Upstate New York has a surprisingly big running scene. Below is a non-exhaustive list geared toward folks who are looking to join a running community in Albany, Buffalo, or Syracuse.
Albany Run Clubs
Albany Rainbow Runners/Beeline Run Club
Albany Rainbow Runners is a run club affiliated with the Pride Center of the Capital Region and Mr. Bumbles Cafe that meets every Wednesday at 6:00 PM at Mr. Bumbles Cafe (263 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208). It’s a safe space for LGBTQ+ folks and allies. Expect a 3-5 mile run through the city of Albany with varying routes each week. Free.
Albany Running Exchange
The Albany Running Exchange hosts a few different running groups each week. Some are designed to be social and others are designed as more speedwork/track practice. They also have cool series like trail running, winter pancake running, jingle run with a potluck after, and a women-only running group. Membership is $20/year.
Cap City Runners
Cap City Runners is an inclusive community of runners who offer a weekly group run/walk. They encourage movement from everyone and all ability levels. Cap City Runners meets every Saturday at 7:45 AM in front of Alias Coffee (76 N Pearl St, Albany, NY). Free.
Buffalo Run Clubs
Greater Buffalo Track Club
Greater Buffalo Track Club has events throughout the year as well as three group runs/speedwork sessions each week. Membership is $25/year.
Buffalo Queer Run Club
Buffalo Queer Run Club is for LGBTQ+ runners and allies. They have run club meetings on a rotating schedule of locations. It’s best to follow them on Instagram (@bfloqrc) to find out where they will be. They meet every Tuesday at 6:30 PM.
November Project Buffalo
November Project Buffalo focuses on community building without the obligation of running. They meet every Wednesday at 6:10 AM at Albright Knox Art Gallery Steps on the Lincoln Parkway side of the Museum. Free.
Syracuse Run Clubs
November Project Syracuse
November Project Syracuse is part of the same national organization as November Project Buffalo, so it is a similar set up. They meet afterwards for coffee, so you can even skip the workout. Their main goal is to lower the intimidation of fitness and foster social connection. They meet Wednesdays at 6:15 AM by the Thornden Park Water Tower. Free.
Syracuse Run Club
Syracuse Run Club offers a weekly run from April to November that meets on Saturdays at 8 AM, with locations varying weekly and the distance being around 3 miles. They have a ten-minute break in the middle of the run so that everyone who fell behind can rejoin the group. They also offer pre-and post-run socializing. Free.
Other Running Club Locators
I’m a Road Runners Club of America-certified Coach, so the RRCA has a list of RRCA-affiliated run clubs in their database. Something nice about attending an RRCA-affiliated club is that the leader of the club has to get RRCA-certified in leading group runs.
Still I Run chapters focus on the mental health benefits of running and community. In New York, there are only two: Elmira/Corning and New York City.
November Project chapters aim to lower the barrier to fitness in an inclusive environment. There are three in New York: Buffalo, New York City, and Syracuse.
Searching on the internet will help you determine what run club could be a good fit, but the best way to find your club is to show up to a few for several meetings! There are many run clubs that cater to all different types of runners, identities, and groups.
You can also find clubs through Strava, Instagram, and Facebook.
Let’s talk!
If you’re not sure where to start, or want support building up to your first group run, I’d love to help. At Anchor Endurance, LLC, I am an RRCA-Certified Adult Distance Running Coach. Please reach out today for a complimentary 20-minute phone consultation to see if we are a good fit and get more information on run coaching services. You can also email me at [email protected].
