Running News Daily

Looking to join your local group after run clubs went viral this year? Here's what to know for the best possible experience.

ALL BRENDAN WILSCH wanted was a slightly different running experience. The 23-year-old New Yorker has spent most of his running life hitting the pavement solo, depending on the activity as an outlet to relieve stress. After spending every outing on his own, he decided to branch out and find some company for a change to add some socialization to his workout.

That’s what led him to join the viral run group headed by Lunge, a fitness-focused dating app for which he’d seen promoted posts plastered all over social media. The group showcased hordes of people running the streets, then hitting bars en masse afterwards. To Wilsch, it seemed like a fun way to make friends. 

Except the focus on the activity at hand—running—was notably lacking. Wilsch arrived early to the group on a Wednesday evening in July. The group's organizers didn't lead a warmup, so he made time for one on his own. At about 6:50 p.m., the sizable crowd (Wilsch thought about 800 people were there, and an NBC New York broadcast report from July claimed over 1,000 people had RSVP’d to a similar event) was greeted by the run club leaders, Lunge app founder Steven Cole and group fitness instructor Rachel Lansing (Lunge Run Club organizers did not respond to requests for comment on this story). “They welcomed everybody to run club and thanked them for being there and making Lunge turn out to be something bigger than they ever expected,” Wilsch says. “Then they spoke about the app and said, ‘If you see somebody here, and you may not have the courage to go talk to them, download the app, and maybe you'll find them on there.'"

He found that most people in the crowd were outgoing and friendly, even if some seemed hesitant to jump right into mingling mode. After splitting the hundreds of people into a few

This is not how run clubs usually operate, whether they’re in NYC or elsewhere in the world. These groups have broken through run-centric subculture and entered the mainstream; Runner's World notes that Running in the USA lists 968 clubs across the country, and you can find stories about run clubs everywhere from Oakland to rural Australia. Yet it was Lunge that commanded TikTok and Instagram algorithms this summer, especially as young people yearned to meet new friends IRL amidst a “loneliness epidemic.”

There’s some logic to this for outsiders looking in; the groups consist of people sweating and getting their endorphins up doing a healthy activity together. Even better (and unlike group fitness classes at boutique studios or rec sports leagues), clubs are often free to attend or only cost a monthly fee once you become a consistent member training for a specific goal, so you don’t have to worry as much about draining your bank account while simultaneously making a few friends, leveling up your V02 max, and dropping your 5K time.

Not everyone was into this new trend, especially because of what it started to morph into. Apps and groups like Lunge pushed the idea of making

Run Club Best Practices

WHETHER A RUN club prioritizes relationship-building or PR-chasing, it'll almost always have a standard operating protocol that differs greatly from what Wilsch experienced at Lunge. There are rarely groups that large that traverse busy city streets, for one, and most will have more hands-on involvement and organization from leaders to maintain the dynamic beyond show up and jog. The run of show typically includes introductions to the coaches, pacers, and organizers and any need-to-know safety tips or other housekeeping info. Then comes an icebreaker, a warm-up, the run itself (or running workout), a cooldown, hydration, and goodbyes. In commuter cities, there’s also potentially a bag check.

Once runners hit the streets (and even in parks or on public tracks), they shouldn’t just go out in a huge group. There are cars, cyclists, and pedestrians who are on the roads too, and club members will inevitably wind up going at different paces. That’s why many run groups include two kinds of leaders guiding you through the run: pacers and sweepers. Pacers set the tone and time for the group or the smaller groups that break out according to their expected speed

Every run group, whether social-focused or PR-driven, should have structure and safety guidelines (like pacers and sweepers). But run group social dynamics exist on a much more vast spectrum. Some, like Brooklyn Track Club in NYC, are great for prepping runners for races. Others, like Martinus Evans' Slow AF Run Club, focus on inclusivity. Some even affiliate with major brands to allow members to test new gear. In any scenario, bonds are eventually formed by routine and the time spent sharing the experience. It’s a community, and the social dynamics of one persist. Some people like Amir Gamble, a 33-year-old in New York who has been running in the club scene since 2022, join multiple groups. He consistently attends two different runs depending on what he’s looking for—a few miles at a conversational pace to socialize, or focused training and track workouts. He says the groups he’s enjoyed most have established leadership and a welcoming environment, not necessarily the fastest people on the streets.

Gamble’s run sessions are much smaller than Lunge’s massive crowd of nearly 1,000 people. “That’s nearly as many as the race I just did!” he exclaimed, referring to this August’s Brooklyn Mile road race. No matter the organizers’ intentions, he worried about how anyone could safely run on busy city streets and sidewalks in such a large group.

