Peer Pressure: The best part about Austin's running scene is its diverse club community.
My absolute favorite club is ATX Run Divas. I lead the group and started it as a way to channel a safe space for all women including cis/trans and bring about inclusivity in pace, distance and our identities. I love this club because it encompasses three of my favorite things people, coffee and running. I’m also a huge fan of desnudo run club. The vibes are always good, everyone is nice and welcoming, and I’ve made some genuine friends there.
Bethany
The Morning Jo’s running club has been awesome for me—so welcoming and inclusive, with a great focus on supporting small local businesses. I’ve made so many friends at the Jo’s. My second favorite is the ATX Runners Club. As Austin’s oldest running club, they have a welcoming, old-school vibe that’s truly unique. Both clubs make running a joy!
Sara
I really enjoy running with the Pfun Runners group in Pflugerville which meet up at West Pecan Coffee on Saturday mornings. All levels are welcome from walkers to runners training for their next race which gives me the flexibility to adjust my workouts. The friendships I’ve made there along with the coffee and pastries are great motivators.
Sharon
The Austin area has some amazing running clubs. My favorite running club by far is WeOutsideATX. The club is very welcoming and any can come out from walkers to runners. I’ve met some really cool people during a run.
Josh
I love Austin for its diverse scene! Everyone fits in! For example, I am a mother of two in my mid-30s, slower-mid pace, and although I do not go to many groups in Austin because I live in Buda, I am 100% positive I can show up to any run club and be warmly welcomed! I often run with the Buda Running Club, but I have had the privilege of running with Rise and Run South Austin; they have diverse runs and always throw Mt. Bonnell into the mix for some hilly strides and a beautiful view of Lake Austin. I recently began following Run Texas Track Club. I would love to do sprint training with them at Paredes Middle School! But, more recently, I have been running with my church’s (The Well Community Church) unofficial running club. We (typically) meet in front of Oracle every Saturday at 8 am, run a 4-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake!), and finish with a delicious pastry at a local coffee shop. Now and then, we throw a different route in; sometimes, a trail run at Pease Park is the way to go! Now, the possibilities are endless if you ask me how many Austin running clubs I follow on IG. I love the running community in Austin; it’s simply the best!
Maria J.
My favorite clubs are Austin Front Runners and Morning Jo’s. Austin Front Runners motivated me to run. Having started as a walker, AFR guided me on my way to becoming a marathon runner. Morning Jo’s has a great atmosphere, even as early as 6 am! The people are the best part because you meet so many runners and walkers with different stories and journeys, all running the same path!
Robby
By far my favorite run club in Austin is Speedshop Mafia. We technically meet on Tuesday nights for track workouts, but I find myself around my Speedshop friends way more often— weekend long runs, cheer sections of local races, yoga classes, happy hours, group chats, game nights, 12 hills of Christmas, Zilker Relays, and even in the audience of one of my poetry performances. I love that we are there to support each other not only with our running goals, but also with who we are as multifaceted people. Other favorite running communities I’ve found include Nike Run Club up in the domain where I get to pace new and old friends every Monday, and Tuesday morning workouts with Purple Dragons (especially my trio of girlies 💜)
Shanna
My favorite club has to be Run Texas Track Club. I know I’m always going to get a great interval workout with the additional bonus of a super supportive and fun group! Buda Run Club is always fun for a nice and easy long run on Sundays, and usually someone there is willing to run extra miles with you!
Chloe
Without a doubt, my favorite run club is the Ship of Fools. This incredible group is welcoming to runners of all paces and abilities, making it a great fit for anyone looking to join a supportive community. Over the years, I’ve met some of my closest friends through the Shop, and it’s become an important part of my running journey.
The club offers three formal runs each week, with Saturday being dedicated to the long run. What makes the Ship truly special is that it’s 100% volunteer-supported and completely free to join. Members enjoy perks like free race plans, water and electrolytes on long runs, group destination races, and most importantly an amazing sense of camaraderie.
If you’re looking for a fun and welcoming group to run with, The Ship of Fools is the place to be!
Timothy
Martin
Nina
I primarily run with the PfunRunners in Pflugerville. They are an amazing group of people that help me stay on track with my running, and provide a Pfun atmosphere and activities throughout the calendar year that encourages me to keep running. During the summer, or extended breaks during the school year (I’m a teacher), I love running with the Morning Jo’s early on Tuesday mornings. There’s something about running downtown before the sun comes up that just fills my bucket…coffee’s not bad, either!
David
Of course my favorite run club is the Pflugerville Pfun Runners! I’ve been a member of this group since 2018, and it’s been a great fit for me. We are a laid back, casual, and very social group. We have runners and walkers of all speeds. It’s a welcoming group that will support you in your fitness goals, and then have a coffee, beer, or taco with you after your run. We typically meet on Saturday mornings at 7:30 a.m. behind West Pecan Coffe + Beer.
