Group run schedule

When to Show Up

Fridays9-11 AMSaturdaysvariable
Frequency
Weekly
Seasonality
Year-round with special marathon shakeouts

About This Club

Gold Coast Run Club meets weekly in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, near Lake Shore Drive, and runs as a social group rather than a training squad. It suits people who want a reason to get outside on the lakefront and hang out after, not people chasing splits. All paces are welcome and there's no membership or cost to show up.

Highlights

  • Gold Coast location
  • Collaborations with brands like Cooldown/Nameless Track Club
  • Shakeout runs for marathons
  • Community events
  • Giveaways at shakeouts
  • Post-run coffee/social

Who It Suits

This fits social runners, beginners, and anyone who wants a casual weekly run with no pressure to hit a certain pace. It's not built for elite racers, structured training plans, or trail running, since it's pavement and lakefront paths with a social focus. If you're marathon training and want a proper long run progression, look elsewhere; if you want company and coffee after, this works.

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What a Run With Them Is Like

Distances are variable, with 3 miles as a common option, on pavement and the lakefront path. Pace covers all levels, so there's no single group speed to match. The record notes it's down-to-earth despite the upscale area, and the emphasis is on the run being accessible rather than structured.

Distance3 miles, Variable, All distances
PaceAll paces and levels welcome; down-to-earth despite fancy neighborhood
TerrainPavement, Lakefront path
Post-runCoffee, social hangs, brand events

Your First Run

Check the @goldcoastrunclub Instagram before you go, since Saturday timing varies and Friday runs are 9-11 AM. Head to the Lake Shore Drive area meeting point and arrive early, especially for special events or shakeouts.

You don't need to match anyone's pace, walkers are welcome, and the group is set up for beginners, so showing up without knowing anyone or without running experience isn't out of place here. Post-run there's coffee and social time, which is a low-pressure way to actually meet people.