Next group run

Typically early mornings like 7:00AM or evenings like 7:00PM

Days
Saturday, Sunday, Varies
Frequency
Weekly training runs and events
Seasonality
Year-round with training for specific races like San Diego 100

About This Club

San Diego Ultra Running Friends (SURF) is a nonprofit built around trail and ultra running, not a casual jogging club. They run training miles, staff race aid stations, do trail maintenance, and hold social events, so it genuinely suits people who are building toward long trail distances or an ultra, not someone looking for a short road run.

Highlights

  • Ultra/trail focus
  • Race training support
  • Trail maintenance
  • Volunteer opportunities
  • Race discounts
  • Member-exclusive events
  • Aid station support

Who It Suits

This fits people training for a trail race or ultra, like San Diego 100, or anyone who wants regular long miles on dirt and wants to be around others doing the same. It's not built for short road runs, beginner 5K training, or urban pavement miles, and it's not set up as a walk-run or stroller/dog-friendly group, so those needs are better met elsewhere.

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What a Run With Them Is Like

Training runs range from 5 miles up to 19 miles, with some runs building toward 50K+ ultra distances, all on trail, mountain, or wilderness park terrain rather than pavement. Meeting points are San Diego area trailheads like Penny Pines, Red Tail Roost, or Los Vaqueros, depending on the run.

The group states it supports diverse paces, so runs aren't set to a single speed, and start times vary between early morning (around 7AM) and evening (around 7PM) depending on the day.

Distance5 miles, 9 miles, 14 miles, 19 miles, 50K+ ultras
PaceAll levels welcome; supports diverse paces in group runs
TerrainTrail, Mountain, Wilderness park
Post-runClub social events, annual party, Secret Canyon Invitational

Your First Run

Check the calendar first, since distance and terrain vary a lot run to run, from a 5-miler to something well past half marathon distance. Membership isn't required for many of the runs, so you can show up without joining anything first.

This is a running club rather than a walk-run group, so come ready to move on trail, but the club is described as beginner-friendly, meaning newer trail and ultra runners are part of the mix, not just people already deep into ultra training. Read the event details ahead of time so you know exactly what terrain and mileage you're signing up for.