Join the Pack: Houston’s Top Running Clubs

When it comes to inclusive running clubs in Houston, the Bayou City Road Runners (BCRR) set the gold standard. The annual $30 membership fee is a small investment for the sense of community and fun you’ll experience.

Their weekly meetups are hosted at Rice University on Wednesdays and Memorial Park on Sundays, offering you the flexibility to choose what suits your schedule best.

BCRR takes the notion of “fun run” quite seriously. Even if you’re not a die-hard runner, you’ll find your place in this community. What’s the best part? The reward after the run! On Wednesdays, it’s all about pretzels, and on Sundays, it’s a post-run breakfast.

Pro Tip:
The BCRR experience goes beyond the trails. They host award banquets and Christmas parties that you can attend for free. So, stay tuned on the event schedules by keeping an eye on their website and social media pages.

BON Running Club

^{Image Source: BON Running Club Website}

Address: 5611 Morningside Dr. Houston, TX 77005, United States

Phone Number:

The BON Running Club meets once a week on Tuesday for a 5k run in Rice Village at the Gorgeous Gael Irish Bar where the group enjoys some snacks and refreshments after completing the run!

It’s free to join, but they will ask you to sign a waiver before each run. Signing the waiver is also their way of keeping track of how many times you’ve run with them. After 10 participations, you get a shirt and 10% of any Fleet Free Sports purchase in the city!

Pro Tip:
They raise awareness and funds for various organizations, including ones that provide clothing for underdeveloped communities, women empowerment, and healthy associations. So, don’t be afraid to inquire on donation possibilities during a run.

Freaks Come Out at Night Run Club

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If you’re like us and one of the biggest deterrents with running is dealing with the heat and the relentless Houston sun, then the Freaks Come Out at Night Run Club is where you belong. They meet every Friday at 7 pm, with the location changing weekly.

They announce their meet-up points in advance on their Instagram page, so you’re never in the dark about where the run will take you. It’s not unusual to see kids running alongside their parents, adding a family-friendly element to the club’s dynamic.

Pro Tip:
Aside from their Friday runs, they have a 16 week long run program which takes you to routes in the Greater Houston area every Sunday. It’s a great event to sign up for for a more long term commitment that ends in a Marathon to show off your stamina.

Generation Park Run Club

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Address: Assay Street, Houston, TX 77044, United States

The Generation Park Run Club goes the extra mile to create a comfortable space for runners of all backgrounds and experience.

Meeting every Wednesday at 6:30 pm during the summer and Saturdays at 10:30 am in the winter, they take advantage of Houston’s great running weather year-round.

They gather in Redemption Square at Generation Park, and cover 5k during each run. But, shorter routes are available for those who prefer them.

Pro Tip:
Newbies receive a club t-shirt for only $20, as well as a voucher for a free beer or non-alcoholic beverage at Bibo’s Bistro or Bocca Italian Kitchen. Both restaurants also offer club members food and drink discounts, including $2 beers.

Heights Running Club

^{Image Source: Heights Running Club Website}

Address: 601 Heights Blvd #699, Houston, TX 77007, United States

Founded in January 2012, the Heights Running Club is a remarkable addition to Houston’s running community. One of the club’s best features is its open arms policy. Beginners are not only welcomed but encouraged. Even kids can join in!

This free-to-join club meets once a week and embraces the diversity of the running experience. Heights Running Club doesn’t just focus on running, so you can expect varied running distances and tempo, track sessions, uphill routes.

The group meets every Sunday and runs through the Heights and portions of Shaker

Pro Tip:
Try to arrive early at the Strive Mental Health and Wellness building where the group meets every time so you can find take advantage of the street parking (for an hour) and the cubbies inside where you can store your things.

Houston Area Road Runners Association

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Address: 5710 Memorial Dr, Houston, Texas, United States

Phone Number: +1 281 382 3905

Founded in 1993, the Houston Area Road Runners Association or HARRA is a name that resonates in the running community as one of the earliest and most well known running clubs within the city.

HARRA promotes running as both a competitive sport and a healthful exercise in the greater Houston area.One of the remarkable aspects of HARRA is its diverse membership, welcoming individuals of all ages and running levels.

Club activities and competitions offer avenues for members to bond over their shared love for the sport.

Pro Tip:
If you’re a student, take advantage of the special membership offer open to students. You just need to present a valid student ID from high school to graduate school levels for a 50% discount!

Houston Harriers

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If you’re someone who always does better with a little friendly competition, then you should consider joining the Houston Harriers. Thriving since 1975, this running club’s goal from the start is to promote competitive running in the city.