Susan
My favorite club is the Pfun Runners. They’re why I’m still running every year because they’ve become like a family. I love seeing them every week, and I know they’ll be supportive of any distance/pace/training I choose! Join us (the Pfun Runners) in Pflugerville on a Saturday sometime.
Laura
Mondays- Good Grief run club
Tuesdays- Morning Jo’s run club
Wednesdays- On Cloud run club
Thursdays- Desnudo coffee run club
Fridays- Rodeo run club
Thien
Great question! We’re fortunate to have such a wide range of clubs that can suit just about any runner’s preference. Here are three that I love: Monday Night Run (MNR), Ship of Fools (SHIP), and Plant-Powered Athlete (PPA). The first is a club that I help co-lead. We meet at the retail store, Ready to Run, each Monday, and have five routes that vary from flat and fast to extremely hilly (for those who want a challenge!) All paces are welcome, and we follow each run with dinner and HH at nearby restaurants. The second club, SHIP, is an Austin staple within the running community, meets 3X/per week for interval training, tempo runs, and long runs too! (Typically with three distance options). This is great for anyone training for a race and wanting to make targeted improvements in their running practice. Last, Plant-Powered Athlete is my wild-card run club! PPA meets all over Austin, and provides 3 and 5 mile options for walkers and runners, each highlighting local vegan and vegetarian eateries around the city. This group has some of the kindest, friendliest members you’re likely to come across. I encourage anyone reading this entry to check out these groups!
Brianna
Why The Morning Jo’s Is My Favorite Run Club
Austin’s running scene is vibrant and diverse, offering a club for every runner. Among them, The Morning Jo’s stands out as my favorite. Here’s why.
All Faces, All Paces
The Morning Jo’s lives by its “all faces, all paces” philosophy. Whether you walk, jog, or run, there’s a pace group for everyone. This inclusivity creates a welcoming atmosphere where runners of all levels feel supported.
Diverse Pace Groups
One of the best features of The Morning Jo’s is the variety of pace groups, offering from a 7 minute pace to a 12 minute pace group, along with a walking group. As a co-leader of the 10-minute pace group, I’ve met incredible people and built lasting connections. It’s inspiring to share the journey with others striving toward their goals.
A Safe Outlet for Runners
The Morning Jo’s provides a safe and structured environment for runners. Whether it’s navigating the early morning streets or running in a group that looks out for one another, safety is a priority. This reassurance allows everyone to focus on their run without worry, fostering confidence and consistency.
A Welcoming Community
Running with The Morning Jo’s turns a solitary activity into a social, uplifting experience. Friendships flourish over early morning miles and post-run chats, making every run more meaningful.
Embracing Austin’s Running Culture
The Morning Jo’s reflects the best of Austin’s running scene. It’s not just about running but fostering a sense of belonging. The club’s inclusivity and camaraderie highlight the unique spirit of this city.
Join the Fun
If you’re looking to enhance your running routine, explore Austin’s running clubs. For me, The Morning Jo’s checks all the boxes—welcoming community, diverse pace groups, and post-run fun. Join us for a run, and you’ll leave with new friends and a full heart.
Martin
Run clubs in Austin are one of my favorite parts of living here. Through them, I’ve met so many similarly motivated and genuine souls.
One group, my first ever run club, holds a special place in my heart, The Morning Jo’s. When you join, the group tagline, “all faces, all paces” really shines through, and you almost always leave making a new friend. Open to all people of all fitness types, we meet every Tuesday at 6am in front of Jo’s coffee on South Congress for an out and back 4-6mi run. Afterwards, we grab some coffee and chat with friends new and old.
The Morning Jo’s has grown a lot since I’ve joined. To help out, I’ve since had the privilege of joining the pacing team and help lead the 9min pace group. I’m there every Tuesday, so come by and say hi!
But if you can’t make Tuesday mornings or just want more variety, you can also find me at a few others around town. I’m a regular at RAW on Tuesday evenings, will often show up to Sunrise Track Club, and I make the occasional appearance at Fleet Feet Fridays in Seaholm and East Side Beer Runners on Wednesday night. I’m looking forward to trying out a few other run clubs in 2025 as well, so hopefully I’ll see all y’all out at run club soon!
Mike
I particularly enjoy running with The Morning Jo’s, RAW (when u can make it), and Sunrise Track Club. These clubs have connected me with fellow runners and motivated me to improve my pace. Consequently, I’ve had the chance to train with some runners outside of the club, which has been incredibly helpful during those long training runs. You can usually find me running around the Capitol on Tuesdays with the Jo’s, which has become a cherished weekly routine. The supportive environment fosters friendships and enhances my overall running experience.
