Philadelphia running clubs: Philly Runners

Philly Runners was formed in March 2002 with the goal of creating a centrally-located club in the city that would welcome male and female runners of all ages, paces, and abilities.

The club started out with just a few members but slowly grew over the past 11 years. Today, several hundred area athletes are part of Philly Runners. The group has seen members marry, and many babies born to these couples along the way.

Although it is mainly a running club, members participate in many other activities throughout the year including dinner or coffee after Tuesday runs, Saturday runs, an annual ski trip, a BBQ after the Broad Street Run and Rock n Roll Half Marathon, numerous volunteer projects, and an annual club dinner each fall.

With nice weather on the horizon, Philly Runners expects to see around 30-50 runners at some Tuesday and Saturday runs. Philly Runners always meet in the same spot , at the bottom of the Art Museum steps on the right side under the sign with the museum hours. The club meets Tuesdays (6:30pm for a 4.4 mile out and back run on Kelly Drive), Thursdays (6:30pm for speed work during the winter or darker months and hill repeats on Lemon Hill during the summer or when it is lighter at night) and Saturdays (8 or 9am from Memorial Day to Labor Day for the 8.4 mile loop along West River Drive and back along Kelly Drive.)

To join Philly Runners, just show up to any of the weekly runs.  The runs are never canceled, and there are no dues or any need to RSVP.  The club is a self-described 'friendly bunch,' and welcomes new runners regardless of speed or experience.

Members participate in races throughout the year, ranging from 5K to ultra-marathons. Currently, many members are training for the Blue Cross Broad Street 10 Mile Run on May 5. Philly Runners also have several members preparing for the Boston Marathon or other spring marathons around the country. Their weekly runs are getting members in shape while preparing for extra miles before and after the runs.

For more information about Philly Runners, visit their website at http://phillyrunners.org/

Read more Sports Doc for Sports Medicine and Fitness.