Nearly as pertinent an issue, given Lunge’s stated mission to bring people together, is how hard it actually is to get to no anyone when a run includes hundreds of people. Many run groups count 25 runners max at a normal session, so the workout can start with everyone introducing themselves and participating in an icebreaker activity; it all takes about 15 minutes. When the group swells, that portion of the run requires more time, infringing on the run and your chances at knowing who you're keeping up with on the road. Expecting an immediate connection is like expecting that you’ll set a 10k record the first time you lace up your shoes. Friendships take work.

“Some people chat a little bit after but, usually within 10 or 15 minutes the group kind of dissipates,” Gamble says of his run groups’ social

There are some baseline expectations you should have if you attend a run club. Firstly, the group should center your safety and give you some info about what it takes to be a better runner, according to Zapotechne. “Are they providing electrolytes? Are they helping runners understand what to consider when running in the heat? Or, the safety and etiquette of running in the street in a large group? You run two across [on the street] versus 10,” she rattles off. Even groups without brand partnerships or financial resources should be providing basic running best practice information to their community.

You’ll also want to be mindful of leadership, since you’ll be trusting the coaches with your time and your safety. There are run clubs that are just small groups of friends getting together for a jog and social hour every week without a clear hierarchy—but once the group starts to include people who want to run at different speeds and tackle different goals, it becomes critical that someone takes charge and leads. Ideally, these people have extensive experience with run training and are also actively participating in the run community and culture of the area. Importantly, leaders should also make efforts to establish a safe and inclusive environment within their club. “I think a green flag when it comes to co-ed running groups is when you see both male and female leadership,” Zapotechne says.

Beyond road safety, and with the rise of run club culture via social media in particular, Zapotechne points out the importance of acknowledging boundaries among members. “I did a lot of workshops and training with my staff around what was appropriate and not appropriate, and we had to have (sometimes many) conversations around boundaries when it comes to interactions [with club attendees],” she notes. This includes more obvious things like physically touching, like hugging after runs or unsolicited help with stretching, and murkier territory like when it's inappropriate to send DMs and texts. You should know that if you join a run club and immediately start receiving unsolicited messages—especially from those in charge—something is off. “If you're in a leadership position, you don't slide in the DMs of people that are showing up to your group. That could be a pacer, crew runner, captain or coach. You're not there to date the people who come to your running group,” she says.

A good way to ID a run club that is more focused on sport and movement is to check out the way they communicate their training plans on social media. Do they use terminology like intervals, fartleks

Some victories are measured by finish times. Others are defined by the obstacles overcome simply to reach the starting line.

For American Paralympic swimmer Ali Truwit, completing the New York City Marathon represented far more than covering 26.2 miles. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and unwavering determination that began with a life-altering shark attack just two years earlier.

On a crisp November morning in 2025, Truwit crossed the iconic finish line wearing a carbon-fibre running blade, fulfilling a promise she had made while recovering in a hospital bed after losing her lower left leg. The emotional milestone marked another remarkable chapter in one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern sport.

The road to that unforgettable finish began only days after Truwit celebrated a major personal achievement. In May 2023, she completed her first marathon in Copenhagen alongside her mother. Just ten days later, while enjoying a graduation trip to Turks and Caicos with former Yale swimming teammate Sophie Pilkinton, tragedy struck.

While the pair were snorkelling, a shark attacked Truwit, severely injuring her left leg. Displaying remarkable courage, the two swam approximately 55 metres back to their boat, where Pilkinton—then a medical student—quickly applied a tourniquet that stopped the bleeding and ultimately saved Truwit's life.

Doctors were forced to amputate her lower left leg on her 23rd birthday.

Even in the darkest moments of recovery, Truwit's determination never disappeared. Reflecting on having recently completed her first marathon, she joked with one of the first responders that at least she had managed to run a marathon before the attack. The responder's simple but powerful reply would remain with her throughout rehabilitation: "You'll run another one."

Those words became a source of hope during the long and demanding road back.

Only weeks after surgery, Truwit began learning to walk on a prosthetic limb before gradually returning to the swimming pool. The process was anything but straightforward. The water that had once been her sanctuary became a source of painful memories, yet she refused to allow fear to define her future.

Her relentless work ethic soon produced extraordinary results.

Less than 16 months after the attack, Truwit represented the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, producing a sensational performance to claim both silver and bronze medals. Standing on the Paralympic podium was a powerful reminder of how far she had come in such a short period, and she dedicated those achievements to everyone who had helped save her life.

Still, another dream remained unfinished.

The New York City Marathon carried deep personal significance. It was not merely another endurance event but a symbolic return to the city where her life had changed forever. On November 2, 2025, she lined up in Staten Island accompanied by 13 family members and close friends, all proudly representing her nonprofit foundation, Stronger Than You Think. Among them was Pilkinton, the friend whose quick thinking had preserved her life on that unforgettable day in the Caribbean.

