Race to the finish line with these 10 Atlanta social run clubs

With its beautiful trees, scenic routes, and yes, even its pesky hills, there is no denying that running is a popular sport in the city of Atlanta. In fact, Atlanta is home to the largest 10K in the world, the Peachtree Road Race, and offers a multitude of additional signature races throughout the year. Whether you are a veteran in the sport or just looking to start, the good news is that there are plenty of social-run clubs across Atlanta that welcome people of all levels and backgrounds that you can join for additional motivation. In fact, many of these clubs also put on local community races. We’ve rounded up 10 Atlanta run clubs that will put the fun in your next run.

Atlanta Track Club

Considered Atlanta’s premier running club responsible for all the major races and events across the city (including the Peachtree Road Race), Atlanta Track Club encourages runners/walkers of all ages to participate, grow and compete in the sport. While events are available for the community to participate in by paying entrance fees, joining Atlanta Track Club gives you access to multiple free races throughout the year, as well as “race specials” such as the Triple Peach and Grand Prix. Learn more about memberships and events on their website.

Website: atlantatrackclub.org

Atlanta BeltLine Run Club

Whether you are team Eastside, Westside, Southside or Northside, the Atlanta BeltLine Run Club has a space (and pace) for you. Runs/walks take place each Thursday starting at 6:15 p.m. and consist of two to four-mile increments. The runs start/end at a BeltLine brewery, where participants can enjoy specials on food and drinks, as well as raffles and free Atlanta Track Club race entries. Check the schedule for more information and details.

Website: atlantatrackclub.org/monthly-group-run-schedule

Big Peach Run Club

Big Peach is a specialty fitness store aiming to help Atlantans maximize their workout routines by offering footwear, apparel, bikes and even social group runs. These group runs take place over varying distances and welcome runners (and walkers) of all paces. Regardless of whether you live near a Big Peach in Midtown, Brookhaven, Decatur, Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Marietta, Cumming, or Suwanee, you’ll find a dedicated social run. Weekday runs begin at 6:30 p.m. and weekend runs begin at 7:30 a.m. Check the schedule for more information and details.

Website: bigpeachrunningco.com

West Stride Run Club

Find your stride with the running community at West Stride, a locally-owned (and woman-owned) specialty running store located on Northside Parkway. In addition to selling top-quality footwear, apparel and electronics, West Stride also offers welcoming group runs and training programs for runners of all fitness levels, and its participants are active in local Atlanta races. Check West Stride’s website for more details.

Website: weststride.com

Metro Area Run Club (MARC)

Tackling long-distance runs can take a toll on both your body and mind. Make hitting those miles a bit more social and enjoyable by joining a community of people just as passionate about running. Membership for Metro Area Run Club (MARC) is $35 for a year and offers weekday runs, Saturday runs, training plans, coaches and more.

Website: runwithmarc.com

Black Girls Run, Atlanta Chapter

Black Girls Run was started in 2009 to combat the unfortunate common misconception that Black women just don’t run. The community aims to make fitness and healthy living a priority for the Black community by providing training, resources and overall encouragement for runners, both new and veteran. There are 76 Black Girls Run chapters all over the United States, including one in Atlanta. Check out their Facebook page for more details on specific events and how to get involved.

Website: blackgirlsrun.com

Atlanta Run Club

With sponsorships and collaborations with Nike, Lululemon, Adidas, Under Armour and more, Atlanta Run Club is focused on a simple mission - running. Consider joining one of their completely free weekly runs at Ponce City Market (starting at the Nike store), Piedmont Park (at the intersection of 10th and Monroe) and Cheney Stadium in Summerhill (for those who want to hit the track). Check their website for more details.

Website: atlantarunclub.com

Atlanta Running Meetup

Meetup is a great website to meet people with like-minded interests, including running and walking. The Atlanta Running Meetup was founded in 2008 and has evolved into a thriving community across Atlanta that aims to promote friendship, networking and exercise. Group runs take place on Saturday, Sunday and Monday and feature structured runs ranging from 2.5 miles to 5 miles and even more depending on the goals of the run. Check their Meetup page for more details and the schedule.

Website: meetup.com

Chattahoochee Road Runners

If you are searching for an active community of runners, sprint on over to sign up for Chattahoochee Road Runners. Membership is $45 for the year and consists of weekly Saturday group runs, discounts at local running stores, social events, volunteer opportunities and more. Group runs take place in various locations across Atlanta. Contact the club for more details on how to join and get involved.

Website: crrclub.com

Atlanta Muslim Running Club

Promoting healthy lifestyles combined with inspiration and motivation, Atlanta Muslim Running Club invites you to “believe, pray, run.” If you identify as Muslim and are looking to join a community of runners, look into joining their friendly weekly Sunday group run/walks and participate in their various challenges, including relays. Check out their website for more details.

Website: atlantamuslimrunningclub.com