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Join the Club: The Five Most Prominent Running Clubs near Detroit

Updated: 2 hours ago

Peak running season in Metro Detroit is just around the corner! If you're looking for some extra motivation - and to make a few friends along the way - check out these "Five Most Prominent Running Clubs near Detroit" and lace up your shoes today!

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If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.


This African proverb can be readily applied to a infinite array of bucket-list worthy pursuits. From building a business to scaling mountains, I've never heard of a solo venture that ultimately "went the distance" in reaching its full potential.


There's undoubtedly strength in numbers. Especially when it comes to running, which partially explains the recent surge in running club popularity.


Everyone seems to have their own reasons for joining a running club. From built-in training regimens and planned weekly runs to even pursuing romantic relationships, the global running community has welcomed legions of new members since the Covid-19 pandemic. Some editorials have opined that running clubs are even replacing night clubs and bars as the new go-to venue for social gatherings. Whose crystal ball could've predicted that.


For Team Expedition Detroit, our interest in the most prominent running clubs near Detroit centers mostly on their ability to facilitate a healthier Detroit region - both physically and mentally. The physical benefits of joining a running club, we think, are obvious. Running in a paced, "Zone 2" setting is one of the best (and sustainable) cardiovascular exercises that you can participate in.


The mental health benefits are even more fascinating. Running clubs foster a sense of camaraderie, helping members forge meaningful relationships through shared experiences. The simple act of running alongside others fosters social support, reducing feelings of isolation and increasing overall happiness. Running clubs provide structure, accountability and a built-in support system, making it more likely that members will stay committed to -and thereby accomplish - their wildest fitness goals. Pushing through physical discomfort and challenging oneself in a supportive group setting further builds mental strength and resilience, which translate into other critical areas of life.


So - have we convinced you to join a local running club yet? If you're ready to lace up your shoes for impending 2026 running season, then be sure to check out these "Five Most Prominent Running Clubs" near Detroit!


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Photo courtesy of Running for Brews, Royal Oak

5. Running for Brews Royal Oak

Claim to Fame: Midtown running club that is a staple of the city's running scene.

Running Club Events: Weekly Monday night 5K runs starting at O'Tooles in Royal Oak.


With a name like "Running for Brews," we're not at all surprised that the libations-themed running club has drawn thousands of faithful followers to its membership! As advertised, the running club is especially for any runner who enjoys getting outside, breaking a sweat amongst the company of other fellow runners, and then topping it off with an awesome craft brew. Running for Brews leads a weekly Monday night 5K run, setting off at 7PM from O'Tooles in Downtown Royal Oak. Beyond its weekly runs and crisp IPAs, the running club also coordinates volunteer opportunities at events like the Corktown Races and other running-centric events.



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4. Downtown Runners and Walkers

Claim to Fame: Longest operating running club in the City of Detroit.

Running Club Events: Free weekly group runs - rain, shine, or snow - every Tuesday at 6PM from a new Detroit restaurant or bar.


Founded in 1983 and still going strong, the Downtown Runners and Walkers is the oldest running and walking club in Detroit! The Downtown Runners and Walkers provides a fantastic running club intended to build community and discover the best of Downtown Detroit. DTRW running club describes itself as "a casual, social group, and newcomers are always welcome to join us for our Tuesday night runs."



A group of runners in blue and yellow gear pose outside a brick building with "RUN" on the window. They appear cheerful and energetic. running clubs near detroit run community expedition michigan fitness health wellness RUNdetroit midtown eastern market run club fun
Photo courtesy of RUNdetroit

3. RUNdetroit

Claim to Fame: Eastern Market running store that is a staple of the city's running scene.

Running Club Events: Free weekly group runs year-round (Saturday mornings with 3, 6, and 10-mile route options) and seasonal Tuesday track workouts.


The Eastern Market-based run shop that's also a fixture for Detroit's running community! Beyond representing an established authority for Detroit running, the RUNdetroit shop also coordinates a running club that meets at its flagship store every Saturday morning throughout the year with minimal exceptions — for example, the Detroit Free Press Marathon is appropriately one of them. Various takes on three-mile, six-mile, and 10-mile routes are available, so participants can get in on the action at any skill level. A weekly evening track run is also available with workouts geared toward marathoners.


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2. Ann Arbor Running Company

Claim to Fame: Ann Arbor's preeminent running gear retailer that also leads running club group runs

Running Club Events: Monday Night, Tuesday Night Intervals, Thursday Night, and Saturday Morning Long Group Runs.


Running is better with company - especially when led by THE Ann Arbor Running Company on one of their weekly runs! AARC leads a variety of group runs throughout each week, including 5K Monday runs from Arbor Brewing Co., 5K Thursday night runs from HOMES Brewery, and Saturday morning long runs at 7AM from ARC Traver Village. AARC also teams up with the Ann Arbor Triathlon Club on Tuesdays to lead guided interval group training runs, which are geared towards developing speed and endurance.


A large, cheerful group poses with raised hands outside a brick building labeled "The Red Hook" and "Breadless," with tents and banners nearby. running clubs near detroit run community expedition michigan fitness health wellness werun313 detroit downtown neighborhoods
Photo courtesy of WeRun313

1. WeRun313

Claim to Fame: Detroit's largest and fastest-growing running club.

Running Club Events: Two-Mile Tuesdays, 5K/10K Thursdays, and long Saturday group runs.


Connect. Run. Build. That's the motto of the Detroit region's most prominent running club - WeRun313 - and with thousands of active members, they're certainly delivering on that mantra.


Especially if you're located within jogging distance of Valade Park on the east riverfront, you're guaranteed to find your forever running community by joining a WeRun313 event. While the running club was founded in 2019 with the mission of challenging the stereotype that African-Americans don’t participate in running, WeRun313 has superseded its initial calling by establishing a social running club that connects like-minded individuals while building a healthier and happier community. The club welcomes runners of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds, with a focus on raising awareness about the physical and mental health benefits of running.


More about WeRun313

If you're a proud member of the Detroit region's running community, then you already know that this "Running Clubs near Detroit" article merely scratches the surface of the amazing community-focused running opportunities near Detroit. Here is our shortlist of other running clubs throughout Metro Detroit that might be meeting in your general vicinity:


Needless to say, regardless of your running goals this year - whether you're training for your first 5K, half-marathon, full-marathon, or simply looking for community (or romance) - there's a perfect running club near Detroit waiting patiently for you.


See you on the trails, Detroit!

Looking for more community-based running opportunities? Check out the new "RUN MILFORD" series hosted by our #ExpeditionPartner RunningVenture! Expedition Detroit readers save 15% on ALL RunningVenture races using the code "15EXPDET26".


Do you promote a running club, outdoor recreation venture, or event that you'd like to promote on ExpeditionDetroit.com? Awesome - shoot us an email at info@expeditiondetroit.com to learn more about special marketing opportunities.

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