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Arlington Guys (20s & 30s) Running Group
Arlington, Virginia
Running group for guys in their 20s and 30s based in Arlington, VA, organizing friendly, non-competitive group runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The group meets at Ballston Local on Thursday evenings at 6:30 PM and at Rocklands BBQ on Tuesday evenings, with post-run social activities at both locations.
About This Club
This is a twice-weekly group run for guys in their 20s and 30s based out of Ballston, with a deliberate emphasis on being non-competitive and social. Runs land between 3 and 4 miles on Arlington's trail network, and post-run food and drinks are a regular part of the deal. If you're a guy in that age range who wants to run with people and actually hang out afterward, this is built for that.
Highlights
- Slack workspace for group communication
- Multiple route options
- Flexible participation
Who It Suits
This group is specifically for guys in their 20s and 30s, so if that's not you, this one isn't for you regardless of how well the runs would otherwise suit you. Within that, beginners are genuinely welcome and the distances top out at 4 miles, so if you're newer to running or getting back into it, you're not going to be the odd one out.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
You're looking at 3 to 4 miles depending on the night, on a mix of urban streets and paved trails, including the Bluemont Junction, W&OD, and Custis trails. The group describes themselves as non-competitive and welcoming of all skill levels, so this is not a workout where someone is clocking splits and quietly judging yours.
Thursday runs meet at Ballston Local on N Glebe Road; Tuesday runs meet at Rocklands BBQ. Multiple route options means you're not locked into the exact same loop every week.
Distance3.0 miles, 3.25 miles, 4 miles
PaceRuns are not competitive; all skill levels welcome
TerrainUrban streets, Paved multi-use trails, Bluemont Junction Trail, W&OD Trail, Custis Trail
Post-runGroup grabs drinks and food after runs; Rocklands BBQ for Tuesday runs, nearby venues for Thursday runs
Your First Run
RSVP on Meetup before you show up, so the organizers know to expect you. Aim to arrive a few minutes before 6:30 PM at whichever location matches the day you're coming.
Showing up solo is normal here, and the post-run drinks at Rocklands or Ballston Local give you a natural way to actually meet people rather than just running near strangers for 30 minutes and dispersing. If you're worried about pace, they say all skill levels are welcome and the runs are not competitive, so just show up.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Arlington
12 upcoming races in Arlington. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sun, Aug 9, 2026Family Night at the Track and Meet of Miles Arlington, VAFreeRegister Sat, Aug 22, 2026DLS 5k & 1-Mile for Lewy Body Dementia Arlington, VAFrom $20Details Tue, Aug 25, 20262026 NOVA Running Club 5K Arlington, VAFrom $30Details
See all Arlington races
Common Questions About Arlington Guys (20s & 30s) Running Group
Do I need to join anything or pay before I show up?
They use Meetup to RSVP, so sign up there and let them know you're coming. There's no membership fee mentioned, but check the Meetup page for any event-specific details before your first run.
What happens if the weather is bad?
They run in light rain. Thunderstorms are a no-go, and they evaluate weather at meeting time, so check their Slack or Meetup page on the day if the forecast looks dicey.
Is there a Slack or group chat I can get into before I go?
Yes, they have a Slack workspace the group uses for communication and updates. Getting into that before your first run is a good idea so you're not caught off guard by any last-minute changes.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, friends are welcome as long as they're also guys in their 20s or 30s. The age and gender focus is the one firm boundary here.
Do I have to stay for drinks after, or can I just run and leave?
They say participation is flexible, so staying for post-run food and drinks is not mandatory. That said, the social side at Rocklands on Tuesdays and nearby venues on Thursdays is clearly a core part of what this group does.
Where this comes from: Club details come from each club’s own channels (their site, Meetup, Strava and social posts) and are checked by hand. Group runs move, so confirm the meeting spot on the club’s latest post before you head out. Last updated July 2026.