A Beginner’s Guide To DC Run Clubs

I’m convinced that 10% of Washingtonians are running at any one time. And why not, it's free, social, and (depending who you ask) fun.

“D.C.'s run club scene is like a buffet,” says Katherine Foley, the former co-lead of the November Project’s D.C. chapter. There are tons of options and there's something for everyone. I talked with Katherine about how to find the run club for you.

Getting Started:

• Choose a club that works with your schedule and sleep habits that you can be consistent with. Are you actually going to wake up at 6 a.m.? Be honest.
• Don’t enter a run club and use it as your own personal dating pool. You’re making it weird for all of us.
• Try out different clubs to find a good fit. The majority of D.C.’s best run clubs are free and accessible, so there's no harm in shopping around.
• Show up on time, don’t block the path for those behind you, and have fun!

How To Choose the Run Club For You:

For Beginners Who Don’t Know Where To Start

For people who have no experience at all, Katherine recommends looking into run clubs hosted by local run stores, like Pacers on 14th St. NW or Clarendon. They lead social running groups (and even walking groups) for all paces on a set route throughout the city. Plus, they can help you get fitted for a good pair of shoes, a necessity if you’re new to the sport.

For Getting Your First 5K

Check out Every Person Run Club, a super pace-inclusive run club with a great 5K training program (and a marathon one if you’re crazy like that). Stick around after the run for refreshments and chit chat.

For Morning Workout Demons

November Project’s D.C. chapter meets at 6:30 a.m. three days a week all year. The workouts are mostly circuit and body weight based, meaning everyone starts and finishes together and there is plenty of opportunity for chit chat. It’s big on the social component and even has a book club.

When You’re In It For Bagels and Beer

West End Run Club meets every Friday at 6:45 a.m. for a 3-mile loop that starts and ends at Call Your Mother. Naturally, coffee and bagels are devoured afterwards. And one of D.C.’s most popular run clubs, NoMa Run Club, has four weekly runs that start and end in the evenings at a brewery.

For Ex-College Track Stars

If you’re trying to go fast and don’t want any handholding, then The Dojo of Pain club is for you. They welcome anyone but won’t hesitate to drop you if you’re lagging behind. It’s perfect for those trying to run competitively, get faster, or just love pain.

For When You’re There For the Party

For the most party atmosphere, Katherine recommends District Running Collective, which meets near Bryant St. Market. “They are SO much fun,” says Katherine. It's a big club but splits up into lots of paced groups and will often hit up a cafe or social gathering after.

For the Girls and the Gays

D.C. is stacked with affinity running groups. DC Pynk Run Club is a great option for queer women and trans runners. It's primarily social with weekly runs around the 10–min mile pace (and even a walking option) and extracurricular events like picnics and field days. DC Front Runners is another popular LGBTQ+ social run club.

For When You Want to Run In Circles

The largest evening run club in D.C. is Northeast Track Club, which takes place on Tuesday evenings at Eastern Senior High School. They focus on speedwork and trackwork. They have a faster crew but are always welcoming. “I was surprised by how included I felt, they make the track really accessible,” said Katherine.