Group run schedule
When to Show Up
Typical evening run: 6:00 pm warm-up, 6:15 pm full run startSome Saturday events start at 7:30 am
BethesdaMaryland
TrailFree
My Muddy Shoes
Bethesda, Maryland
My Muddy Shoes is a laid-back trail running club in Montgomery County, Maryland, offering free, informal trail runs multiple days per week, typically 5-8 miles but ranging from short runs to 20+ mile previews, with paces from fast to slow for all levels.
About This Club
My Muddy Shoes is a free, no-membership trail running club based out of Cabin John Trails in Bethesda, meeting up to four days a week on real dirt, rocks, hills, and singletrack. They run everything from short out-and-backs to 20-plus mile race previews, so there is room here whether you are logging easy miles or training for an ultra. No sign-up, no fee, just show up.
Highlights
- Organized weekly runs
- Special events and preview runs
- Merchandise available
Who It Suits
This club suits trail runners who want a consistent, low-pressure place to run dirt multiple times a week without paying dues or pre-registering. If you need a road surface, a stroller-friendly path, or a highly structured coached workout, this is not the right fit - the terrain is legitimately rugged and the vibe is informal.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
Expect mud, rocks, hills, and singletrack - this is not a groomed path. Most runs land somewhere between 5 and 8 miles, though the range stretches from shorter out-and-backs up to 20-plus miles on preview run days.
Pace options run from fast to slow, and the group includes everyone from ultra-runners to folks keeping it casual, so you are not stuck trying to keep up with one speed. Check their details before a Saturday - some Saturday events start at 7:30 am rather than the usual 6:15 pm kick-off.
DistanceAround 5 miles, Around 6-8 miles, Around 12 miles, 20+ miles for preview runs
PaceFast, slow, and in-between paces offered; all levels of trail running represented from ultra-runners to those doing short out-and-back runs
TerrainDirt trails, Mud, Rocks, Hills, Singletrack
Your First Run
Head to the Tennis and Nature Centers parking lot at Cabin John Trails, off Democracy Boulevard heading west from the I-270 exit in Montgomery County. On weeknights, warm-up starts at 6:00 pm and the full run gets going at 6:15 pm - arriving a few minutes before 6:00 gives you time to figure out where people are gathering.
Because paces range from fast to slow, you are not going to be the one person dragging the group; slower runners and shorter distances are genuinely part of how this club operates, not an afterthought.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Bethesda
2 upcoming races in Bethesda. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sat, Oct 3, 2026MCRRC Cabin John Kids' Run Bethesda, MDFreeDetails Thu, Nov 26, 2026Turkey Chase Charity Race Bethesda, MDFrom $35Details
See all Bethesda races
Common Questions About My Muddy Shoes
Do I have to pay or sign up before I come?
No. There is no cost and no membership required. You can just show up at the Cabin John Trails parking lot at the right time.
How far will we actually run? I am not sure I can do 8 miles on trails.
Most runs are around 5 to 8 miles, but shorter out-and-back options exist within the group. If you are not sure about the distance on a given day, check with them directly before showing up - they do not publish a fixed schedule for every run.
Do they run in winter or when the weather is bad?
Yes, they run year-round in Montgomery County. The name is My Muddy Shoes - wet and messy conditions come with the territory.
I have never run trails. Will I be completely out of my depth?
They describe themselves as representing all levels, from ultra-runners to people doing short runs. That said, the terrain is genuine singletrack with rocks, hills, and mud, so expect some technical footing even on an easy day.
Is the Saturday time the same as weeknights?
Not always. Some Saturday events start at 7:30 am, which is very different from the weeknight 6:00 pm warm-up. Confirm the time before you make the drive.
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.