Why Join a Running Club?

Whether you’re picking up running for the first time or training for your 20th marathon, joining a running club has many benefits. But don’t take it from us! Representatives of local running clubs gathered recently for a running clubs fair at the NYRR RUNCENTER. Here’s what they had to say about why you should get involved in a running club.

For the Friendship

Lillian Park, Prospect Park Track Club
“It’s a wonderful way to meet other people interested in the same hobby that you are, connect, and make friends. We do a lot to support each other in terms of group runs and social runs.”

Joel Lowy, Galloway NYC
“To really achieve your goals, it helps to run with friends, people with a similar pace who can keep you company. It really is a social sport.”

Maura Holland, Gotham City Runners
“Joining a club has given me so much. Especially if you are new to New York, and even if you’re not, it’s a great way to meet people. They [running clubs] are social clubs as well as running clubs so you get faster and you have a lot of fun. It’s a no brainer, just join a club!”

For the Motivation

Caroline Ollivier, ANY Flamingos (pictured right with teammates)
“I think it’s more fun to run with running clubs because when you start the race it’s good to be with friends. You wake up early in the morning and you are happy to join friends. You are happy to cheer before and after the race.”

Brian Burke, The Reservoir Dogs
“It is a lot easier to get in shape and get motivated when you have a club. It helps push you to come to more workouts.

Steph Creaturo, Brooklyn Rogues
“It’s really hard to get up by yourself at 6am when it’s cold, when it’s rainy, when it’s hot, but there’s an accountability to other people. Plus, you’ll find a whole new gear when you run with other people. The brain’s going to make all these excuses that your running friends will never let you succumb to.”

For the Learning Experience

Jay Alpert, Front Runners New York (pictured right with teammate Faith Tempest)
“I found the Front Runners beginners clinic and it really gave me the opportunity to become part of a team and to learn how to run properly so it was safe and going at an appropriate speed, and I was able to work in about a year and a half from being scared about doing a 5K all the way up to the marathon.”

Jitendra, Jersey City Runners
"If you run in a group you will meet people you can learn from. Most of the learning is from your buddies. So, a running group is the best. I’ve learned a lot!”

For Your Health

Sandra Perez, Boogie Down Bronx
“I’m a nurse so I know how it’s a good way to promote good health. And it’s just a great way to get out and enjoy the atmosphere and the people.”

Sandy Su, Jersey City Runners (pictured middle with teammates Jitendra right, and Christie Oonan left)
“I think running is a great way to commit to a lifelong lifestyle of health wellness.”