Toronto's 5 Best Run Clubs

Photo by Juan Granda

I am lucky to live in a family of runners; my dad has run 10 marathons, my sister is a competitive track and cross country runner, and my mom is currently training for her third marathon and is a professional writer for a running magazine. My running accomplishments pale in comparison to theirs, but I am so grateful to have grown up in a runners’ household! If you are not as fortunate to have a built-in running crew, here are some amazing ones here in Toronto that you can join :)

Much like group fitness, running with a group pushes you to run harder and more consistently than you would on your own. I personally love showing up to Nike Run Club without having to stress about creating a route or motivating myself to run a certain pace (see a theme here? I’m actually super lazy lol!) I like to have the work done for me so I can just show up and get the best and most efficient workout. Here are my fave run clubs as well as few I have not yet tried personally but have heard good things about!

1. Nike Run Club: my personal fave, Nike has a very well-organized club. They have two pacers for each speed (6:30 per km, 6, 5:30, 5, and 4:30), and there are always a good number of people in each group so you always have someone to run with. It’s a young and hip crowd. They used to have runs 5 days a week but I think they have recently cut it down to just their Wednesday evening runs (6:30pm). You can choose between 5km or 8km and they provide route cards in case you break away from the group. It meets at the Nike Loft at 548 Richmond St. West. 
2. XSNRG: This is my dad’s run club, but don’t be fooled by all of the old men this a hardcore running club lol! They meet in Sunnybrook park and do intervals (speed work), and hill training. This is also a group you can take at your own pace, since they provide 3 different distance recommendations! Since the workouts are speed and hills, you can't get separated from the pack since they go around a short loop continuously. I love going with my dad and sister when I’m training for a race or even just for a good workout. The speed work and hills will have a great impact on your race times! They meet Tuesday nights at 6:30pm and there is a membership fee.
3. The Running Room: Another one I go to with my dad; the running room has a lovely free run club at most of their locations every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. They offer paid clinics as well which are more organized (I have never done one but have heard good things). The free ones are a bit less organized in terms of you never know if there will be people the exact same pace as you, but it helps to at least have the route and distance provided and the motivation that everyone is out there with you even if you have to break away from the pack at times. 
4. Black Toe Running: I have yet to run with them, but I hear they are a great group as well for all levels. They offer free group runs as well as a paid training club for all levels, and a racing team for more serious runners. 
5. Adidas Running: I have only done one run with them and it happens to be the farthest I have ever run in my life lol! (25km, I was training for a half marathon). It is similar to Nike Run club in its organization, but they have a van so it starts in different locations. They haven't started up yet since the winter but you can join their Facebook group to stay up to date.

Some other ones in the city that I have heard good things about but have yet to try are Team "I Will", UR Enough, and Lululemon. Aaaand if these run clubs get you feeling motivated, read my next post for 5 races to try!