WINFIELD, Kan. — For Southwestern College runner Lauryn Peterson, the sport of running has always been tied to family. Growing up in Junction City, she watched her parents stay active and embrace fitness as part of their daily routine. Their enthusiasm rubbed off on her early, setting the stage for a lifelong connection to the sport.
"I first got interested in running because my parents were doing it," Peterson said. "I ran my first 5K when I was in third grade, and I've been running since."
That early start helped her develop confidence and consistency as she moved into middle and high school. As her competitive spirit grew, so did her desire to keep pushing herself. When the time came to make a college decision, she didn't hesitate to look for a program that would allow her to continue developing both as an athlete and as a teammate.
"I wanted to pursue it at a collegiate level because it gave me the opportunity to continue to be on a team and continue to improve as an athlete," she said.
Peterson's running journey hasn't been without its challenges, but one moment in particular stands out. Competing in the half marathon at the NJCAA national championship pushed her beyond her comfort zone, requiring both physical endurance and mental grit. She said the experience taught her more about what she was capable of than any previous race.
"My favorite challenge I've faced in my career was the half marathon that I ran at the NJCAA national championship," Peterson said. "I overcame it by tackling my fear of how long the race was and just doing it. It has been my favorite race that I've done so far."
Her time at Southwestern has also been marked by strong performances on the track. Among her accomplishments, one race from last season continues to stand out. Competing at the indoor conference meet, Peterson delivered one of the best performances of her career, achieving a personal record in the 800 meters. The breakthrough moment reaffirmed her commitment to the sport and the work she puts in daily.
"My favorite moment running at Southwestern has been running at the indoor conference meet last year, where I got a personal best in the 800 meter," she said.
Behind each of these achievements is a support system Peterson says she relies on heavily. Her parents have remained constant cheerleaders throughout her athletic career, traveling to meets, offering advice and encouraging her through setbacks.
"My biggest family supporters are my mom and dad," she said. "I couldn't do this without them."
Peterson has also found guidance at Southwestern through, then assistant coach, and current cross country associate head coach Nathan Jones, whose approach to training has made a significant impact on her performance. She said his arrival brought renewed focus and direction to the team.
"He started working with us part of the way through cross country season last year and has pushed us all to be better athletes," she said.
As graduation approaches, Peterson said running will continue to play an important role in her life. The sport has shaped her outlook, her work ethic and her sense of community — and she isn't ready to let it go.
"My long-term goals are to continue running post-graduation," she said. "It has played a massive role in my life, and I can't imagine not doing it anymore."
While she remains committed to the track, Peterson is also looking forward to launching a career in accounting. She hopes to build a stable future for herself while keeping the possibility of entrepreneurship open down the road.
"As a professional in the workforce, I want to get a good job as a tax accountant," she said. "And maybe someday own my own business."
For Peterson, running is more than a competitive pursuit — it is a defining part of who she is, influencing her ambitions on the track and shaping her goals beyond it.
