Philadelphia is a great place to live when you’re a runner.  There are races nearly every weekend, lots of beautiful places to train outdoors, and, perhaps best of all, a strong running community. Which also makes it a great place to live when you want to become a runner—or simply want to meet some new friends or up your motivation.  From beer aficionados and multitasking moms to hardcore competitors or first-time racers, there is a club for just about everyone.

— Write-ups by Alyssa Brindisi. Additional research by Kelly O’Shea

FOR THE OVERWORKED PARENT …
TRY: Fast Tracks Running Club
If you’ve found it tough to juggle the kids and work while still finding time to run, Fast Tracks Running Club could make your life a little bit easier.  Call ahead, and they’ll provide a babysitter for your kiddos while you run. The club also organizes group runs, schedules meetings with informative speakers, and offers various social events (Broad Street Run and Philly Half-Marathon tailgates, summer picnics, and holiday parties), which allow runners time to swap info on everything from training to parenting tips.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs take place at Valley Forge Park (1400 North Outerline Drive, King of Prussia) or Conestoga High School (200 Irish Road, Berwyn)
• Monday – 6:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m., 5-7 miles, VFP
• Tuesday – 5:30 a.m., 10 miles, VFP
• Wednesday – 6:00 a.m., 5-7 miles, VFP; 6:30 p.m., track workout, Conestoga HS
• Thursday – 6:00 a.m. or 6:30 p.m., 5-7 miles, VFP
• Friday – 6:00 a.m., 5-7 miles, VFP
• Saturday – 7:00 a.m., 6 miles, VFP

DETAILS: Yearly memberships are available for individuals and families. Family: $22.50 for entire household; Individual: $15. Babysitting: $5 for one child, $7 for two children and $10 for three children, payable in cash at the run. To join, click here.

FOR THE FIRST-TIME RACER …
TRY: Team Philly Race Training
Want to run your first race but aren’t sure if you have the commitment to train solo? Team Philly, a group of experts from Philadelphia Runner, Fusion Cross Training, and Excel Physical Therapy and Fitness, will help you cross the finish line at the Blue Cross Broad Street Run or the full or half Philadelphia Marathon. Once you enroll in the program, you’ll receive a race-specific training manual, receive weekly emails with running programs and tips, and have the opportunity to run as a group for Saturday long runs and weekly short runs headed by various pace coaches. You will also have guaranteed race registration, a complimentary week of classes at Fusion Cross-Training, and free sports medicine workshops with top local physicians and Excel’s sport therapists. You’ll also score a free “Team Philly” dry-fit T-shirt.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs take place at Philadelphia Runner University City (37th and Walnut Streets), Philadelphia Runner Center City (16th and Sansom Streets), or Lloyd Hall (1 Boathouse Row).
• Wednesday – 6:00 p.m., 3-5 miles, Philadelphia Runner UC
• Thursday – 6:00 p.m., 3-5 miles, Philadelphia Runner CC
• Saturday – 8:30 a.m., distance varies according to training schedule, Lloyd Hall

DETAILS: $150 for the 16-week Full Marathon program; $100 for the 12-week Half Marathon program, with an optional four weeks early start; $75 Broad Street Run. To join, click here.

FOR THE BEER AFICIONADO …
TRY: Fishtown Beer Runners
Combining responsible running with responsible drinking, Fishtown Beer Runners adds a healthy dose of fun to your run. Formed around a study conducted that found beer and water to have similar rehydration effects, the group finishes each run with a rendezvous at a local tavern for quality craft beer and camaraderie.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs take place at 2346 East Susquehanna Avenue
• Thursday – 7:00 p.m., 3-5 mile loops

DETAILS: The Fishtown Beer Runners is open to anyone over 21. There are no dues, and everyone is responsible for buying their own beer. To join, meet the runners at the starting location on Thursday night.

