4 Free Fun Run Groups in Washington

For those looking for an extra push, these groups offer free runs every day of the week. By Melissa Romero

Comments () | Published July 11, 2012

Sometimes we all need a little kick in the butt to motivate us to lace up our sneakers and hit the road for a run. Thanks to these running stores and organizations, it can be pretty easy to maintain a structured running plan with the help of others. The following groups offer free “fun runs” throughout Washington every day of the week. Even better, most fun runs are divided by paces, meaning you don’t ever have to worry about being the last in the pack. So whether you’re running your first 5K or are in the market for a new training buddy, read on to see which running group best suits you.

Pacers Fun Run
Monday through Saturday, various times and locations
All six Pacers stores offer morning and evening fun runs that range from three to seven miles. For longer runs, head to the Fairfax or Old Town Alexandria stores on Saturdays at 8 AM and 7 AM, respectively. All paces are welcome.

Lululemon Run Club
Monday through Wednesday, various times and locations
Each Lululemon Athletica location in Washington (Bethesda, Clarendon, Georgetown, Logan Circle, and Tysons Corner) has its own run club and fun run during the week. Runs range from three to six miles, and you can choose your own pace group. Depending on the location, expect a run by the monuments, through the streets of Arlington, along the W&OD Trail, or on the Crescent Trail. Sessions typically end with group stretching, planks, and a quick ab workout.

Potomac River Running
Monday through Thursday at 6:30 PM, various locations
Lasting no more than 50 minutes, Potomac River Running’s fun runs begin at 6:30 PM. Each run goes out and back, so everyone starts and finishes together in their own pace groups. New runners are encouraged to start off easy and run just one to two miles. As for perks, some locations offer post-run beers or a free T-shirt after going on three runs.

Back on My Feet
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 5:45 AM and Saturdays at 8 AM, various locations
Back on My Feet is a nonprofit organization that encourages the homeless to join running programs in order to build up self-sufficiency and esteem. Volunteers are welcome to join the runs that take place throughout the District, but you must first attend an orientation. With five teams in DC, runs typically start at one mile and build as the weeks progress. Each session lasts approximately an hour and 15 minutes.