Vol. 7 [UTAKA News] UTAKA Running Crew Expands: Interviews with the Crew Leader and Training Director

• The University of Texas at Austin Korea Alumni Association’s running crew is expanding and is currently recruiting new members.
• According to Running Crew Leader Byungjoon Min (ECON ’14) and Training Director Sam M. Chung (UTIMCO), Partner at Petra Capital Management, all alumni interested in running are welcome—including beginners.
• On what makes the UTAKA Running Crew unique,

Byungjoon Min (ECON ’14) shared:

“The greatest strength of the UTAKA Running Crew is that it is an alumni-based running community. Because alumni from a wide range of industries and professional backgrounds come together, it becomes more than simply exercising together—we naturally exchange experiences and insights as well.

“Many of our current members are genuinely passionate about running, so there is also active sharing of practical information, from running shoes and training methods to pacing and race preparation.

“Beginners should not feel intimidated at all. What matters more than running fast is showing up consistently together, and the UTAKA Running Crew aims to create an environment where everyone can participate comfortably at their own pace.”

Sam M. Chung (UTIMCO), Partner at Petra Capital Management, added:

“Anyone interested in running is welcome to join without pressure. We are planning to offer tailored programs suited to different levels and abilities so that even those completely new to running can participate comfortably. I believe the greatest strength of our crew is the atmosphere—we can enjoy running together while continuing to grow together.”

• Below, we share interviews with Running Crew Leader Byungjoon Min (ECON ’14) and Training Director Sam M. Chung (UTIMCO), Director at Petra Capital Management.

Byungjoon Min (ECON '14) (Crew Leader)

🎤 What led you to take on the role of UTAKA Running Crew Leader?
I currently serve as a group leader in another running community as well, and because I’ve long enjoyed a variety of activities such as CrossFit, Hyrox, and running, I naturally became very interested in fitness-related communities and activities.
At one point, our President mentioned the idea of leading the UTAKA Running Crew. While there are certainly many alumni and senior alumni who are stronger runners than I am, I felt confident in my enthusiasm for running and in my desire to help build a strong community.
So I gladly accepted the role with the mindset of, “I’ll do my best to make this an enjoyable and welcoming group.” I believe consistency and atmosphere matter more than performance, and I hope to build a running crew where many alumni can participate comfortably and without pressure.

🎤 Plans for the UTAKA Running Crew this year
Our biggest goal this year is to build a healthy community where alumni can enjoy running regardless of experience or skill level.
Running is an activity that requires neither special equipment nor a specific venue, and I believe that with consistency, it benefits not only physical fitness but also mental well-being. Running alone has its own appeal—it gives you time to organize your thoughts and reset—but running together allows people to motivate and encourage one another, making it easier to go farther and stay consistent.
We are planning several major running-related events in the second half of the year, but rather than focusing solely on race participation or improving records, our main direction this year is to grow into a community where alumni can naturally come together and share positive energy.

🎤 Thoughts on running
I believe running is one of the healthiest forms of exercise because it places relatively few limits on time or location while strengthening both the body and the mind. Running alone allows you to clear your head and reset, while running with others helps you rely on one another and push toward goals that might feel difficult to pursue alone.
For modern professionals who spend long hours sitting at desks, I think running is close to an essential form of exercise. Even in a short amount of time, it allows you to break a sweat and feel a sense of accomplishment, and with consistency, improvements in stamina become noticeable fairly quickly.
Most of all, the beauty of running is its honesty. Your body responds gradually to the time and effort you put in, and through that process, confidence builds as well.

🎤 A message to alumni about the UTAKA Running Crew
Starting this year, the UTAKA Running Crew hopes to become even more active. We warmly welcome not only those who already enjoy running, but also those who are just thinking about starting. There’s no need to worry about questions like, “What if I’m too slow?” or “Is it okay if I’m a beginner?” The UTAKA Running Crew values the joy of running together and the process of becoming healthier together more than records or pace.
We hope to build a crew where alumni can stay active, connect with one another, and share positive energy together. We would greatly appreciate your interest and participation.

Sam M. Chung (UTIMCO) (Training Director for the Crew)

🎤 What led you to take on the role of Training Director for the UTAKA Running Crew?
I’ve been running consistently for more than five years and have gone through a wide range of trial and error along the way. Based on that experience, I felt I could help UTAKA Running Crew members find ways to enjoy running consistently and sustainably. For those aiming to improve their performance, I also wanted to share training methods and practical guidance, which led me to take on the role of Training Director.

🎤 Plans for this year as Training Director of the UTAKA Running Crew
Even before the fall races, we plan to hold regular running meetups and training sessions so that crew members can enjoy running while naturally improving their skills over time. I also hope to support our Crew Leader in creating an environment where members stay engaged consistently and continue motivating one another.

🎤 Thoughts on running
Running offers so many benefits, but I think each person discovers something different in it. Even finding just one aspect that personally resonates with you can make running a hobby you enjoy for a long time. It can bring new energy into daily life, while also helping with health management and fitness goals. I hope people will try it for themselves and discover what makes running meaningful to them personally.

🎤 A message to alumni about the Alumni Cup running division
As we prepare for the Alumni Cup this fall, I hope to help crew members achieve their individual goals through more structured training. Beyond improving performance, we will work hard to make it an experience where everyone can enjoy the process together and create good memories along the way.