Here are the best groups for Boston-area runners
Whether you're a first-time runner or at competitive level, there's a home for you in a Boston-area run club.
It’s finally starting to feel like spring and after another long winter, Bostonians are ready to get outside. And let’s be honest, Boston Marathon season always gets us inspired to pick up running. What better place to embrace warmer weather and join in on the sport than one of Boston’s beloved run clubs.
Run clubs provide that extra motivation needed to get started and the added bonus of a social outlet. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just getting started, there’s something for everyone in this updated list of 23 run clubs in and around Boston, inspired by reader recommendations.
A 🏃🏽♀️ means that this running group was a top recommendation from readers.
1.5 Run Club
The laid-back group embraces its namesake, a 1.5 star review of its host restaurant from the Boston Globe in 2015.
“This South Boston-based running group meets at Loco Taqueria on Saturdays at 9 a.m. for 1.5-mi, 3.1-mi, and 6.6-mi loops. Runners of all paces and abilities [are invited] to ‘just show up.’ After getting miles in around Castle Island and the Seaport, stick around to enjoy a fresh margarita and brunch, Boston Globe be damned.” — Jack P., South End
Achilles International 🏃🏽♀️
“I’m so grateful to Achilles for connecting me to such an amazing group of athletes with disabilities and volunteer guides/support runners. The Achilles community has introduced me to some of the kindest and most positive people I have ever met, and I always look forward to training with Achilles athletes as a volunteer guide. Saturday morning runs along the Charles River or through the Public Garden with Achilles are one of my favorite ways to start the weekend and never fail to leave me in a great mood for the rest of the day.” — Ciara D., South End
Almost Friday Run Club
Almost Friday Run Club hosts easy runs in Southie every Thursday morning. The runs are 3 miles at a 9-9:30 pace with walk breaks, making it a great option for beginners and conversational runners. Afterwards, join in on social hour at Annie’s Bakery & Cafe.
Boston Hash House Harriers
“Self-described as a ‘drinking club with a running problem,’ the Boston Hash runs are a great way to meet new people, let off some steam, and log your miles. They have different sub-groups too that let you run as much (or as little) as you want, as well as a ladies-only group. There are no annual dues. You pay per run which gets you your miles, snacks, and beer. There are ‘Hash House Harriers’ groups all over the world, making this part of a global network of running clubs.” — C., Medford
Boston Road Runners
Boston Road Runners hosts a weekly “Boston Run Club” on Saturday mornings, with distances ranging from five to 16-plus miles. The club welcomes runners with paces from seven to 11 minute miles, making it inclusive for all levels. The Road Runners also host their own races, from 5Ks to 10-milers.
Brighton Bangers 🏃🏽♀️
“Super welcoming and fun group. Inclusive of all levels with various distances weekly so no matter what you are training for there is a run to join. I joined this group when I first moved to Boston and was welcomed in with open arms. I’ve never even thought of joining a different group and will still travel to join runs even if I no longer live in the area.” — Kery, Brighton
Cambridge Running Club
Come for the track workouts and stay for the social events. Cambridge Running Club hosts weekly runs as well as mixers, potlucks, White Mountains camping trips, and holiday parties. Join a Thursday night track workout or Saturday morning long run to see if this group is for you.
Colonial Road Runners
“Colonial Road Runners, with members throughout Southeastern Massachusetts, provides friendship, support, and a variety of training opportunities for runners of all ages, abilities, and goals. If you are new to running, joining our club will put you in contact with experienced runners who will help you train effectively and safely. If you are a competitive runner, you will benefit from the camaraderie of like-minded racers and will have the opportunity to participate in intra-club and inter-club competitions. Our club awards offer attainable goals for everyone, by rewarding both competitive success and consistent participation. Our running activities include weekly group training runs, summer and winter fun runs, and track workouts, as well as club-sponsored road races.” — Jill, Abington
Dashing Whippets
“It’s a small, tight-knit team (20-25 engaged members) which means everyone knows each other well. Some of the bigger teams in the area can feel overwhelming, so I think it’s nice to have a smaller group. We have a weekly Saturday morning run. Our meeting spot alternates between Boston Common and Fenway each week, and we run a wide variety of routes (it’s fun to explore different parts of the city). Pacing for these long runs is generally 7:30 to 9:00 minutes per mile, and we usually offer five- and 10-mile routes. The team also has a Slack channel, which makes it easy for members to coordinate workouts during the week.
