Do you want to be a runner?
Are you inspired by all the brave people gearing up for the Chicago Marathon next weekend but don’t know where to start your own running career or how to get more involved?
It’s hard not to get motivated by all the amazing stories that come out around the marathon, or the outpouring of support the runners get from a city that can sometimes feel pretty cold.
But you’re not running this one. And that’s okay.
You can get moving, no matter your experience, with a run club. Run clubs are a great way to get more engaged in the running scene and then stay engaged: You might run farther or faster than you thought you could, and you’ll definitely meet people. Regardless, you’ll be with a group of people supporting each other as they get fit.
Here are some local run clubs that are active into the winter:
2219 N. Clybourn
A weekly fun run meets Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m.
Fleet Feet Sports – South Loop, Lincoln Square and Old Town locations
Three-mile fun runs
- South Loop 1145 S. Delano Ct. EMonday at 6:30 p.m.
- Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Ladies’ run only
- Old Town 1620 N. Wells St.Monday at 6:30 p.m.
- Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Ladies’ run only
- Lincoln Square 4762 N. Lincoln Ave.Monday at 6:30 p.m.
- Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Ladies’ run only
- Saturday at 8 a.m.
Three or five mile runs or two mile walks with a LGBT group
Leaves from the totem pole near 3600 N. Lake Shore Dr.
Saturday 9 a.m. and Tuesday 6:30 p.m.
*This club has dues of $20/year
The Chicago Running Meetup calendar is a good resource for upcoming runs, too. One of their ongoing runs is the Run and Brunch.
Run and Brunch
Between 5 and 6 miles at a 9 to 12 minute/mile pace.
Starbucks at 210 W. North Ave.
10 a.m. Sundays
