12 Free Run Clubs to Join Now
Runner’s photo via shutterstock.
Boston is a runner’s city, with a plethora of different routes to try out on any given day. Whether you like to run along the Charles, or through the streets downtown, here’s 12 free run clubs you can join right now.
1. New Balance inMotion Running Group
The New Balance inMotion running group is a way for New Balance to give back to the Boston community by helping residents lead a healthier lifestyle. Beginners start with a low milage and work their way up to running a 5K.
Sundays, 10:30 a.m., New Balance Experience Store, 583 Boylston St., 617-226-1583; meetup.com/NBBoston
2. North End Running Club
This club is for all levels of runners and is meant to be a fun place where you can meet new people through exercise and see the historic sights in the North End.
Mondays, 7 p.m., North End Greenway, Salem and Cross St.; meetup.com/North-End-Running-Club
3. Back Bay Run Club
This run club meets every Tuesday at City Sports in Back Bay. Just make sure to fill out their waiver online if you haven’t gone on a run with them before.
Tuesdays, 6 p.m., City Sports Back Bay, 480 Boylston St., 617-267-3900; citysportsblog.com
4. Marathon Sports Run Groups
These running clubs are all held at the Marathon Sports stores in Boston, Brookline, and Wellesley every Wednesday. The store helps you stay motivated during the runs by tracking your mileage and offering incentives, like discounts when you hit significant milestones.
Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., Marathon Sports, 671 Boylston St., Boston, 617-267-4774 ; 1638 Beacon St., Brookline, 617-735-9373; 255 Washington St., Wellesley, 781-237-0771; marathonsports.com
5. South End Running Company/Heartbreak Hill Running Company
This club meets weekly throughout the year and participants can choose between a variety of different runs. Runs usually vary from four to six miles, and both stores offer their own schedules.
Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., 652 Tremont St., 617-391-0897; Saturdays, 10 a.m., 652 Tremont St., 617-391-0897; Wednesdays, 7 p.m., 638 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, 617-467-4487; southendathleticcompany.com
6. Lululemon Run Club
Lululemon doesn’t just sell workout clothes, they have a run club that gets people moving. Head to the Lululemon store in the Prudential Center on Mondays, go for a run, and head to happy hour after.
Mondays, 6 p.m., Prudential Center Lululemon store, 776 Boylston St.; lululemon.com
7. The Most Informal Running Club Ever
What’s a better incentive than food to get you to work out? This running club meets every Saturday morning, goes for a three, five, or six mile run, and then gets fed after in a Potluck style brunch.
Saturday, 10 a.m., Lindstrom Field, 40 Granite Street, Cambridge; boston.informalrunning.com
8. Somerville Road Runners
Road runners must be brave; they run against traffic in this club. If you choose to join this running group, the only requirement is to wear reflective gear.
Mondays, 6:45 p.m., Burren Pub and Restaurant, 247 Elm Street, Somerville; Thursdays, 7:15 p.m., Casey’s Bar, 171 Broadway, Somerville; sign in upon arrival; srr.org
9. Boston Front Runners
This is the first gay and lesbian only running group in Boston. Every Saturday, the group meets up for a run along the Charles. Participants can opt for three, five and a sixth, or seven and a eighth-mile loop.
Saturdays, 10 a.m., Club Cafe, 209 Columbus Avenue; frontrunnersboston.org
10. L Street Running Club
The L Street Running Club is for all ages and levels of runners. Tuesday’s run ranges from six- to six-and-a-half-miles, and Thursdays are seven- to seven-and-a-half-miles.
Tuesdays, 6 p.m.; Thursday 6 p.m., Curley Community Center, 1663 Columbia Rd.; lsrc.weebly.com
11. Nike + Run Club
This run club takes place at the Nike store on Newbury Street. It’s open to all athletes, and the runners can choose between a three-and-a-half or five-mile run.
Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Niketown Boston, 200 Newbury St.; 617-267-3400; nike.com
12. Team Luna Chix Boston Run
This running club is for women only. Instead of paying a fee to participate, runners can donate to the Breast Cancer Research Fund. Each runner also has the choice between a three- or four-mile run around the Charles River.
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., Athleta, 92 Newbury St.; meetup.com/Team-LUNA-Chix-Boston-Run-Team
