Joining a running club has many benefits. Some do it for friendships, some to achieve a similar goal and some for motivation. Whichever the reason and whether you’re just getting into running for the first time or you’re an expert runner, this is the best way for you to learn, keep up the momentum, and prosper as a runner. There is endless running inspiration in NYC. Alongside Nike’s Unexpected Run campaign, we’ve filtered some of New York’s best boutique running clubs that speak to all identities living and thriving in the Big Apple!
Black Girls Run
Black Girls Run (BGR) is a social club based in New York City that provides a community to inspire all women to be active and healthy. With a mission to encourage African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority, BGR is working towards lowering the high percentage of women with chronic diseases associated with unhealthy living and an inactive lifestyle. The club has more than 100 members, and membership is free.
New York Road Runners
New York Road Runners (NYRR) is NYC’s premier racing club as well as the organizer for multiple running events, including the New York City Marathon. Membership to the club ensures discounted race entry fees. The NYRR accepts runners of all levels; however, groups are divided according to experience. There are annual membership fees of $40 for NYRR members, $60 for families (two adults and two children), and a discounted fee of $25 for seniors, juniors, Armed Services members and veterans, college students, and YCS Strides teachers. NYRR also offers a $150 membership for the eight-week training sessions.
Old Man Run Club (OMRC)
Old Man Run Club was founded by Ryo Yamamoto, Dao-Yi Chow, and Eugene Tong from NYC, who joked about being and feeling old while running. Like the Nike Unexpected Run campaign, OMRC, highlights a social group not often seen in the running community’s spotlight. The group was founded officially after the 2018 NYC Marathon. Despite the group name being “Old Man Run Club”, Runners of all ages, genders, and ethnic groups are welcome to join. OMRC hosts long runs every Saturday, and their running trails range from 9 to 22 miles. OMRC’s goal is to be seen as a platform for getting runners more acquainted with running long distances.
We Are NYC Running Club
We Are NYC running club embodies the spirit of NYC. Their members represent many wonderful backgrounds, ethnic groups, genders, and different categories of runners from across the world. They have over a hundred club members, and membership is free. And with its inclusive club, it encourages any and everyone to just do it.
Shoe 4 Africa
Based in New York City, Shoe4Africa has over a hundred members of all abilities. Running for a purpose, their main goal is running for better health and education outcomes for children in Africa. They are currently fundraising to build a hospital in Kenya.
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