How to Find a Run Club Near You

You found a local run club. Then you saw a photo of the group and wondered whether everyone would leave you behind. That is a reasonable thing to check before you show up.

A running club can offer many things such as company, set times for runs, and structure for your running. Some clubs even train for specific races while others just go for an easy run and then go for coffee afterwards. Some clubs even allow for members to use both running and walking in their runs.

Start by looking up a few clubs that are in your area. Then look into the specific run that you are interested in. The best answer to this question is not “all paces welcome” but rather who will be there for the run, how far will the run be and what will happen if you need to take a walking break during the run.

Where to Search for Running Clubs

A local running store is a great place to start. Some stores host group runs, and staff may know about independent clubs nearby. Ask whether the event is a social run, a workout or a training program. Sometimes a store run will have different pace groups, so find out what is offered for the run on the day you are interested in attending.

Check the Road Runners Club of America directory for member clubs in your area. The listings are leads for potential clubs, not guarantees of runs that are suitable for you. Contact individual clubs for current schedules and pace details.

You can look up local races and see who is organizing them. Check the website of a local 5K or other road race for its organizer and any linked running club. Note that a race is typically a one time event, whereas a running club may hold regular runs and walks. Ask the organizer of the race about other events that they organize and whether those events are run and walk events.

Look up your local parks and recreation department on the city or county website. Look up the activity calendar for running groups, beginner running programs or even 5K programs. Be sure to contact the department to find out more about the distance of the run and any registration requirements. Some of these programs are classes that are held over a number of weeks and have a set start date.

Online communities can also be a good starting point for your search for a running club. Meetup, for example, lists running groups and events online. On Strava too, you can look up other members and join their clubs. Note, however, that an online club does not necessarily meet up in person. Check out the event’s details (date, organizer, location) on the club’s current page or contact the club directly.

Be aware of privacy settings for apps on your phone. A phone call or email can also be used to answer these questions.

Google revealed in July 2026 that searches for ‘run club’ and ‘how to start running’ had reached all time highs. It said that finding local run clubs was a ‘breakout’ related question. While Google’s analysis of the latest search data for running can be a good starting point for people looking to start running, it is not a directory of local running clubs.

Types of Running Clubs

Different types of groups meet different needs. Here is a list of the types of runs and what to look for in the description of an individual run.

Club type	What it may offer	Ask before joining
Social and recreational	Regular group runs with a social focus	Which paces and distances are offered at this run?
Beginner run and walk	An outing that includes running and walking intervals	Is there a leader for the intervals I plan to use?
Road race and marathon training	Workouts or longer runs built around race goals	Is there a shorter, easier group for this session?
Trail running	Runs on trails, routes with varying terrain and elevation	How technical is the route and how does the group stick together?
Structured coaching	Sessions led by a coach, often with registration or a set schedule	What experience is expected, and what does the fee cover?

A race focused club can have a welcoming beginner group. A social group can still run faster than you would like to run. Ask about the event and not just the club’s name.

A walking club search, such as the one described in our guide to finding a walking club, will help you find a group of walkers. Note, however, that a walking group is not the same as a run and walk group. A walking group’s routes and pace will be different from those of a run and walk group.

How to Know Whether a Club Welcomes Beginners

Look for published pace groups, distances and leaders. Pace is often listed in minutes per mile. Higher numbers of minutes per mile are slower. You don’t have to know your pace to find out whether there is a group that would suit you. Just tell the organizer of the run how long you run on average and whether you take any walking breaks.

Ask whether the pace is for a steady run or if there are any stops. If there are several paces advertised, then there may not be a leader for each of those paces on every occasion. Find out who will be leading the pace that you are interested in and whether they will be leading the run on the date you are interested in.

When you see the term “no drop” you should ask the organizer what they mean by it. Does a leader stay with the last participant, wait at turns or regroup at fixed points? Is there a maximum time or minimum pace? A no drop label is only useful when you understand the plan behind it.

Find out how long the various run distances are, whether there are any water stops, any restrooms along the route, whether registration is required prior to the run and whether there is any cost to participate in the run.

You can copy this message and fill in the details that matter to you.

Hi, I’m interested in your next group run. I’m new to running in groups and am looking for a group that runs and walks at a pace that I find comfortable.

What distance and pace groups will be available at this outing?

Are running and walking intervals welcome, and is there a leader for that group?

How do you handle participants who need a break or fall behind?

Is there a shorter route or a clear way back to the start?

Do I need to register, join the club or pay a fee before attending?

Add any questions you have regarding terrain, access, or facilities to the questions above.

What Happens at Your First Group Run?

Check the event page again for the meeting point, start time and weather changes. Arrive early for the run and make yourself known to the organizer of the run. Tell him or her that you are new to the run and that you are interested in running with the group.

Listen to the route briefing by the run leader. The leader may describe turns, distance options, crossing points and places to regroup. Ask where the route finishes and if there is a map available to look at before the run. If the route is not what you expected, then you can opt to run a shorter distance or come along to another run.

As you start running, find a pace that feels comfortable for the distance of the run. The first few minutes can feel lively when a group sets off together. You do not have to follow the fastest runners. Tell the leader if you need to slow down, walk or stop.

As you run on the path, be sure to leave enough room for other people on the path. Follow the directions of the organizer of the run. Pay attention at crossings. Let people pass you. If you need to stop, then move to the side of the path out of the way.

Some groups meet for coffee or conversation afterward. Ask whether that part is optional. Going alone is fine too. Letting the leader know you are new can make the introduction easier.

Can You Join a Running Club If You Need Walking Breaks?

Yes. Look for a run and walk group, or ask a club whether its regular runs accommodate intervals. Tell the organizer how long you normally run for and how often you walk during a run.

Ask the group how they transition from running to walking. Some groups have planned intervals, while others allow runners to complete intervals of their choice. Find out if the group stays together for the entire run, and if the advertised pace includes the walking portions.

You don’t have to apologize for a walking break. You just need a group that makes allowances for your running style. If the organizer can’t explain how that works, look elsewhere.

Running Club FAQs

Do I need to be fast?

You don’t have to be fast to join a running club. Many clubs offer runs at different paces, and some even have run and walk groups. Ask the organizer of the run you’re interested in what the pace will be for that run and then choose a run that suits your current running ability.

Are clubs free?

Some group runs are free. Others have membership dues, coaching fees or a charge for a particular program. Ask if the first run with a club is free and if there is any charge for parking.

Can I join alone?

Yes, you can join on your own. It is a good idea to contact the organizer in advance and introduce yourself at the start of the run. You can also ask if you can bring a friend along with you to the run.

What should I bring?

Your running shoes and your running clothes for that day’s weather. Water if you need it. Your identification and any other items you would normally carry with you on a run. Ask the run organizer about any specifics of the route for that day’s run as well as any other details about the run that may be of interest to you.

Do I have to attend every week?

Not always. A casual group may allow drop in visits. A paid course or training program may have a set schedule. Ask the organizer of the run you’re interested in about attendance and registration.

Are there groups for 5K beginners?

Look for a beginner 5K group through running stores, clubs or recreation departments. Ask the run organizer if the group includes walking intervals and what the cost is to join the group. Also ask if you can join the group after it has started.

I would select one of the potential runs and send the organizer the 5 questions above. Their answers will give you a lot more information than a photo of a group of runners.