FOR THE COMMITMENT-PHOBE …
TRY: Philly Run Club
If you’re looking for a no-strings-attached group run, City Sports provides a once-weekly group run in a non-competitive atmosphere. Everyone is invited to join in a fun-filled workout with fellow Philadelphia runners, regardless of ability. After your workout, check out the week’s guest vendor, such as Brooks, Zoot, or New Balance for some great run gear. Membership is free and runs take place rain or shine.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs take place at City Sports, 1608 Walnut Street #A
• Tuesday – 6:00 p.m., 4 miles

DETAILS: Membership is free, all you need to do is sign a waiver and bring it to your first run. To download the application, click here.

FOR THE NATURE LOVER …
TRY: Valley Forge Striders
With members ranging from seasoned marathoners to newbies, you will have no problems finding a running partner with the Valley Forge Striders. The group website’s message board makes it easy to find running partners, ask for advice, and view race results. Join in on a weekly or weekend run at Valley Forge Park for a good dose of the great outdoors.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs take place at Runaway Success (Market Place Shops, Collegeville), Conestoga High School (200 Irish Road, Berwyn), Ursinus College (601 East Main Street, Collegeville), or Valley Forge Park (1400 North Outerline Drive, King of Prussia).
• Monday – 6:30 p.m., distance varies, Runaway Success
• Tuesday – 6:00 p.m., track workouts, Conestoga HS; 5:30 a.m., beginner track workouts, Ursinus College
• Thursday – 5:30 a.m., 7-miles, VFP Knox Parking lot
• Saturday – 8:00 a.m., distance varies, VFP Betzwood area; 8:00 a.m., distance varies, Runaway Success
• Sunday – 8:00 a.m., distance varies, VFP Welcome Center

DETAILS: To join, click here.

FOR THE SERIOUS COMPETITOR …
TRY: Philadelphia Runner Track Club
If you loved running during college and would like to continue competing post-graduation, PRTC is a great platform. LaSalle University graduates created PRTC in the fall of 2000 to help foster dreams of national competitions. When five PRTC members qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon in 2004 and 2008, labels such as PUMA and Philadelphia Runner began to sponsor the group, which makes it’s totally free membership possible.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs leave from Lloyd Hall (1 Boathouse Row)
• Sunday – 8:30 a.m., distance varies,

DETAILS: This club is open to all and free of charge. Want to join? Come out to a University of Penn practice and run with us or contact Laura about upcoming meet-ups.

FOR THE WANNABE MENTOR …
TRY: Students Run Philly Style
Becoming a Students Run Philly Style mentor not only keeps you active and involved in the community, but you have the satisfaction of knowing that you helped inspire a child to hit goals they didn’t think were reachable. As a mentor, you will help build positive relationships with your students while increasing their health and assisting them in successfully completing a marathon run – a feat achieved by less than 1 percent of the U.S. population. You’ll help train students three to four days per week, supervise runners at races, attend monthly meetings, and coordinate race registration. In return, you’ll receive complimentary coverage for race registration fees, lunch, and transportation for races, running shoes, a t-shirt, and a running jacket.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
• Tuesday evening, running and cross-training series, locations vary
• Saturday morning, running and cross-training series, locations vary

DETAILS: For more information and to get involved as a Students Run Philly Style mentor, contact the program here.

FOR THE LGBT SUPPORTER …
TRY: Frontrunners Philadelphia
Promoting running throughout the gay and lesbian community for the past 20 years, Front Runners Philadelphia supports runners of every stamina level. Whether you are a jogger, a competitive athlete, or a marathoner, you will find your running and training partner here. Members have countless opportunities to interact and exchange training advice with one another during monthly frontrunner dinners and post-race brunches.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs start at Lloyd Hall (1 Boathouse Row).
• Saturday – 9:30 a.m., 5 miles

DETAILS: Yearly memberships are available for individuals and families. Family: $35 for entire household; Individual: $20. To print your membership form, click here; to contact frontrunners, click here.

