Next group run
6:30 PM
- Days
- Thursday
- Frequency
- Weekly (May-September, skips 2nd Thursday)
- Seasonality
- May through September; no meetup on 2nd Thursday due to paid trail race (5k/10k)
SocialFree
River Jam Run Club
Charlotte, North Carolina
Premier social trail run with live music integration at major outdoor center
Next group run
6:30 PM
About This Club
River Jam Run Club is a free Thursday evening trail run at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, timed to the River Jam concert series that runs May through September. It suits people who want a short, easy trail outing followed by live music, not a training run. No membership, no sign-up fee, just show up.
Highlights
- Tied to River Jam concert series
- Seasonal summer evenings
- Sponsored by HOKA
- Skips race nights
- Free runs
- Post-run live music
- Trail access
Who It Suits
Good fit if you're a beginner or social runner who wants a short trail run with music afterward and doesn't mind sharing trail with hikers and bikers. Not a fit if you run year-round (this only operates May-September), need a stroller- or dog-friendly run, or you're hoping to race on the second Thursday of the month, since that night is skipped for a paid trail race.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
Runs are short, 1.5 or 3 miles, on trail shared with hikers and bikers at the Whitewater Center. It's rain or shine, and walkers are welcome, so there's no pressure to hold a pace. The run happens weekly at 6:30pm but skips the second Thursday of the month because that night is a paid trail race (5k/10k) on the same trails.
Distance1.5 miles, 3 miles
TerrainTrail
Post-runLive music at River Jam concert series
Your First Run
Head to the River Jam Stage for 6:30pm and plan to sign a waiver on site before you run. There's a parking fee ($13 for the day or $45 for an annual pass), so budget a few minutes for that on arrival.
Since walkers are welcome and the distances top out at 3 miles, you're not going to be the slowest person by some huge margin, and nobody's clocking your pace. Stick around after for the live music, that's part of the point of showing up.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Charlotte
40 upcoming races in Charlotte. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026NCCU Charlotte Alumni Annual 5k Run/Walk Charlotte, NCFrom $45Details Sat, Aug 1, 2026Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Charlotte, NC (31) Charlotte, NCFrom $30Register Sat, Aug 15, 2026Ninja 5K, 10K & 13.1M at Charlotte, NC (33) Charlotte, NCFrom $30Details
See all Charlotte races
Common Questions About River Jam Run Club
Can I bring my dog?
No, this club is listed as not dog-friendly.
Is there a stroller-friendly option?
No, the record marks this as not stroller-friendly, likely due to the trail terrain shared with hikers and bikers.
What happens if it's raining?
The run happens rain or shine, so plan to show up regardless of weather.
Why isn't there a run every Thursday?
The second Thursday of each month is skipped because the Whitewater Center hosts a paid trail race (a 5k/10k) that night.
Do I need to pay to run with this club?
The run itself is free with no membership required, but you'll pay the Whitewater Center's parking fee, $13 for the day or $45 for an annual pass.
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.