Together, they covered every mile of the marathon before celebrating an emotional finish that Truwit later described as being "over the moon."

Completing a marathon on a carbon-fibre running blade presents challenges far beyond those faced by able-bodied runners. The prosthetic demands greater strength from the hips, core, and remaining leg while requiring exceptional balance, coordination, and endurance. Truwit's preparation combined months of disciplined training, patience, and mental resilience as she effectively taught herself how to run again.

Her story extends well beyond medals and marathon finishes.

Inspired by her own recovery, Truwit founded Stronger Than You Think, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome physical and financial barriers following limb loss. Recognising that sports prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance, the foundation provides financial assistance for prosthetic devices, supports water-safety education, and promotes opportunities within Paralympic sport.

The organisation has already helped provide more than 11 prosthetic limbs, delivered nearly $200,000 in direct support, and funded over 4,000 hours of water-safety lessons benefiting more than 700 young people.

Throughout her journey, Truwit has remained refreshingly honest about the emotional challenges that continue to accompany recovery. She has openly acknowledged that healing is an ongoing process and that grief can still come in waves. Rather than portraying an effortless comeback, she has demonstrated that resilience is built through persistence, even on the hardest days.

Her remarkable transformation resonates far beyond elite sport. While few people will ever experience the trauma she endured, countless runners and athletes understand the frustration of injury, disappointment, or rebuilding after adversity. Truwit's journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear and that courage is often measured by the willingness to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.

Now looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Truwit continues to redefine what is possible. She is no longer known simply as the swimmer who survived a shark attack. She has become a Paralympic medallist, marathon finisher, advocate, and symbol of resilience whose story continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Her journey proves that while life can change in an instant, so too can the strength of the human spirit. Sometimes the greatest triumph is not returning to the person you once were, but discovering someone even stronger than you ever imagined possible.

Sprint and hurdles superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has entered an exciting new chapter in her remarkable life, welcoming her first child with husband Andre Levrone. The four-time Olympic champion and women's 400m hurdles world record holder announced the birth of their daughter, Savannah Michelle Levrone, who was born on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The couple shared the joyful news with an emotional message celebrating the arrival of their daughter and expressing gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the pregnancy. Sydney described Savannah as "our blessing and our joy," while expressing excitement and faith for the future that lies ahead for their growing family.

The announcement marks a deeply personal milestone for one of the most accomplished athletes of her generation. Renowned for redefining the women's 400m hurdles through a succession of record-breaking performances, McLaughlin-Levrone now embraces a new role beyond the track as a mother.

The timing of the announcement adds another layer of significance. Just days earlier, Sydney reflected on the 10th anniversary of qualifying for her first Olympic Games at only 16 years old—a breakthrough that launched one of the most decorated careers in modern athletics. Ten years later, her journey has come full circle with another life-changing milestone, underscoring that her greatest moments continue to extend beyond sporting success.

The arrival of Savannah Michelle Levrone has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from athletes, fans, and the wider sporting community, who have celebrated the couple as they begin this new chapter together. As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps into motherhood, the athletics world will undoubtedly continue to follow her inspiring journey—both on and off the track.

Ethiopia's Tsige Gebreselama produced one of the standout road running performances of the season on Sunday, storming to victory at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, with a sensational course record of 47:29.

From the opening kilometers, Gebreselama controlled the race with remarkable composure and precision, maintaining a relentless pace that ultimately erased the previous course record and secured one of the fastest performances ever recorded on the historic course. Her commanding display further reinforced her reputation as one of the world's leading road and distance runners.

The Ethiopian celebration continued as Melknat Wudu crossed the finish line in second place in 47:44, completing a dominant one-two finish for her country. Kenya's Priscah Cherono claimed third in 48:14 after a determined effort, rounding out a world-class podium in a race featuring some of the finest distance runners on the international circuit.

The battle behind the podium remained fiercely competitive. Kenya's Everlyn Kemboi finished fourth in 48:28, narrowly ahead of compatriot Selah Busienei, who clocked 48:31 for fifth. Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta and Alem Nigus Tsadik followed in sixth and seventh respectively, while Kenya's Mercy Cherono secured eighth place.

American athletes also delivered encouraging performances on home roads. Veteran Stephanie Bruce finished ninth in 50:40, with Jackie Gaughan completing the top ten in 51:02 to cap a strong showing for the host nation.