FOR THE YOGA LOVER …
TRY: PDR Training with Lululemon
Lululemon provides a running environment suitable for everyone from aspiring marathoners to runners simply looking for companionship. There is no commitment to be made, just stop by for one of their group runs—and stay for a free yoga class to limber up!—when you find time and want to snag a super-fun work out. The free yoga classes are also a great addition to any runner’s training program.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs take place at Philadelphia Runner Center City (16th and Sansom Streets)
• Thursday – 6:00 p.m., 2-3 miles, followed by 10-minute abs workout
• Saturday – 8:00 a.m., 6 miles, followed by a 30-minute yoga for runners clinic

DETAILS: All group runs are free of charge and meet at Philadelphia Runner’s Center City location. Questions, call: 215 563-4806

FOR THE ALL-INCLUSIVE RUNNER, MAIN LINE …
TRY: Bryn Mawr Running Club
Located in the heart of the mainline, BMRC is one of the largest running clubs in the Philadelphia area with more than 400 members. Members represent the club in local, international, and national races such as the Boston and Philadelphia Marathons. You can stay up to date with upcoming race events, race results, and health and fitness advice through the BMRC website and the BMRC newsletter, which is published six times a year. Perks of joining the club include a discount on the entry fee to the Shut Up and Run 5K Race, social events (such as Broad Street Run and Philadelphia Distance Run tailgate parties), and the opportunity to participate in charitable endeavors such as toy and shoe donations. Before you hit the track, snag some running gear at the Bryn Mawr Running Company with your 10 percent membership discount.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs take place at Bryn Mawr Running Company locations in Bryn Mawr, (828 West Lancaster Avenue), Media (13 East State Street), and Manayunk (4320 Main Street).
• Wednesday – 6:00 p.m., 5-, 8-, and 10-mile loops, BMRC Bryn Mawr
• Thursday – 6:00 p.m., 5-, 8-, and 10-mile loops, BMRC Media; 7:00 p.m., 5-, 8-, and 10-mile loops, BMRC Manayunk
• Saturday – 8:00 a.m., 5-, 8-, and 10-mile loops, BMRC Bryn Mawr

DETAILS: Memberships are available for individuals and families for one- or three-year terms. Family: $30 for 1 year, $75 for 3 years; Individual: $20 for 1 year, $45 for 3 years. To join, click here.

FOR THE ALL-INCLUSIVE RUNNER, WEST CHESTER …
TRY: West Chester Running Club
A club devoted to community involvement and promoting personal success, the West Chester Running Club is the ideal running club for any runner who is looking to stay fit and meet great friends. As a member, you’ll have access to Running University, which includes event-specific training schedules, a complimentary membership in the Road Runners Club of America, and free training and racing advice from experienced professionals. You can also sign up for the quarterly newsletter, which includes race reports and upcoming events. Looking to find a running partner? Get to know your fellow group members during WCRC’s monthly First Friday social events, which are held at various locations throughout West Chester, or bond during post-run dinners and drinks, tailgate parties, and picnics. As an added bonus, after joining WCRC you’ll also receive 5 percent and 10 percent discounts at local participating stores on running gear, bikes, and even massages.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs start at Chester County Running Store, (24 South High Street, West Chester).
• Tuesday – 6:00 p.m., distance varies
• Wednesday – 6:30 p.m., distance varies
• Saturday – 8:00 a.m., distance varies

DETAILS: Yearly memberships are available for individuals and families. Family, $20; Individual, $15. To join, click here.

FOR THE ALL-INCLUSIVE RUNNER, MONTGOMERY COUNTY …
TRY: Ambler Area Running Club
Whether you’re a first-time, first-time-in-a-long-time, or an experienced runner, the Ambler Area Running Club has a spot for you. The AARC keeps runners active throughout the year by hosting an annual Frostbite 5-Miler, a summer 5K race, weekly fun runs, seasonal track workouts, and weekly group runs. They provide you with opportunities to enhance your running  through information sessions, classes, and safety programs. Runners keep in contact through the AARC newsletter and online forum. All race proceeds benefit local non-profit organizations, and if you volunteer at club races, AARC will pay your team entry fee to the Broad Street Run or Philadelphia Distance Run.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Starting points listed below.

