The Best Running Clubs in Dallas for Beginners

ChristianRunners.org

ChristianRunners.org is a national organization whose free weekly runs are quickly growing in popularity around the country.

In Dallas, this group offers a Wednesday evening run for any runners looking to find fellowship and motivation in a group environment. All abilities and ambition levels are welcome to come along. The group of 40-50 runners comprises serious and not-so-serious athletes so whatever pace or competitive fire you’re seeking, you’re sure to find a well-matched training partner amongst them.

ChristianRunners Wednesday night meet-ups begin at 6:30pm in front of Allen Bible Church and cover a 3-mile loop through Allen Station Park. This short route that is doable for walkers and run/walkers makes this a great running club for beginners working on their first couch-to-5k. 

Additionally, one of the core aims of this club is to encourage Dallas runners to find fun, fellowship, and friendship while getting active. So, if you are looking for a faith-based run club in which to meet like-minded people and find a kindred community, this is certainly the best place to start.

Find out more about the ChristianRunners mission here.

Pint Striders

I feel like the name of this trail running club does a good job in conveying the two main priorities of this group and the fun they have in achieving both of them. Celebrating its weekly conquering of the Katy Trail with a post-run beer, Pint Striders is the perfect club for trail runners and pint lovers. Or even just those who want to get out into the great outdoors and meet some fun people in the process.

Every Thursday, Pint Striders meet at Local Tap and Table for a group run on the Katy Trail in Dallas. Kick-off is at 6:30pm when these enthusiastic runners take to the trails. However, the real race is back to the bar, where Pint Striders will weekly gather for dinner, crafty drinks and even raffle prizes!

I highly recommend checking out this group’s Facebook page to get a sense of the energy its members bring to each weekly run. Joining together during races, supporting one another at different events, and generally committed to creating a fantastic community, Pint Striders is a great choice for anyone looking to find a social outlet through running.

Dallas Running Club

With nearly 2,000 members taking part in this club’s monthly races, events, and training programs, Dallas Running Club (DRC) is not only a local institution – it’s a place where every runner, from complete beginners to advanced athletes, can find a home.

DRC hosts 3-5-mile social runs on Wednesday nights that are free to join and are followed by a socializing dinner at White Rock Alehouse & Brewery.

For runners wanting to see real improvement, the DRC runs a handful of training programs. Beginning with 5k options and going right up to marathon coaching, each season offers specialized 14-week sessions that will get runners fit, fast, and inspired in a supportive group environment.

Another string to their bow is the races they organize year-round. I like that most races are multi-distance, beginning at one-milers and going right up to marathon distances, so there really is a challenge in there for everyone.

As well as discounts to these races and DRC training programs, additional member benefits include regular social events, local retailer discounts, newsletters and other informational materials and a 2,000 strong community of new friends!

White Rock Running Co-op

I love the sense of collaboration and cooperative community that White Rock Running Co-op has created. This is a running club where every member contributes to cultivating a positive and inspiring environment in which Dallas runners can be challenged and supported in their running goals.

It offers two weekly runs that are casual and non-competitive. On Wednesdays, the group meets for a 3-mile out-and-back that can be shortened or lengthened accordingly before heading to the Lake House Bar & Grill for a social catch-up.

On Saturdays, this group gets serious on its long run, meeting at 7am for routes that range from 6 to 22-miles. Many of this group will participate in half and full marathons so if you’re looking to compete in an endurance race, I recommend WRRC as a place to find a training buddy.

Community is important to this club so if you feel you have the time to invest in building a special running coop and enjoying the company of like-minded people on some easy – or long! – miles, I recommend WRRC.

Dallas Hash House Harriers

The Hash House Harriers are famous the world over for curating madcap, beer-fueled runs through cities and countryside and the Dallas Hash House Harriers is no exception to this tradition. This group is for those looking for a little more adrenaline and alcohol in their running regimen.

Meeting every-other Saturday afternoon, Dallas H3 hosts a trail chase complete with chalk, flour and toilet roll markers for the “pack” to follow before being rewarded with beer and socializing. In the case of the Dallas Harriers, these trails are normally between 3-6-miles and are often broken up with checks to keep the group together so all abilities can keep up. They also are in a wide variety of locations, ranging from a town trail to a Level Five Shiggy, meaning an off-road route that could have briars, mud, water, snakes, and other dangerous things.

Importantly, each trail has a beer stop to refuel. 

I love the non-competitive raucousness of this club, which is a great way to stay active on a Saturday afternoon while still causing chaos! If this sounds like your cup of tea (or beer), find out more here.

PWR (People Who Run) North Dallas

People Who Run (PWR) is a grassroots social running club in North Dallas that comprises runners and walkers of all levels, ages, and abilities who are united in their love of staying active through running and walking. This club was created as a way for local runners to come together and support each other’s goals.

To this end, PWR is quite a relaxed club whose aim is to provide interested participants with the structure and space to run regularly with a group of like-minded people. It meets on Tuesday evenings in different locations for a free group run that welcomes all levels. All participants are encouraged to choose their own comfortable place and the purpose of the group run is to give participants peace of mind and the opportunity to meet with friends who share the same interests.

As well as these runs, PWR is interested in providing racing events and volunteering opportunities to those interested in North Dallas. If you would like to become a Person Who Runs, you can find out more about this casual but welcoming club here.

These are only some of the fantastic clubs available and ready to train with you in Dallas. If you’re looking for even more running clubs to take you on trail adventures, get you ready for your first running race, or to introduce you to some lovely people, you can find the full list of running clubs in Dallas here.

Happy running!