“We also have a number of fun traditions, including a Christmas lights run in Somerville, a July run to Revere Beach to see the Sand Sculpting festival, and of course a pre-Boston Marathon shakeout and brunch. Full membership is only $30 a year (much lower than other clubs, in my experience).” — Brenton A., Cambridge
Dorchester Running Club
“All paces welcome, the absolute best and most friendly crew, and summer runs at the pub! The DRC president, Stefanie O’Shea, is the literal best and will make you feel welcome.” — Laney S., Dorchester
Greater Boston Track Club
For runners looking for a more competitive space to train, the Greater Boston Track Club offers just that. The group offers its members coached weekly workouts, track and cross country meets, group runs, and more. There’s something for everyone, whether you do track and field, road racing, trail running, or cross-country.
Greater Lowell Road Runners
“Greater Lowell road runners is an awesome Merrimack Valley running club. Fun and include and competitive!” — Stacey P.
Heartbreak Hill Running Club
This group, named after the infamous stretch of the Boston Marathon route, has chapters in Newton, South End, and Cambridge. The group welcomes “beginners, Olympic trialists, international competitors, first-time 5K runners, best-time everything runners.” Join them for free weekly runs, get some gear, or tackle their training plans.
Informal Running 🏃🏽♀️
“This tight-knit, yet super-welcoming group reignited my love for running! Informal Running meets on Saturdays for runs along the river and on Thursdays at different locations for three to four-mile runs that end at fun bars across town. I love the running and socializing combination. Since I joined in the spring of 2021, I’ve made lots of friends, gotten in way better shape, and feel like I’ve become a part of the Boston running community. I would 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to run a few miles, meet new people, and explore new parts of the Boston area.” — Monica M., Brookline
Kier Byrnes Freedom Runners 🏃🏽♀️
“I stopped running with clubs because there was always such an intense culture I couldn’t match. Then I met the KBFR folks, who range from first-timers to annual [Boston Qualifiers], all of whom are way more interested in hanging out afterward over a beer and getting to know you than in what your pace is. It’s exactly this camaraderie (and fun-themed runs, charity fundraisers, and team race days) that makes people forget about running being a chore, and instead, something to look forward to doing with friends.” — Pete N., Medford
Melrose Running Club
“It is a group of different skilled runners — fast, slow, and medium. We do a Walk to Run program every year to bring new runners in. My absolute favorite is our Sunday long seasons. People come all over and for $2, you have volunteers every three miles (water stop) and a wonderful route through various towns and scenery. We meet Tuesdays for group runs and ‘marathon season’ on Sundays.” — Nicole J., Melrose
Notch Brewing Runners
“The Notch Brewing Run Club is for everyone. It is a free, USATF-registered club with four weekly group runs that are open to all, that we’ve affectionately dubbed ‘Meters for Liters.’ The four runs per week (two at the Brighton Tap Room, two in Salem) are geared toward more casual runners. We also have a competitive racing team with two coached workouts per week. Whether you’re looking to train hard or just enjoy some casual running, Notch has you. Often the first to show up at races and the last to leave, Notch Runners work hard, have fun, and the post-run beers and conversation can’t be beaten.” — Dan D., Boston
Run Club of Malden
“This club may be newer, but it’s a welcoming, community-driven club. They have a consistent run schedule that explores Malden as well as the surrounding areas (Fells, Bike to the Sea path) but also mix it up with track workouts, adventure runs, and community events.” — Julia D., Malden
Sole Sisters
This Wilmington-based running group is for female runners of all different ages and abilities. With your membership, you’ll get regular group runs, training programs, social events, opportunities to volunteer at the Boston Marathon, and more.
Somerville Road Runners
Somerville’s oldest running club offers weekly group runs four days a week, including twice on Wednesdays. Members also have the opportunity to participate in the USATF Grand Prix, an annual series of seven races, ranging from a 5K in Cambridge to the Cape Cod Marathon.
TrailblazHers Run Club
This female-only Boston-area running group celebrates sisterhood through running and other forms of wellness. Members have access to regular runs, workshops, and social events.
Waltham Trail Runners
“Waltham Trail Runners is a great group! The group hosts runs for all paces and abilities six days a week in Waltham and Lincoln. WTR has over 200 active members of all ages and always welcomes new members. If you live in Waltham and its neighboring communities, this is the running group for you!” — Rich S., Waltham
Wicked Running Club
“Membership in this Salem-based running club has something for everyone: weekly runs, professional coaching with on-site workouts, our own local Wicked Grand Prix and USATF racing, relay events, and social functions. Opportunities abound for volunteering in the club, giving back to our local community, and for the Boston Marathon. Above all, members enjoy the motivation and camaraderie.
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