Sometimes it takes a little extra motivation to get a person to go for a run. Whether it’s because they are training for a 5k, or they simply want to lose some weight, everybody has a specific reason why they run. Another popular reason people lace up their running shoes is because they enjoy the company of others. In order to connect running enthusiasts with other like-minded individuals, a handful of running clubs have formed throughout the Twin Cities. Below, we highlight five running clubs you can join if you’re interested in meeting some fellow runners.
Twin Cities Running Club
The Twin Cities Running Club is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, and the club is open to runners of all ages and skill levels. Group runs usually take place during the evenings or weekends, and members meet at different locations throughout the Twin Cities. Oftentimes the runs take place near Lake Harriet or Lake Calhoun, and runners are treated to specialized training programs depending on their ability level. Membership is $25, and members can look forward to club social events and special group discounts.
Minnesota R.E.D. (Running. Eating. Drinking.)
Pegged as the Twin Cities’ most social running group, this club likes to have fun when they run. R.E.D. meets 7 days a week, but you only need to show up when it fits into your schedule. This club is focused on helping runners train for shorter races like 5k’s or 10k’s, but they also work towards helping you set personal records in whatever event you sign up for. Individual memberships are $35/year, or you can get a family membership for $65. In addition to specialized workouts, members receive a discount card that entitles them to 10% off at local restaurants and at France 44 Liquor Store. They also provide Summit beer at team tailgate parties or group social events!
Active Life and Running Club
The Active Life and Running Club, also known as ALARC, is a running club dedicated to training its members for upcoming marathons. The club offers two 14-week programs each year; The first leading up to Grandma’s Marathon in June, while the second preps runners for the Twin Cities Marathon in October. Membership to the ALARC is $25, and the training programs come at an additional price. Individuals training for a 5k or 10k must pay $50, while runners training for a half marathon or a full marathon must pay $95 for a training session.
Minnesota Chapter of the Barefoot Runners Society
We’ve written plenty of blogs on the benefits and techniques of barefoot running, but did you know there was a club in the Twin Cities dedicated to the art? The chapter was founded three years ago, and it is free to join (as long as you are committed to learning barefoot or minimalistic running techniques). Specific information about meetings or events can be found on the society’s Facebook page.
Moms Run This Town
Moms Run This Town is a running club for mothers of all skills and ability levels. There are different chapters all over the state, so odds are you won’t have to go very far from home to meet up with other running moms. Membership is free, and it includes discounts to some marathons all over the United States. Frequency and meeting locations are different for each chapter, but you can learn more about the clubs by connecting with them on their Facebook pages.
Related source: CBS Minnesota
