It feels like folks in NOVA are always on the move, which might explain the number of walking and running clubs in the area. If you’re ready to take the next step in your fitness and social journey, lace up your sneakers and join a local club.
Arlington
Clarendon Run Club — This group meets every Monday evening in front of Tatte Bakery & Café. Routes are generally 3-4 miles, but there’s also a walking club with shorter and slower-paced treks.
I Run, You Run — All skill levels are welcome in this club where your run is measured by time, not distance. Course locations vary, and the group meets on Monday + Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Arlington Track Crew — Rise and shine with this group of runners that meets at the Washington + Liberty Track at 6 a.m. on Tuesdays. After your cool down, warm back up by joining the crew for coffee at Northside Social Arlington.
Shirlington Running Club — Meet this group at Dudley’s Sport & Ale on Tuesday nights for a run, jog, or walk followed by happy hour with your new friends.
NOVA Running Club — This group offers two weekly, professionally-coached sessions, a Tuesday night track run + Thursday night tempo runs. Members will also receive a weekly newsletter and get invited to monthly social events. Membership starts at $50/year.
The Ballston Runaways — Whether you’re a beginner or veteran runner, this group has a spot for you. They meet every Wednesday evening in front of Compass Coffee.
Shirlington Running Group — Take part in a weekly Run ‘n Quaff, starting at Astro Beer Hall on Thursday evenings. The event includes a 5K run (or walk) followed by drinks at the pub.
Roosevelt Island Parkrun — Pick your pace and run, walk, or jog this 5K course at Roosevelt Island every Saturday morning.
Alexandria
Joggers + Lagers — Start with a 1-, 3-, or 5-mile run from Port City Brewing Company on Monday evenings, then stick around for a pint afterwards.
Kingstowne Striders — There are three weekly runs on Tuesday + Thursday evenings and Saturday morning. Locations vary by run and sometimes voyage to other parts of Fairfax County.
Old Town North Run Club — Chase fitness and friendship with this group that meets every Wednesday evening at Montgomery Park.
Murphy’s Run Club — Whether you’re looking to train for a race or make new friends, this Irish pub’s run club welcomes all skill levels.
Pacers Social Run — Find your stride with your local group in the DC/Virginia area, including the Thursday evening social run in Alexandria. There are also options to walk, and the runs are often followed by social gatherings with your new friends.
Potomac Runners — This group meets for long runs in Alexandria on Saturday mornings, but it offers other activities in the NOVA area. Sign up for speed work in Arlington on Wednesdays or easy runs at the National Mall Tuesdays + Thursdays.
Fairfax
Fairfax Area Runners — Meet this group on Tuesday + Thursday evenings by the Fairfax ACE Hardware to run or walk with the group. Runners can expect 3- to 5-mile courses while walks are usually ~2 miles.
Common Run Club — Head to Commonwealth Brewing Co. to meet with this group that runs every first + third Thursday of the month.
DC
DC Front Runners — Explore DC with this LGBTQ+ group that has a calendar packed with runs and walks on different days and in different locations.
Every Person Run Club — Everyone is welcome to join this group, regardless of background and skill level. The club takes off on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings at locations around the Navy Yard area.
Washington Running Club — If you’re a long-distance runner, this group will challenge you to keep going with Sunday morning treks that begin in Georgetown, followed by coffee. Individual membership is $30/year.
