very first day, delegates quickly found common ground in their love for running, leading to the simultaneous births of two run clubs founded by two different Delegates (Leo Le and Cyril Botros).

Pictured: Run club members enjoying each other’s company

While these two run clubs developed separately, the clubs meet at very similar times and members often run together. Both run clubs hold a poll everyday on their Instagram group chats to decide which time everyone would like to run. Morning runs have been preferred by the majority of both clubs, with 5-6 am being their meeting time so far. At these morning runs, it has been reported that some members have run up to 7 miles at one run club meetup, but many members settle around 2-3 miles of running.

Even with the early mornings, many participants have positive testimonies on their experience so far. City council member Morgan Moeras stated that “We allow anyone to run any distance for any time and it’s a good way to wake up” and “[to meet] new people.” According to delegate Aiden Johnson, “I joined the run club to meet up with the runners of California, and enjoy new experiences hanging out with my peers. My favorite part of the run club is getting to connect with others of like-interests. Others should join the run club to make friends, and to wake up in a productive manner.”

Pictured: Leo Le, run club founder

According to run club founder and governor nominee Leo Le, “My favorite part of the run club is talking with people I’ve never met before. Especially getting to bond with them over a similarity—running. Others should join the run club to stay fit while at camp and bond with other people. Remember, a running community strives to keep everyone accountable and goal-oriented! We are supportive!”

“Whether you hate or love running, doing anything in a group makes it better” Cyril Botros, other run club founder.

To get involved in these run clubs, Delegates can contact Aiden Johnson at his number 714-767-8264, message @bre3zly on instagram, or to just show up on the lawn at 5 A.M. It has also been noted by run club founder Leo Le that if you just go outside anywhere in the morning from 5-7 A.M. you’ll find runners.

Pictured: Cyril Botros, run club founder

The run club culture that has arisen is a testament to how Boys and Girls State isn’t just a place to model government processes, but a place to model how citizens can connect and come together in the name of collective passions. At the end of the day, while it’s not an official itinerary item of the program, a vibrant sense of community is what makes Boys and Girls State so special, because after all, the spirit of Boys and Girls State lies with the delegates and the connections they build.

Written By: Eli David

Edited By: Miki Harris

Published By: Faid Kassim