DC has one of the most active and welcoming running communities in the country. Whether you're training for your first 5K or your twentieth marathon, looking for easy conversational miles or tempo workouts that'll push you, there's a group out there for you. And probably several.
The challenge isn't finding a run club in DC. It's choosing between all the options.
This guide breaks down the running groups across the District and nearby areas to help you find your people. Some groups are massive with hundreds of members. Others are small crews of regulars who've been running together for years. Some meet at running stores and offer structured training plans. Others gather at bars and treat the run as a warm-up for happy hour. Some are seriously competitive. Others are seriously social. Most fall somewhere in between.
A Run Club for Everyone
DC Capital Striders: The DC Capital Striders are everywhere, almost literally. With run club locations throughout the DMV, there is a spot for everyone. The group welcomes runners of all paces (even walkers!) and the atmosphere is not competitive. Find information on all the group’s runs here.
NoMa Run Club: Look anywhere for DC run clubs online and you will find someone singing the praises of the NoMa Run Club. They have 4 weekly runs (two departing from REI and two from Lost Generation Brewing Company on the MBT). Check out their run calendar here.
GOOD GRiEF: The Good GRiEF run club meets every monday morning at 7:00am at Childhood Cafe DC for a 3 mile run.
Pacers Run Club: One of the biggest run clubs in the area is hosted by Pacers. You can run with them Monday nights at 6:30pm from their 14th St. NW store, Tuesday nights at 6:30pm from Pacers Navy Yard, and at Benjamin Banneker Recreation Center on Thursdays at 6:30 for a track workout.
Slow & Steady Run Club: Billed as a “Fun run club for all faces and paces”, you will feel right at home with this group no matter your speed. Check their Instagram for upcoming runs starting at Kalorama Park.
Every Person Run Club: EPRC is a very welcoming group where every pace is welcome. They meet twice a week on Wednesdays (6:30pm at Tap99 Navy Yard) and Sundays for longer runs starting from Big League Performance and Rehab.
Northeast Track Club: The Northeast Track Club meets twice a week on Tuesday nights (7:00pm at Eastern Senior High School track) and Saturday at various locations for a morning long run. See their calendar here.
Competitive Run Clubs
Georgetown Run Club: Want to continue clinging to your youthful athleticism? The Georgetown Run Club is highly competitive, and you can often spot their members at the front of the pack at local races.
Dojo of Pain: This club is not for everyone, but if you like running fast, they could be for you. Run with the group at 7:00am from Hains Point on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Capital Area Runners: This group was founded to provide group training opportunities for highly motivated and competitive minded runners. Learn more about their membership at their weekly run clubs here.