Kayla
What I love about running clubs is there is one for every one, and every season of your life really. We used to run with the ESBR Crew (East Side Beer Runners) way back in the day at Hops and Grain and now at Central Machine Works. They are always so welcoming, have a large turnout and a great workout. I knew I would always get my hill and tempo runs in regularly. After we had kiddos, we transitioned a little closer to home, and run with the ABW Run Club at Austin Beerworks. What’s fun about this one is it is all paces with some walkers, a loop system so you don’t get left behind, and the kiddos get to run some of it too. But there are many more that we visit for conversations and coffee or beers after. With many early morning ones to knock out a run before work, or afternoon ones to enjoy or bring the family along to, there is really a space for everyone at a run club in Austin!
Rachel
I coached a couch to 5K group for Austin Runners Club two years ago and that became a run group called RunATXNorth. So, I would have to say it’s my favorite. It is a come as you are group, different paces and meets on Sunday AM. We’ve had changes in who runs over time, but there is a core group that helps keep things together. We have also done collab runs with other groups. I’m proud of the fact that it started from zero and keeps going…
Ian
One of my favorite things about the Austin area is all the running clubs! When we moved to Round Rock, there was a Fleet Feet right by my house and I started joining their social runs. Everyone was so positive and friendly, it turned out to be a great fit – I found my running family! Nowadays I mentor with their 5K Run Club Training group, which is important to me since being part of a community means giving of your time and attention to help it grow and stay strong. It is a blessing to have a group of friends who share similar interests and values. I feel like it helps keep me committed to caring for my body and mind. Whether we are running, walking, talking, laughing, or grumbling, we encourage each other and that makes all the difference!
Amber
The Austin running scene has something for everybody and I suggest to looking for what fits your need. The Sunrise Coffee House Tour is a great way to get a taste of them all, see different parts of the city and socialize. I normally run with the Pflugerville Pfun Runners (West Pecan Coffee + Bar, Saturday Morning at 7:30am). They are running/social club for every level (run, jog, trot or walk).
Robert
My two favorite run clubs in Austin are the Circle C run club and the Morning Jo’s. Circle C is awesome because it’s close to where I live and I know everyone so well that they’ve become family to me. The Morning Jo’s is an absolute blast because it’s like a party on Congress Ave on Tuesday mornings with hundreds of people! You can’t beat that fun and energy!
Jennifer
I’ve been running for at least 20 years, and in the early days, I often ran alone at 5 AM. Occasionally, I joined the Ship of Fools, where I loved making friends. However, as my schedule became hectic, I returned to running solo at 5am
in 2018, I founded Rise and Run South Austin to create a safe, welcoming space for people wanting to run before the sunrise in south austin. My goal was to host several 5 AM runs each week and connect with new friends while fostering a sense of community. I love that everyone is inclusive and friendly, and anyone is welcome to join us for free.
Adrianna
While I like running alone sometimes to decompress, I definitely believe running with others has tremendous benefits. One reason I like to run with other people or clubs is to find new trails or routes, and get out of the rut of running the same pace or route each week. The social aspect of running with others helps the time go by much quicker too, so longer runs seem easier. I also get the download on everyone’s ‘go to’ nutrition, rehab technique or upcoming race, so I come away with a lot of new information and ideas! Last, on those early, dark morning runs, there is added safety when running with others, so you can still get your workout in early!
Julie
My favorite club to run with is the Pflugerville Pfun runners. I have been running with them since 2019. I have found the group to be very supportive no matter my goals at any given time.The Pfun runners became my home away from home in my first few years living here and now I consider them Pfamily! If you decide to join us, prepare yourself for lots of laughs and coffee!
Liza Kate
My favorite run clubs are RAW Running, Saturday Run Club and Nike Run. RAW is where I started my running journey again in 2022. It was been one of the biggest motivator to hold myself accountable in my journey. It helped me find love for running and photography back again. Another one to name is Pink Unicorns, while defunct it gave me structure to schedule my runs, RAW – Speed Work, Saturday Long Runs with Pink Unicorns, and eventually led me to leading Saturday Run Club where I’ve personally seen so many firsts, runners starting their running journey from mile 0 to running firsts 5k/10k/Half and Fulls. Nike Run is another fun one, located right in domain and that’s where I get my tempo runs in.
Yash
I go to A LOT of run clubs – tops are Morning Jos, East Austin Run Club, 5Run2, and Fleet Feet CAF!
Whitney
Each year I look forward to the Austin’s Coffee House 10k Sunrise Tour. I enjoy the coffee after the run but the best part is that the runs help me train for the capital 10k. Each different coffee location offers such a different run course that help me get into shape and you can run at your own pace. I also love running with the Circle C Run Club on Saturday. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. You don’t have to have the same running goals or pace to join Circle C Run Club. Everyone is welcomed to join. Happy Running!
Alma
