In the heart of National Landing stands Crystal Square, where the evening energy of the community comes alive with bustling after-work activities. Every Wednesday at 7 PM, a small but growing group of runners, joggers, and walkers gather with a simple mission: to transform individual wellness into community connection. It’s the Dweck Run Club – a free, weekly drop-in opportunity for Dweck residents to stay active and motivated through friendship and movement.

“I’d worked in property management for so many years, and you see many people running all the time…they’re usually by themselves,” explains Ricardo Pritchett, Assistant Property Manager at Crystal Square and the driving force behind the Dweck Run Club. “I thought, can we connect all these runners to run, walk, jog, even skip together and make people feel like they’re not in it alone?” What started as a simple observation has blossomed into a community initiative that embodies everything Dweck Properties stands for.

“We’re not just a running group, we’re a support system,” Ricardo explains. “It’s about showing up for each other, encouraging progress, and making wellness a shared journey.” The club welcomes all Dweck Properties residents and employees alike, with everyone bringing their own story and reason for running. After all, as Ricardo puts it, “We want to be a property management company that also cares about our residents’ health and wellbeing.” For those intimidated by the idea of joining a running group, Ricardo’s message is simple: “It’s super easy. You don’t need fancy gear or marathon experience, just a good pair of shoes and the willingness to show up. We welcome all paces, and there’s never any pressure.”

The club operates with flexibility at its core, splitting into groups or offering “run/walk” options so everyone feels included. “It’s all about personal progress, not competition,” Ricardo emphasizes. Their typical route covers 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back along the Mount Vernon Trail, offering scenic views of the Potomac River and the unique experience of watching airplanes land.

“I always try to ask, ‘What are your goals?'” Ricardo explains. Whether someone wants to complete the entire trail without walking, improve their time, or train for their first 5K, the club adapts to support individual aspirations while building collective momentum. The vision extends far beyond weekly runs. Ricardo’s eyes light up when he talks about his dream of a future milestone: an inaugural Dweck 5K in 2026. “It could be huge! I’m imagining themed runs, kids’ races, charity involvement, and community celebrations.”

“I envision a sea of red running representing Dweck,” Ricardo says with infectious enthusiasm. “There is nothing like this in property management, and we want to be the first.” The event would become a full-blown “family day” complete with vendors, picnic activities, and community celebration. Proceeds would go to supporting homeless teens — a cause close to Ricardo’s heart. “We provide homes here at Dweck, so why don’t we connect with other people who are in need of homes as well?” For Ricardo, the Dweck Run Club represents legacy. “You want to leave something positive that helps people live better, helps kids get off the street. We’ve done more than just business. We’ve served people.”

Since joining Crystal Square in 2024, Ricardo has been struck by the DMV’s fitness culture. “I’ve been in the DMV for five years, and I’m shocked at how active people are here. It makes you feel inspired to exercise and peer-pressured in a positive way to be healthy. Why not capitalize on what already exists?” Running has given Ricardo clarity, discipline, and accomplishment, which he carries into all areas of life. “But what I love most is the way it brings people together – sharing struggles, wins, and the pure joy of movement.” (He admits with a laugh, “Secretly, I love the medals too!”)

As National Landing continues to grow, initiatives like the Dweck Run Club represent what’s possible when businesses think beyond transactions to transformation. It cultivates community, one stride at a time.  With the battle cry of “Dweck Yeah!”—the club’s unofficial slogan—the Dweck Run Club proves that sometimes the most powerful community building happens on the trails where strangers become neighbors and neighbors become friends.