1. You’ll meet tons of fit, active people.

Running clubs are a fantastic way to meet other individuals who likely have a similar routine as you. Most runners wake up early to run before work, go for their longer runs on the weekend, and pay special attention to getting enough sleep and eating healthy. When you join a club, you have the chance to connect with others who value that routine just as much as you do. Together, you can train and motivate each other to be the best you can be.

2. You can get highly involved in your community.

Most running clubs are well connected to the community, which gives you the chance to get out there and be involved. Clubs often organize races to raise money for local charities, host social events nearby, and have weekly practices in the area. In addition, many clubs support youth athletics through volunteer efforts at high school cross country and track meets. If you’re a club member, chances are you’ll be in the know about the local running scene and how you can help out.

3. You can get special discounts and perks for being a member.

Depending on the club you join, you might get exclusive benefits for being a member. Many specialty running stores offer discounts to club members, like 10% off a pair of shoes, for instance. If your club belongs to any USA Track & Field association (there are 57 USATF associations in the U.S.), then you are eligible for discounts on USATF products (backpacks, running clothes, and more), and a variety of other discount perks (KT Tape, Nationwide Insurance, Garden of Life foods).

4. You’ll get faster.

It’s proven that if you train with people, especially people who are faster than you, you’ll improve your running times. It’s easy to get used to running the same pace if you’re by yourself all the time. By running with a partner or a group of people, you can challenge yourself by adjusting to different paces, and working as a team to reach a goal pace.

So, what are you waiting for? See what local running clubs are in your area to improve not only your fitness, but your social life, and your involvement with the local running scene!

National organizations

• Road Runners Club of America (RRCA): This is a national organization that supports and promotes running at the local level, and its website has a directory to help you find local member clubs.
• National Intercollegiate Running Club Association: This association represents and supports college running clubs across the country.
• Mikkeller Running Club: A global social running club that combines running with a love for beer, with chapters worldwide. 

Large-scale clubs with national reach

• Atlanta Track Club: While based in Atlanta, this is a large, member-based organization that hosts national events and has elite and masters teams that compete nationally. It also has a network of community group runs in the metro area.
• Diplo’s Run Club: An example of a more recent, event-based club that travels to cities across the U.S. for a 5K run followed by an afterparty. 

How to find a local club

• Search the RRCA website: Use their “Find a Running Club” tool to locate a local club in your community based on your state.
• Look for local chapters: Organizations like the Mikkeller Running Club have local chapters that might be in your area.
• Search for local running stores: Many local running stores organize their own weekly group runs and clubs. Big Peach Running Co. is one example of a store with a prominent local presence.