Guide · 5 minute read
How to join a run club (and what happens at your first run)
1. Pick by schedule first, vibe second
The best run club is the one that meets when you are actually free. Start with your week: a Tuesday evening run after work or a Saturday morning before errands. Then choose the vibe:
- Social clubs run 3 to 5 easy miles and finish at a brewery or coffee shop.
- Track and workout groups do intervals, often early in the morning, for runners training for races.
- Long-run groups meet on weekends for 8 to 20 miles at a steady pace.
- Run/walk groups alternate running and walking and are the easiest place to start.
- Trail clubs meet at trailheads and usually move slower, with more stops.
Every city page groups runs by day, so you can see what is on tonight.
2. Check the latest post, then show up
Clubs move start spots for holidays, weather and daylight. Before you go, open the club's Instagram or Strava page and look at the most recent post. Arrive about ten minutes early, find whoever looks like they're in charge and say it's your first time. That one sentence is how you get introduced to the people running your pace.
3. Know how the run works
Bigger clubs split into pace groups, usually by minutes per mile (for example 9:00, 10:30 and 12:00+). If you don't know your pace, start in a slower group: it's easy to move up next week. Many social clubs are “no-drop”, which means a leader runs at the back so nobody finishes alone. Routes are often loops or out-and-backs so you can turn around early.
4. A little etiquette
- Run no more than two abreast on paths and sidewalks so others can pass.
- Stop at red lights even if the group is spread out.
- Keep one ear free if you wear headphones, so you can hear the group and traffic.
- Stay for the coffee or the beer afterward. That part is where the friendships happen.
Common questions
Do I need to be fast to join a run club?
No. Most social run clubs have runners at very different paces and many are 'no-drop', meaning someone runs at the back with the slowest runner. Run/walk groups are built specifically for people who are new to running.
Do run clubs cost money?
Most social run clubs are free to join. Some traditional clubs charge a yearly membership (often $20 to $60) that covers insurance and events, and coached training groups charge per season.
Do I need to sign up before my first run club?
Usually not. Most clubs let you show up. Some ask you to RSVP on Strava, Meetup or a waiver form, which the club will mention in its latest post.
What should I wear to a run club?
Comfortable running shoes and clothes for the weather. For evening runs from October to March, add a light or reflective layer, since many runs finish after dark.