The Strava end-of-year report said that "findings show a huge rise in run clubs and group activities with ‘making social connections’ revealed as the lead motivator for people to exercise."
It also goes on to share that there was a 59% increase in run club participation across the world in 2024!
I've been running with run clubs since 2013, so 2025 will be year 12 for me, and it's so fascinating to see what clubs/teams have disbanded, not evolved, transformed into something big, niched down to target specific types of members, and of course, all of the new options, since then.
It's also interesting to see how what matters to me when choosing what teams and clubs I want to run with has shifted over the years.
Race performance and quality of runs are always at the top of my list. I want to be with clubs and teams that work hard and play hard. That forces me to level up and challenge myself. I'd rather be the slowest person there and have to put in the work to keep up, than not have anything to push towards.
Is the team 5K average a 21:45? Great, something I can aspire to even if I never get close. Is there a paced long run option for marathon season so I can just show up, turn my brain off, and not worry about my watch? I'm in!
As the years go on, social/community activities/outings have piqued my interest more than ever. Does the crew get coffee after an easy weekday or weekend long run? Is there an end-of-year party? What field trips are we taking? As I get older, and it's harder to make new friends, the social and community aspects have become just as important for me to evaluate as the run offerings.
As with many industries, some clubs and teams balance this very well, and others haven't fully adapted to this trend (or don't want to). One of the main teams that I've been with for the past 8+ years used to have a strong social calendar that has diminished in the past five to six years and it made me think of this note in one of Kelly O'Mara's Triathlonish newsletters:
They do what they do here very very well. They’re the best in the business at putting on this event. But Blackberry also made the best mobile phones in the world, everyone had one, until they didn’t anymore.
Side note - I freakin' loved my Blackberry so much.
That being said, as we head into 2025, my personal take is that 'legacy' teams will need to start figuring out the direction they want to go in and communicating that with their members and those who want to join to ensure that wants and needs are aligned.
To be clear, they can go in any direction, but sharing their decision will be important, especially to long-time members who joined for reasons that may no longer exist. I spoke to someone recently who also still holds membership to their team and is in a similar situation, many of the reasons they joined are just not there anymore.
And to piggyback even more, the lines between club and team may be blurring. For me, I've noticed that teams that have dues and such are less focused on socialization and community and more on just going to practice than going home with rare extras being planned, whereas clubs have quality runs and the social aspect.
Another thing we're seeing a rise in is personal coaches. I've personally been coached 1:1 for about five years and changed coaches to GU3 Training about a year ago.
I think it's important to respect members' decisions to work with additional or outside coaches. Unless you offer an incredibly robust, personalized training plan, members should be allowed to seek out what they need to meet their goals.
I love how Hoboken Track Club is embracing its members. On their website, they had this note under their track practices section:
Teammates who opt to use a private coach will also head to the track for Track Tuesdays to take advantage of the comradery and support of teammates.
Everyone does a workout, everyone is together, and everyone cheers each other on. It's a win/win. Teamwork makes the dream work.
So since there are over 100 run club/team options in NYC alone - how will you choose which to join?
First and foremost, you don't have to choose just one! I run with multiple groups depending on my needs at the moment, and where I am located, but only pay dues for one team (so three clubs, one team).
If you're looking for a singular group or team, highlight a few in your area that you're interested in and ask if they have any open runs or community days so you can meet the members, get a feel for the vibe, and ask questions.
"I started running in 2009. Through all of my starts & restarts, running groups have kept me accountable and joyful. I am currently in two groups- one an early morning group close to home on Tuesdays and Thursdays I join sporadically, and another three times a week that I also join on occasion.
I am training for some 2025 runs, including a half marathon and find the accountability of meeting a group is so helpful. More consistency is my goal.
Being part of a group is as inspiring as it is humbling. I am at a much slower pace these days and feel welcome and included no matter what." - Ruth Furman, Las Vegas, NV
Consider their schedule. Do you prefer morning or night workouts? A combo of both? Look into when the club runs, and what time they start. Will you be able to get home, get ready, and be at work on time? Will you miss putting the kids to bed because the workouts start too late?
Are there a variety of workouts? If you're looking for a club to train with for racing, ensure they offer different types of runs for you to attend - a combination of speed, hills, long runs, and casual runs could be ideal.
"My track club is run by a local run store that I’ve gone to for years and love. They offer weekly workouts on a local college track year-round (indoor and outdoor) and that appealed to me. The biggest benefit has been the friendships!" - Bridget Chamberlin, Naperville, IL
Additionally, do they actively encourage members to get coffee together after runs, or coordinate other outings like going to the Millrose Games together, etc? Are there awards and holiday dinners? If socialization is important to you, definitely push these questions to the top of your list!
Another aspect to look into is the requirements. Do you have to race a certain amount or at least cheer at a specific number of races per year? What are the dues and what's included in them? If there are time commitments, make sure you know before you sign up.
"I am a member of a competitive racing team, as well as two other local clubs for casual/social/race discounts. Each has its own personality and benefits.
I love the feeling of being on a team, putting our best crew together to score points & win prize money so we can travel or get apparel. My racing team is well reputed in our area, and I proudly wear my gear!!" - Megan James, Charlton, NY
Something I'd also like to stress, especially for newer/beginner runners, is that even if you are dead last and end up running by yourself during a group run - KEEP SHOWING UP. The more you go, the faster you'll become, and the next thing you know, you're running with the gang.
I know how intimidating that sounds, but as someone who is always getting dropped for being too slow, I use it as motivation, not discouragement. And traditionally speaking, those runs where I get dropped usually have coffee or hang out after so I'm not missing out on that experience. On top of that, after consistent attendance, I can usually move up to the group at the back of the pack.
The * to this approach is if anyone is being rude to you about your pace, then do not keep showing up and go find another group to run with.
Drop your favorite run club in the comments.
See you on the road!
XO
Lynette
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