The Tuesday Track takes you to the Rice University Track at night, while Saturday Long Runs in the morning takes you on routes that vary every week.

Wednesday morning runs along the White Oak Bayou Trail with food and coffee after is our favorite!

Pro Tip:
The annual membership fee of $25 is worth it because you gain access to coaching, athletic development, and participation in races where you can set your own pace and select routes that match your preferences and goals

Houston Striders

^{Image Source: Houston Striders Website}

Address: 1000 Bagby St, Houston, Texas, 77002, United States

Phone Number: +1 713 429 5906

When fun, fitness, and fellowship are your running companions, the Houston Striders is where you belong. Established on March 3rd, 1985, this non-profit organization, thrives as a Houston running club with around 350 current members.

The Houston Striders host running routes on Tuesdays through the Memorial Track, Thursdays on the Inner Loop Hills, and Fridays on a longer run through the extended Inner Loop.

While the club takes running and fitness seriously, it also emphasizes the importance of having fun and a sense of community by holding a range of events, programs, and volunteering opportunities.

Pro Tip:
If you’re new to running and you need an extra bit of training and guidance, we suggest you sign up for their Warm Up Series or their SMART Program where you’ll get to hear tips from long-time runners and get buddied up with a pro member.

In Flight Running

^{Image Source: In Flight Running Website}

Address: 1302 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77019, United States

Phone Number: +1 832 619 9280

In Flight Running Club is perfect for those who really want to get serious about running. This follows the “from the ground up” philosophy to help you achieve your personal bests with coaching from pros, community support, and diverse running trails.

The club is great for seasoned racers but also those looking to start running, stay in shape, and cut weight. But, they do suggest being able to run continuously for 3 miles before joining.

Once you join the club, you gain access to an online database of training material, race schedules, and email updates and reminders.

Pro Tip:
If you’re absolutely committed to staying with the In Flight Running Club long term, or at least 3 years, we recommend getting their three season passes, priced from $165 to $525. It’s cheaper than subscribing yearly!

Kung Fu Running Club

^{Image Source: Kung Fu Running Club Website}

Address: 5317 Washington Ave, Houston, TX, United States, Texas

Phone Number:+1 713 864 0642

For those who believe that the best things in life center around running (and beer), the Kung Fu Running Club is the perfect blend of both. Every Wednesday, a passionate community of runners gathers at Kung Fu Saloon on Washington Avenue.

The club’s route ventures into the Rice Military neighborhood and Memorial Park and back. After completing 10 runs, you earn a shirt and a free beer after every run, so make sure you sign up on the iPad so your run can be recorded!

Pro Tip:
The Kung Fu Running Club offers 2 runs, you can choose between the full run which clocks in at 5 miles or the 3 mile run. If you choose the 3 mile run, you can loop back to the Saloon early and wait for the others while enjoying your free beer!

Laces Out Eureka Heights Running Club

^{Image Source: Laces Out Eureka Heights Running Club Website}

Address: 941 W 18th St, Houston, TX, United States

Phone Number: +1 832 953 4677

Laces Out Eureka Heights Running Club is a welcoming club that offers three different runs, cleverly named after their different brews from the Eureka Heights Brewery where the group meets.

The group meets onThursdays at 6:45 pm and sets off on routes that wind through the Heights and along White Oak Bayou. If you’re new to running, the 2-mile option is an excellent choice. And after, you get to cool off with a $2 discount on beer.

Pro Tip:
As you continue to participate in runs, you’ll earn rewards. Complete five runs, and you’ll receive a stylish headband. Reach ten runs, and you’ll proudly wear the club’s t-shirt. Keep going, and after 20 runs, you’ll be sporting Eureka Heights socks.

Memorial Run Club (MRC) Houston

^{Image Source: Memorial Run Club (MRC) Houston Website}

Address: 6202 Washington Ave, Houston, TX, United States, Texas

For young professionals in Houston looking for the ideal mix of fitness and social interaction, the Memorial Run Club (MRC) Houston has a commitment to fun and camaraderie.

The club convenes once a week for a run around Memorial Park, covering approximately 3 miles. While the run is undoubtedly the core of the experience, members often gather to socialize, creating a dynamic and friendly atmosphere.

Pro Tip:
Joining the MRC Houston is as easy as it is free. The Meetup Website is the only way to sign up and become a part of this community of runners. Also, the club’s Facebook group provides a space for members to interact and share tips and tricks.

