Best Running Clubs In The Bay Area
The best running club is the one that will get you up and out on a weekend morning or tying up your laces after a long day at the office. The extra motivation of a group you're looking forward to seeing could be just what you need. One of the best running clubs in the San Francisco Bay Area may be convenient for you. We suggested these in 2013 and have now added several more.
www.marathonmatt.com
Matt is the club director of the San Francisco Running Club. He and his team offer running groups and personalized training sessions around the Bay Area. You can get ready for Bay to Breakers with your centipede or gear up for a personal best in the San Francisco Marathon or a half marathon. Named best running club by 7x7 magazine and second best in their small business contest, your feet are in good hands. Membership ranges from $75 to $150.
A Runner's Mind
www.arunnersmind.com
Meet up at the shop on Sacramento Street in Presidio Heights, at the new location in Lafayette, or at the original Burlingame location. Join the running clubs for free or take a 10-week training class in Burlingame if you're getting ready for a competitive event. Meet-ups are Tuesday and Thursday evenings plus Saturday mornings when two run clubs head for the track, the hills or the glorious Presidio trails nearby guided by USATF/RRCA/NASM certified coaches. Stick with it in the city and you'll be doing a jaunt over the Golden Gate Bridge. All levels are welcome and you'll soon meet running buddies and a community of local runners. There are no signups, no pressure, no commitment, no cost. Lafayette running club is coming soon.
Sports Basement (credit: Randy Yagi)
Sports Basement
www.shop.sportsbasement.com
Sports Basement has a running club in each of their four Bay Area locations (Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Sunnyvale and Campbell) plus two in the city (Presidio and SoMa). They're free to join and head out at 6:15 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. on different weekday evenings at each location. Campbell offers a Saturday morning run and Sunnyvale has a Sunday morning run as well. Check the website for any changes in schedule, otherwise just meet up in front of the store; no reservation required.
(credit: sfrrc.org)
San Francisco Road Runners Club
www.sfrrc.org
Are you marathon minded? Train for your personal running goal. SFRRC is a 15-year-old, 400-strong, all-volunteer, nonprofit group, affiliated with nationwide Road Runners Clubs of America. Dedicated to long distance running, this is the official training program for the San Francisco Giant Race Half Marathon in September. Meet-ups are three times a week in various locations, with test runs of 3-18 miles to learn more on a Saturday morning. Each week, there's a Saturday pace group and long run, a Tuesday night track workout, and Thursday night group runs. Weekly routes are posted online for members who pay an annual fee of $150 to include benefits. Go online for more details.
(credit: svtriclub.org)
Silicon Valley Triathlon Club
www.svtriclub.org
If you're interested in taking your passion for running to the challenge of multi-sport, get in touch with SVTC. From Silicon Valley Kids Triathlon (now in its 16th year) to their NTTS (New To The Sport) program, SVTC provides coaches and promises members of every level the opportunity to find training partners to swim, bike or run with. Never too serious to have fun, the 450-plus member organization is nonprofit, suitable for all ages and abilities. Join for free and make new friends; monthly social events include happy hours, post-workout meals, a summer barbecue and an end of season celebration.
This article was written by Laurie Jo Miller Farr via Examiner.com for CBS Local Media