If you’re the sort of person who enjoys the rhythmic thump of sneakers on pavement or the camaraderie of fellow sufferers, then perhaps you’ve considered joining a run club in Raleigh. Or perhaps you hadn’t until this very moment.
Raleigh might not strike one as a hotbed of athletic endeavor. One might assume its citizens are far too preoccupied with the definition of “barbecue” or the proper pronunciation of “Raleigh” to bother with organized physical exertion. But surprisingly, run clubs flourish here.
Whether this is a sign of societal progress or merely a further descent into collective madness remains to be seen.
Best Raleigh Run Clubs
Whether you’re an experienced marathoner with calves of steel or someone whose most strenuous activity involves reaching for the remote, there’s likely a group of like-minded (and possibly slightly deranged) individuals waiting to share the joys and occasional miseries of organized running. Read on for Raleigh run clubs organized by days of the week.
Monday
Flying Saucer Run Club – Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, 328 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Flying Saucer Run Club takes off promptly from in front of the patio on Mondays at 6 p.m. with 2 and 3 mile routes available for all skill levels. All draft beer and wine is $5 to treat yourself after the run. Dogs and strollers welcome.
Pelagic Run Club – Pelagic Beer and Wine, 300 Pace St, Raleigh, NC 27604
The Pelagic Run Club meets at 6 p.m. on Mondays. Sign in each week to earn club rewards and pick up a route map for the 3, 4, or 5 mile route through the beautiful Mordecai/Oakwood neighborhoods. Dogs and strollers are welcome.
Morgan Street Run Club / nOg Run Club – The Bend Bar, 853 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603
The nOg Run Club has been around forever and has changed locations a few times over the years, with the newest location being The Bend Bar. The run starts on Mondays at 6 p.m., followed by trivia at 7 p.m. Food and drinks are available from State of Beer and The Bend Bar.
Tuesday
cRUNk Club – Crank Arm Brewing Company, 319 W Davie St, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Crank Arm Run Club run starts at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays with 2, 3, and 5 mile routes or make your own around lovely downtown Raleigh. All levels welcome. Hang out after for Crank Arm beer.
Oak City Recovery Run Club – Healing Transitions, 1251 Goode St, Raleigh, NC 27603
Oak City Recovery Run Club fosters supportive connections for people in recovery through exercise and fellowship. They meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m. outside Healing Transitions. All skill levels are welcome with 1, 3, and 5 mile loops through Dorothea Dix park.
Mordecai Run Club – Mordecai Beverage Company, 2425 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Mordecai Run Club meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays from March to November in front of Mordecai Beverage Company. Join them for a meet and greet followed by a social fun run/walk out and back along the Capital Area Greenway. Hang out afterwards and socialize with other members and enjoy the weekly beer specials from Mordecai Beverage Company. Follow the Facebook page for special promotions including shoe demos, raffles, giveaways, and partner discounts.
R&D Run Club – Seven Saturdays Taproom, 1399 Capital Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27603
R&D Run Club meets at 6 p.m on Tuesdays and all paces and abilities are welcome to run the 2.5 mile to 4.5 mile loops! The best part about run club is the refreshing, cold craft beer waiting for you at the finish!
Salty Turtle Run Club – Salty Turtle Beer Co: Raleigh, 13100 Falls of Neuse Rd Suite 130, Raleigh, NC 27614
The Salty Turtle Run Club meets for a run at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. This is presumably followed by the optional consumption of beer.
Heyday Brewing Run Club – Heyday Brewing, 5301 Tin Roof Wy, Raleigh, NC 27616
Heyday Brewing Run Club is at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays AND it’s Taco Tuesday so $3 to $5 tacos $5 Mexican lagers are available to enjoy after the run.
Wednesday
Raleigh Brewing Run Club – Raleigh Brewing Company, 3709 Neil St, Raleigh, NC 27607
Raleigh Brewing Run Club meets at 6:30 p.m on Wednesdays. All running levels are welcome for 3 to 4 mile routes and they encourage you to bring a friend or make new running buddies! After the run, grab a beer and socialize. Look forward to occasional theme runs and the chance to try out new shoe models.