Njord Running

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Address: 4502 Greenbriar Dr, Houston, TX, United States

If you enjoy running as much as you enjoy contributing to a good cause, the Njord Running Club is a unique running club founded by competitive runners who felt a calling to pull people together so they can empower communities who need help.

The Njord Running Club offers two weekly runs, scheduled for Wednesdays and Saturdays, welcoming runners to join in at their own pace. The club also hosts fundraising events and marathons and donates the proceeds to a list of organizations.

Pro Tip:
If you need running gear that’s stylish and contributes to the community, the Njord Running Club has their own running apparel line from clothes to hats that you can purchase on their website. A part of the proceeds are donated to charity as well.

Fit4Mom

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Address: 1700 Yorktown Dr, Houston, TX 77056, USA

Phone Number: +1 832 271 5603

Youtube

Are you a mom looking to restart your fitness journey while forming friendships along the way? Fit4Mom focuses on providing quality wellness and fitness programs for each unique stage of motherhood. One of these programs is their Run Club in Houston.

This group welcomes new moms and mothers of children who have started school giving them more free time. The Run Club signs you up to an eight-week program on getting fit and building stamina.

From conquering a 5K to mastering a half marathon, this program equips moms with the techniques and training plans they need to run confidently and comfortably in their post-baby bodies.

Pro Tip:
For new moms, the Stroller Strides program, a one-hour speed walking workout without having to part with your little one is perfect to ease into exercising postpartum. Once you get the hang of it, you can sign up for the Run Club!

The Houston Wellness Project

^{Image Source: The Houston Wellness Project Website}

Address: 5020 Montrose Blvd. Suite 800, Houston, TX, United States, Texas

Phone Number: 1 713 714 7470

In the realm of Houston’s running community, the Run for Wellness Free 5K Series which is an initiative by the Houston Wellness Project is a crowd favorite. This nonprofit endeavor is held along the White Oak Bayou on the first Sunday of every month.

The organization also has runs held on the last Sundays that have the George Bush Park as their backdrop. They also host one-time events with announcements on their Facebook page to places like San Jacinto Park, Houston Heights, or Sugar Land.

Pro Tip:
Although you can just drop by the location on the day of the run, you can also register in advance online and receive a bib if you want the organizers to time your run.

Runner’s High Club

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Address: 2039b Sheridan St, Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

Phone Number: +1 832 457 5254

If you’re new to the world of running or just looking to improve your stamina and skills, the Runner’s High Club is your gateway to achieving your running goals. The club provides detailed training programs and guided group runs to all of its members.

The Runner’s High Club meets on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, offering runners ample opportunities to enhance their abilities. On days with no events, they still have members run on their own to make sure they don’t regress or lose their progress.

Pro Tip:
The club does have a membership fee to join, but it’s worth it if you lose motivation when you run on your own. For those targeting a half marathon, the membership fee is $75, while those aspiring to conquer a marathon can gain access for $95.

West End Running Club

^{Image Source: West End Running Club Website}

Address: 5320 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056, United States

Much like the majority of smaller running clubs in the city, the West End Running Club opens its doors to runners of all levels. More than just a club, it’s a community that believes in the transformative power of running while making a positive impact.

The West End Running Club’s weekly runs are designed to be convenient for all members who are encouraged to run at their preferred pace, with routes spanning 2 to 6 miles and gatherings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for maximum flexibility.

Pro Tip:
The club is known for hosting runs that begin and end at their favorite bars, so if you don’t want to sip drinks post-run in your workout gear, pack an extra set of clothes with you!

Wills Hills Running Houston

^{Image Source: Wills Hills Running Houston Website}

Address: 401 S. Heights Blvd. 77007, Houston, Texas, United States

Phone Number: +1 832 656 6445

If you’re a running pro already and you’re tired of the mundane and crave an adventurous running experience, Wills Hills might just be your perfect match. Led by the charismatic leader Will, this club stands out with its hill-y tracks.

Wills Hills offers running sessions that embrace offbeat terrains and hills. The group is informed of the location and meets in the early hours of the morning. A day can be spent on the winding paths at the Waugh Bridge or off-trail along the Buffalo Bayou.

Pro Tip:
Sign up for the mail list. It’s the only way you’ll get notified on where the run will be the day of the event. The locations are as varied as the workouts, ranging from Spotts Park and Lost Lake to Memorial Park and sometimes even Heights Blvd.

Zone Fitness Training Run Club

^{Image Source: Zone Fitness Training Website}

Address: 3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004, United States