• Monday – 6:30 p.m., 3-8 miles, Fleet Feet Sports, 1210 Bethlehem Pike, North Wales
• Tuesday – 6:30 p.m., 3-8 miles, North Wales Running Company, 111 North Main Street, North Wales
• Wednesday – 8:00 a.m., 3-8 miles, Born to Run, 901 North Bethlehem Pike, Springhouse
• Thursday – 6:30 p.m., 3-8 miles, Hatboro Horsham HS, 899 Horsham Road, Horsham
• Saturday – 8:30 a.m., 3-8 miles, Starbucks, corner of Sumneytown Pike and Bethlehem Pike, Springhouse

DETAILS: Yearly memberships available for individuals and families. Family: $12.50; Individual: $10. To join, click here.

FOR THE ALL-INCLUSIVE RUNNER, SOUTH JERSEY ….
TRY: South Jersey Athletic Club
For those of you on the other side of the river, the award-winning South Jersey Athletic Club offers group running with a competitive edge. SJAC members have participated in marathons all over the world, and for the past eight years the group has beat out all of the running clubs in the Mid-Atlantic region and taken home top honors in the inaugural Mid-Atlantic Association of USATF Club Challenge. In addition to marathon running, they also host the “No Frills, Just Thrills” summer series of races on six Tuesday nights at Cooper River Park in Pennsauken, and organize weekly group runs.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS:
Runs take place at Haddonfield High School (401 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield), Haddonfield Running Company (144 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield),  or Moorsetown Running Company (115 West Main Street, Moorestown).
• Tuesday – 5:30 a.m., track workouts, Haddonfield HS
• Wednesday – 6:30 p.m., 6.6 miles, Haddonfield RC
• Thursday – 6:30 p.m., 6.6 miles, Moorestown RC
• Sunday – 7:30 a.m., distances vary, Haddonfield RC

DETAILS: Yearly memberships are available for individuals or families. Family: $20; Individual: $15. To download the application, click here.

FOR THE INSPIRATION-HUNGRY RUNNER …
TRY: Back On My Feet
If you need some inspiration to hit your weekly runs,  Philadelphia’s nonprofit Back On My Feet is the perfect fit. The group empowers homeless populations through weekly runs led by volunteer team members. There are already nine established teams within the Philadelphia region composed of competitive, casual, and just-for-fun runners looking to make a difference in someone else’s life. By joining a team—it’s free!—you are required to attend one morning run a week and are then encouraged to attend as many other weekly runs as your schedule permits.

WEEKLY GROUP RUNS
All take place on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Starting points listed below.
• Brotherhood Mission – 5:30 a.m., 1-5 miles, 401 East Girard Avenue
• Our Brother’s Place – 5:30 a.m., 1-6 miles, Corner of 9th and Hamilton Streets
• New Jerusalem Now – 5:40 a.m., 1-4 miles, Temple University, 2011 West Norris Street
• Ridge – 5:30 a.m., 1-6 miles, Corner of Fairmount and Broad Streets
• Ready, Willing and Able - 5:30 a.m., 1-4 miles, Corner of Broad and Bainbridge Streets
• Outley House - 5:45 a.m., 1-6 miles, 6901 Woodland Avenue
• St. John’s - 5:30 a.m., 1-4 miles, 1221 Race Street
• DePaul House – 5:45 a.m, 1-3 miles, 5725 Sprague Street
• Sheila Dennis House - 5:30 a.m., 1-3 miles, 2601 North Broad Street

DETAILS:  To join a BOMF team, please visit one of the team website links above.

Did we leave a great running club off the list? Tell us in the comments below!