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Black Roses NYC
Brooklyn, New York
Exclusive crew for fast runners fusing training, culture, and nightlife
About This Club
Black Roses NYC is an invite-only training collective founded in 2013 by Knox Robinson and Jessie Zapo, based between Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. It's built for competitive runners already training at Boston-qualifying paces, not a spot to show up and try running out. The group fuses serious track work with dancehall-inspired culture and carries a social scene that continues past the workout.
Highlights
- Exclusive invite-only
- Black bib membership
- Inspired by dancehall culture
- Eclectic diverse members
- Structured track practices
- Elite community
- Cultural integration
Who It Suits
This suits competitive, Boston-qualifying-level runners who want structured track training and an NYC cultural, social element attached to it. It's explicitly not for beginners, casual runners, or walkers, the record rules those out directly. If you want a first running club to ease into the sport, look elsewhere.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
Sessions run twice a week, Tuesday and Thursday, centered on structured track workouts: 1K repeats, 3K and 5K efforts, and 300m reps, plus some road running. Paces are fast and geared toward Boston-qualifying runners. Expect pack running at high speed rather than a spread-out group or conversational pace.
Distance1K repeats, 5K, 3K, 300m, Track workouts
PaceFast, Boston-qualifying paces; pro-level intensity; not for casual runners
TerrainTrack, Road
Post-runWork hard and party hard; lively social scene
Your First Run
You don't drop in on Black Roses. It's invite-only, reflected in the black bib membership, so getting to a workout means being invited first and applying with a serious commitment in mind.
Once you're in, expect the intensity to start immediately, pack running at speed on the track with no easing in. If you're already training at BQ-level paces, the usual worry about holding people up doesn't really apply, this group is built around runners moving at that speed.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Brooklyn
19 upcoming races in Brooklyn. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sat, Aug 1, 202612th BedStuy 5K Brooklyn, NYFrom $45Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Welcome Home Plants 5k Brooklyn, NYFrom $35Details Sat, Sep 12, 2026BUSHWICK 5K Brooklyn, NYFrom $35Details
See all Brooklyn races
Common Questions About Black Roses NYC
How do I actually join Black Roses NYC?
You need to be invited. It's not a drop-in club, and membership is required. The process involves applying with a serious commitment to the training.
What's the scene after the workout like?
Described as work hard and party hard, a lively social scene connected to the club's dancehall culture roots.
Is this all on a track?
Mostly, with workouts like 1K repeats and 300m reps, but the terrain also includes road running.
Can I take walk breaks if I need to?
No, walkers aren't accommodated here. The club is explicit that it's not built for walkers or casual runners.
Can I bring a dog or a stroller?
No, the club isn't set up for dog-friendly or stroller-friendly running.
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 April 2026.