With over 1,200 members, EFS Reims Track Club blends elite training with inclusive programs. Discover how Epeak helps them streamline communication and boost engagement.
A Track Club With Deep Roots and Forward Vision
With a strong foundation in both high-performance training and inclusive athletics, EFS Reims Track Club has become a model for modern track clubs. From baby athlé to recreational runners and health-focused programs, the club supports a wide range of athletes across all ages and levels.
Benjamin Oury, the club's longtime Activities Coordinator, plays a central role in shaping this balance. He oversees programming that reflects EFS Reims's dual mission: elite athlete development alongside broad-based community fitness.
“Our DNA is rooted in competitive athletics,” Benjamin says. “But for more than 25 years, we’ve also worked to make athletics accessible for everyone.”
That inclusive approach led to rapid growth—and the need for smarter tools to manage communication, scheduling, and community engagement.
The Challenge: Scaling Communication Without Losing the Human Touch
“Before Epeak, communication was fragmented,” Benjamin says. “There were too many WhatsApp groups, email threads, and side conversations. It was messy.”
For a club as large and active as EFS Reims Track Club, this created an enormous administrative burden. Coaches and volunteers spent hours answering the same basic questions over and over:
- Where is today’s training?
- What time does it start?
- What’s the workout plan?
- Who’s coming to the race?
- How do I get to the meeting point?
This constant back-and-forth made it harder to focus on what mattered most: delivering a great athlete experience.
The Solution: A Dedicated Club App That Puts Athletes First
What drew Benjamin and his team to Epeak was its simplicity and clarity. “Epeak stood out from the many apps we’ve been offered over the years,” he says. “It’s designed around real athlete needs. In one tap, they know where to be, when to be there, what the session includes, and who else is involved. That’s incredibly valuable.”
Unlike generic messaging platforms, Epeak is purpose-built for run clubs. It allows teams to organize training sessions, post workout details, communicate updates, and track event participation—all in one streamlined platform.
“It’s an app that belongs to the club,” Benjamin adds. “Not a random chat thread lost in a sea of notifications.”
Impact: From Chaos to Clarity
Since adopting Epeak, Benjamin has seen a dramatic shift in how smoothly things run.
“The app has become indispensable,” he says. “Without it, I’d be fielding ten calls, twenty-five emails, and fifty texts a day just to answer the same few questions.”
Now, those questions answer themselves. Athletes open the Epeak app, check the club schedule, view the route, and see who’s attending. The clarity saves time for both coaches and athletes—and helps boost attendance and participation.
Favorite Features That Empower the Community
Two Epeak features stand out for Benjamin and his team:
Google Maps integration with route sharing:
“This is a game-changer for trail running sessions,” Benjamin explains. “We can pinpoint the exact meeting point with a route, which makes it easier for everyone—especially newer members—to show up on time and confident.”
The ability for members to suggest community runs:
“This was something we really wanted: members can propose a group run without going through me every time. It gives them ownership and autonomy.”
These tools not only reduce friction but foster a more self-organized, vibrant community of runners. Members don’t just consume the schedule—they actively shape it.
A More Professional Experience for Every Member
Beyond saving time and boosting communication, Benjamin believes Epeak elevates the club experience for all athletes—especially those outside the elite groups.
“We aim to offer the same level of quality to everyone,” he says. “Whether you’re a national-level runner or a casual jogger, you should benefit from the same structure, equipment, facilities, and tools. Epeak helps us deliver on that promise.”
This commitment to equality and professionalism is a big reason why members stick around and the community keeps growing.
Advice for Other Track Clubs Considering Epeak
So what would Benjamin say to a club that’s unsure whether it’s worth switching to Epeak?
“There’s always some setup involved with any app,” he admits. “But with Epeak, it’s worth it. You gain so much clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind. The app is so intuitive that members adopt it very quickly. Once you start using it, it’s hard to imagine going back.”
A Tool That Grows With the Club
EFS Reims Track Club initially launched Epeak with its running and trail section, but Benjamin sees long-term potential to expand its use across other disciplines within the club. “Trail and running were the obvious place to start,” he says. “But we’re already thinking about how it could help with other training groups. Wherever there’s a need for better coordination and communication, Epeak can bring value.”
At a time when many clubs struggle to keep members informed and engaged, EFS Reims Track Club has found a way to do both—without the burnout. By choosing a platform designed specifically for run clubs, they’ve empowered their athletes, reduced administrative overload, and created a more connected and autonomous training culture. In Benjamin’s words: “It’s not just an app. It’s an extension of the club.”