Boilermaker Road Race 15K – Women's Top 10 Results

1. Tsige Gebreselama (Ethiopia) – 47:29 (Course Record)

2. Melknat Wudu (Ethiopia) – 47:44

3. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 48:14

4. Everlyn Kemboi (Kenya) – 48:28

5. Selah Busienei (Kenya) – 48:31

6. Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) – 48:46

7. Alem Nigus Tsadik (Ethiopia) – 48:48

8. Mercy Cherono (Kenya) – 50:23

9. Stephanie Bruce (United States) – 50:40

10. Jackie Gaughan (United States) – 51:02

The women's race combined exceptional depth with remarkable speed, as several athletes broke the 49-minute barrier in a contest that showcased the global strength of elite road running. Gebreselama's record-breaking run now stands as a new benchmark in the rich history of the Boilermaker 15K, adding another memorable chapter to one of the United States' most celebrated road races.

Kenya's Alex Matata delivered a sensational performance to claim the men's title at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, producing a dominant run that underlined his growing reputation as one of the world's finest road racers.

Matata surged to victory in an outstanding time of 42:24, mastering the demanding course with a display of strength, speed, and tactical brilliance. His commanding performance secured a memorable triumph in one of the United States' most celebrated road races, adding another significant international victory to his career.

Kenya's success was further highlighted by Kiprono Sitonik, who produced an equally impressive run to finish second in 42:53, completing a remarkable one-two finish for the East African nation. South Africa's Adam Lipschitz rounded out the podium after clocking 43:14 to claim third place following a determined effort.

The race featured a highly competitive international field, with American athletes Reid Buchanan and Hillary Bor finishing fourth and fifth respectively, while another Kenyan, Victor Shitsama, added to his country's strong showing by taking sixth place.

Matata's victory once again showcased Kenya's enduring strength in global road racing, as its athletes continued to dominate major international competitions through exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and relentless finishing speed. His performance in Utica not only thrilled the spectators lining the streets but also reinforced the depth of Kenyan distance running on the world stage.

Men's Top 10 Results – Boilermaker Road Race 15K

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) – 42:24

2. Kiprono Sitonik (Kenya) – 42:53

3. Adam Lipschitz (South Africa) – 43:14

4. Reid Buchanan (United States) – 43:38

5. Hillary Bor (United States) – 43:40

6. Victor Shitsama (Kenya) – 44:02

7. Futsum Zienasellassie (United States) – 44:32

8. Charlie Sweeney (United States) – 44:37

9. Sam Lawler (United States) – 44:54

10. Tyler Berg (United States) – 45:08

With another major road racing title added to his résumé, Alex Matata continued his impressive 2026 campaign while reinforcing his status as one of the leading names on the international road racing circuit. The Boilermaker 15K once again delivered a high-quality contest, with athletes from across the globe producing memorable performances in one of the United States' most prestigious road races.

Eliud Kipchoge's remarkable World Tour continued on Brazilian soil as the Kenyan marathon icon completed the New Balance 42K Porto Alegre Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:18:39 to place 12th overall during the second stop of his ambitious seven-continent global running tour.

Competing against a strong international field, the two-time Olympic marathon champion displayed the resilience and determination that have defined his legendary career. While the result was not among the victories that have made him one of the greatest marathon runners in history, Kipchoge once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment that continues to inspire athletes and fans across the globe.

Morocco's Zineddine Ouria claimed victory in a superb 2:08:49, with Kipchoge finishing 9 minutes and 50 seconds behind the race winner after navigating the demanding course in Porto Alegre.

Kipchoge began the race with controlled and confident pacing, reaching 5km in 15:34 before passing the halfway mark in 1:05:07. As the race entered its decisive stages, the pace gradually slowed, but the veteran marathoner pressed on with characteristic determination, completing the 42.195-kilometre challenge in 2:18:39.

For many, the story will be told through the finishing position. But for those who truly understand greatness, this journey is about far more than medals, records, or podium finishes. Kipchoge's World Tour is a celebration of the sport itself—an opportunity to connect with runners across every continent, inspire the next generation, and continue living by the philosophy that has become synonymous with his career: "No Human Is Limited."

The Brazilian appearance also carried added significance, coming shortly after Kipchoge was permanently honoured in Porto Alegre with his footprints unveiled at the entrance of Parque Harmonia—a lasting tribute to his extraordinary impact on distance running and his enduring legacy in the sport.

Once a champion. Forever an inspiration. Legends do not stop inspiring when the victories become fewer; they inspire because they never stop showing up. Through every stride, every finish line, and every challenge embraced, Kipchoge continues to prove that true greatness is measured not only by what an athlete wins, but by the lives they touch along the way.

With the second stop of his World Tour now complete, Kipchoge will turn his attention to the next chapter of his global adventure when he lines up at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia this October. Wherever he races, millions will once again follow the journey of a man whose legacy extends far beyond the stopwatch.