Looking to hit the pavement and find your stride?
Westchester is home to a vibrant array of running clubs that cater to every level of runner. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or just starting out, these clubs offer a perfect blend of fitness, camaraderie, and motivation.
It’s a perfect way to find community in a sport that you have either loved for a long time or are just trying out. What starts as a run usually ends with a hangout over cold drinks, laughs, and sore muscles.
Here is a roundup of some of Westchester’s top running clubs, with information about club sizes, when they meet, costs (if applicable), and any other need-to-know details.
P.S. Did we miss a club? Email us here so we can add it!
Bad Ass Running Krew
Meets: Sundays 8 a.m. and Wednesdays 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Running with the Bad Ass Run Krew means no one gets left behind. The running club runs on both pavement and local trails. All paces are welcome. The Krew often has themed runs like the Popsicle Dash, where at the end of the run you’re rewarded with a popsicle.
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Briarcliff Manor Running Club
Meets: 8 a.m. on Saturday mornings at various locations. Exploring additional weekday meetups for fun runs, sprints, and strength/conditioning.
Cost: Free
From the paved runner-friendly roads to the North County trail and the trails of Rockefeller Nature Preserve, Briarcliff Manor is a runner’s paradise. The club welcomes runners of all abilities and backgrounds and was created to bring together likeminded outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy running and being active members of the community.
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Croton Running Company Club
Meets: The Green Growler, 4 Croton Pt, Croton-on-Hudson; Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Cost: Free
“Do what you love, move every day,” says Ellen Brecher of the Croton Running Company Club.
That’s her motto. Brecher encourages people to join anytime, saying all are welcome. The group meets at the same time and location on Thursdays, but there are other opportunities as well. That includes a joint venture with Run PB, which kicks off on Fridays at 5:30 a.m. from Matters Coffee (located at 50 Maple Street). On Saturdays, a ladies-only run sets off at 9 a.m. from alternate locations each week.
Run PB
Meets: 5 John Walsh Blvd, Peekskill; Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
Cost: $25/year for individuals, $25/year for families
A 501(c)3 running club, Run PB is “dedicated to bringing the community together through running and walking,” says co-founder Francesca Battaglia. Its mission is to provide an encouraging space where people of all fitness levels can get healthy and have fun in the company of an inclusive team.
“We are an inclusive club that welcomes everyone and supports each individual year-round through the highs and lows of life,” says co-founder Heather Bishop.
Besides Tuesdays, the group meets on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at a location that alternates weekly and can be found on Instagram @breweryrunning. Beer is at 7 p.m.
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Rivertown Runners
Meets: Sleepy Hollow High School, 210 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; Saturdays and Sundays at 8 a.m., Tuesdays at 6 a.m., Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Cost: $30/year
Rivertown Runners has 150 members from the local area, with visitors from Great Britain, Germany, and even Australia. The Saturday and Sunday route is six to seven miles, with everyone completing it at different paces. “No one runs alone,” says Todd Ruppel, founder and president of Rivertown Runners.
Thursdays are another opportunity for a run with a large community aspect. A five- to six-mile run leaves from JP Doyle’s in Sleepy Hollow at 6 p.m. and ends with refreshments and conversation.
The club was first created in 2010 to host community races, with the first race being the Sleepy Hollow Halloween 10K, followed by the addition of the Sleepy Hollow Half Marathon. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the group has donated more than $750,000 to local charities and organizations in the area.
Sunday Runs
Meets: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at varying times and locations
Cost: Free
“While we’ve gotten the reputation of being hardcore with some members running races 100 miles or more, our goal is to offer all runners, regardless of experience or capability, a group where they can make friends, get exercise, have fun, and experience nature in one of the many local parks,” shares Lee Willett, director of Sunday Runs.
The organization has had regular runs for over 14 years, first starting as a training group for the Leatherman’s Loop trail race. It offers different paces, distances, and courses based on each runner’s capabilities. For example, the Rookie Runners program on Sundays at 7 a.m. is designed for the novice who wants to give trail running a try.
Folks in the group make occasional contributions, but there are no dues. “Run free,” says Willett.
NewRo Runners
This group brings together runners of all levels to connect, jog, and explore local trails and neighborhoods. This social club provides running and non-running events. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for running routes and times.
Westchester Wolves Track Club
This competitive track program is offered to youths ages six to 18 years of age. This program can prepare kids for Nationals and the Junior Olympic Games.
Mikkeller Run Club Westchester
MRC Westchester meets on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at Growlers Beer in Tuckahoe. Afterwards, enjoy a beer at a local brewery in town. Direct message the group on social media to learn more about weekend runs and activities!
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Yonkers Running Project
Join this running club that works to promote health, diversity, and community engagement through running. No signups are needed. Join the group on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. for a weekly 5k and Saturdays at 8 a.m. for a longer run.
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Leatherman Harriers Sunday Runners
The Leatherman Harriers Sunday Runners Group typically meet at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation on Sundays at 8 a.m. Trail runs are typically five to eight miles. Sign up on the website for more information