House of Hops Run Club – House of Hops Craft Beer Shop-Glenwood North, 6909 Glenwood Ave STE 100, Raleigh, NC 27612
The House of Hops Run Club runs Wednesdays at 6 p.m. With 5k and 10k routes available, walkers and runners of all skill levels are welcome. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to get a parking spot, deposit your keys, and learn the route if it’s your first time! Look out for specials for run club members after the run.
Vault Craft Beer Run Club – Vault Craft Beer, 518 W South St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Vault Craft Beer Run Club meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and offers 2, 3, 4, and 5 mile routes. All paces are welcome!
Stride 2 Strive – Rotating Locations
Stride 2 Strive meets Wednesday at 7 p.m. and is a run club for college aged people. Check their instagram for updates.
Thursday
The Laboratory Run Club – Runologie, 1614 Automotive Way, Raleigh, NC 27604
The Laboratory Run Club meets Thursdays at 6 p.m., is for runners of all abilities, and is meant to encourage everyone to get out, move, and even sweat a little. Participants will run through the Mordecai and Oakwood neighborhoods with 3 to 6 mile route options and paces fit for everyone from beginner to quick-stepper.
Afterwards, hang around for a refreshing beverage and a community hangout on the patio.
Flying Penguins Run Club – Sneaky Penguin, 7449 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
The Flying Penguins Run Club meets Thursdays at 6 p.m. and all ages and abilities are welcome to run, walk, or waddle the 2, 3, or 5 mile routes. They even have run-walk options and offer advice/coaching from experienced runners.
Saturday
Urban Run Club Raleigh – Moore Square, 201 S Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27601
The Urban Run Club Raleigh meets in Moore Square on Saturdays at 10 a.m. and all paces are welcome to run or walk the 1.5 or 3 mile routes through downtown Raleigh. Through weekly group runs and other events, they aim to address health disparities, inspire a lifelong love of running, and foster a commitment to an active lifestyle.
Stride 2 Strive – Rotating Locations
Stride 2 Strive meets Saturday at 8 p.m. and is a run club for college aged people. Check their instagram for updates.
Saturday Run Club – Current Wellness, 219 S East St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Join Coach Julia Carter for Saturday Run Club at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, but not every Saturday so contact Current Wellness to confirm dates. You’ll be led through a dynamic warm up followed by a 45-minute out-and-back walk/run through historic Oakwood. All paces are welcome and slower paces are prioritized. There is a $10 suggested donation.
Sunday
Flying Penguins Run Club – Sneaky Penguin, 7449 Six Forks Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615
The Flying Penguins Run Club meets Sundays at 12 p.m. and all ages and abilities are welcome to run, walk or waddle the 2, 3, or 5 mile routes. They even have run-walk options and offer advice/coaching from experienced runners.
Unlikely Athletes – Unlikely Professionals, 212 E Franklin St, Raleigh, NC 27604
Unlikely Athletes meets on Sundays at 10 a.m for the route of your choosing at your own pace. 1, 3, 4, and 7 mile route options offered. Afterwards, enjoy $5 mimosas in the shop.
Mordecai Run Club – Mordecai Beverage Company, 2425 Crabtree Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Mordecai Run Club meets at 12 p.m. on Sunday from November to March in front of Mordecai Beverage Company. Join them for a meet and greet followed by a social fun run/walk out and back along the Capital Area Greenway. Hang out afterwards and socialize with other members and enjoy the weekly beer specials from Mordecai Beverage Company. Follow the Facebook page for special promotions including shoe demos, raffles, giveaways, and partner discounts.
More
A few more clubs that might be worth checking out include Raleigh Trail Runners and Raleigh Road Runners.
Enjoy your run and beware the distinct possibility of encountering a rogue squirrel mid-stride.
Do you have a favorite Raleigh run club?
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