Starting a run club is about more than just organizing group runs—it's about fostering a supportive, consistent, and inclusive community. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a passionate beginner, creating a successful run club takes intention and a bit of structure. Here's a guide to help you build a thriving group that grows with purpose.

🎯 Define Your Purpose and Vision

Before you start recruiting runners or mapping routes, take a moment to define why you're starting the club. Your club’s purpose is its foundation—it influences everything from your branding to how you promote events and engage members.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to encourage beginners to start running in a low-pressure environment?
• Are you building a training group for upcoming races or marathon prep?
• Do you want to cultivate a strong sense of social community and accountability?

Some clubs focus purely on fitness, others on fun and friendships, and some blend the two. Being upfront about your intentions will attract like-minded people and help avoid confusion about pace expectations, distances, and goals.

Pro Tip: Create a mission statement. Even a short sentence that sums up the vibe and values of your club (e.g., “Empowering all paces to run together” or “Training hard, laughing harder”) can go a long way in building culture.

For inspiration, explore runclubs.ca to see how various clubs articulate their missions.

📅 Establish a Consistent Schedule

People are more likely to attend if they know what to expect. Having a consistent schedule—even if it's just once a week—makes your club feel reliable and organized.

Typical options include:

• Weekday evenings (e.g., Tuesdays or Thursdays at 6:30 PM): Great for runners with a 9–5 schedule. These runs can be social and accessible.
• Weekend mornings (e.g., Saturdays at 9 AM): Perfect for longer runs, beginners, or those who prefer to start their day with a sweat session.

If possible, post your schedule on a simple website or social media bio, and don’t forget to communicate weather cancellations or changes clearly and early.

As your club grows, you can consider adding variety—like speed workouts, trail runs, or themed sessions.

Pro Tip: Keep a shared calendar or post upcoming runs weekly via email or messaging group. Consistent communication builds trust and turnout.

For example, runclubs.ca offers a comprehensive schedule of various run clubs, which can serve as a model for structuring your own.

🗺️ Plan Routes and Distances

One of the most overlooked parts of running club logistics is route planning. Routes should be safe, scenic, and suited to your group’s level.

Start with these distances:

• Short (3–5 km) – Great for beginners and social jogs.
• Medium (5–10 km) – A sweet spot for regular runners.
• Long (10–15+ km) – Ideal for experienced runners or race prep.

Try to avoid overly hilly, unlit, or traffic-heavy routes—especially if you're meeting in the early morning or evening. Loops or out-and-back routes are ideal so people can turn back if needed.

Also, have a plan for bag drops or water if the run is long. Apps like Strava Route Builder or Komoot can help you map and share routes in advance.

Pro Tip: Test every route in advance and time it. You’ll be able to give members a solid idea of what to expect for pace and duration.

🤝 Promote Inclusivity and Safety

Inclusivity should be at the heart of every run club. A welcoming culture is what keeps people coming back—and telling their friends.

Implement these practices:

• No-drop policy: Always have someone sweep the route from behind to ensure no one is left alone.
• Pace groups: Let members know the general pace of each run, or break into sub-groups (e.g., 5:30/km, 6:00/km, walk-run).
• New runner intros: Take a few minutes at the beginning of each run to introduce new faces and explain the route and pace.
• Safety basics: Encourage reflective gear at night, headlamps if needed, and share group run etiquette like passing signals and road awareness.

You can refer to the Road Runners Club of America safety guidelines for a full set of best practices.

Pro Tip: Create a quick welcome sheet or FAQ for new members with expectations, safety tips, and how to join your messaging app or Strava club.

📱 Build an Online Presence

Visibility helps you grow and stay organized. An online presence can be simple but should clearly communicate:

• When and where you meet
• What to expect in terms of pace and distance
• Photos and updates that show the vibe of the group

Here’s where to start:

• Strava: Create a club to track runs, view leaderboards, and post events. Set one up here.
• Instagram: Great for sharing photos and building visual identity.
• Facebook or Discord/WhatsApp: Helps manage RSVPs, group chats, and last-minute changes.
• runclubs.ca: Post your club on runclubs.ca to instantly get eyes on your event and to show up in Google results.

Pro Tip: A simple, free site like Notion, Carrd, or Linktree can link everything together in one place.

🎉 Organize Social Events

Running is great—but post-run hangs are where community really forms.

Try mixing in social activities every month or two:

• Coffee or brunch after runs: Simple, low-commitment, and a great way to chat with new members.
• Theme runs: Costume runs (e.g., Halloween), holiday lights tours, or birthday miles keep things fun.
• Volunteer days: Partner with local races or charities and run as a team for a cause.

These events reinforce belonging and help transform your club from a meet-up to a community.

Pro Tip: Take photos and tag attendees (with permission) to make them feel seen and celebrated.

📈 Encourage Feedback and Growth

Your run club should evolve with its members. The best way to do that? Ask them what’s working—and what’s not.

• Surveys: Simple Google Forms every few months can help you check in on route preferences, pace comfort, or social ideas.
• In-person chats: Ask new members how they found the club and what they liked or didn’t like.
• Leadership rotation: As your club grows, invite regular members to help co-lead, sweep, or organize routes and events.

People are more invested when they feel heard.

Pro Tip: Celebrate milestones like 10th runs, first 10Ks, or birthdays to build stronger connections and motivation.

✅ Quick-Start Checklist

• Define your club's purpose and mission.
• Choose a consistent day and time to meet.
• Plan beginner-friendly, safe routes.
• Establish clear inclusivity and safety policies.
• Create a Strava club and basic social presence.
• Encourage post-run socials and themed events.
• Gather feedback regularly to adapt and grow.

Starting a run club is one of the most fulfilling ways to contribute to your community. With a bit of planning and heart, you'll create more than just a group of runners—you’ll build a place where people belong.

Now get out there, lace up, and lead the way!