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ArlingtonVirginia
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Shirlington Running Club
Arlington, Virginia
Free social running club that meets every Tuesday at 6:30 PM at Dudley's Sport and Ale in Shirlington Village for a group run (5K summer, 6K winter) followed by happy hour. Open to walkers, joggers, and runners of all levels.
About This Club
Shirlington Running Club is a free, weekly Tuesday night run out of Dudley's Sport and Ale in Shirlington Village, Arlington. It is explicitly open to walkers, joggers, and runners, and the whole thing wraps up with happy hour at Dudley's. If you live or work near Shirlington and want a consistent midweek run with actual people, this is built for that.
Who It Suits
This suits runners, joggers, or walkers who want a low-pressure Tuesday night routine and do not mind staying for a drink after. If you are training for a race and need structured speedwork or longer mileage, the 5K-6K distance and social pace probably will not satisfy that on its own.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
You meet at 6:30 PM on Tuesdays and head out on urban streets around Shirlington Village - roughly 5K in summer and 6K in winter, so the route adjusts with the season. The pace is casual, and walkers are genuinely welcome, not just tolerated. They do not say whether faster groups split off, so if pace matters to you, reach out to them before showing up.
DistanceApprox. 5K summer route, Approx. 6K winter route
TerrainUrban streets around Shirlington Village
Post-runHappy hour and socializing at Dudley's Sport and Ale
Your First Run
Head to Dudley's Sport and Ale in the Village at Shirlington and find the back corner near the outdoor patio, close to Shirlington Animal Hospital - that is where the group gathers before heading out. No sign-up, no membership, no fee.
If you are nervous about being slow or walking parts of it, you are in the right place - walkers and beginners are part of what this club is. After the run, everyone goes back inside for happy hour, which makes the first-timer awkwardness a lot shorter than you might expect.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Arlington
12 upcoming races in Arlington. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sun, Aug 9, 2026Family Night at the Track and Meet of Miles Arlington, VAFreeRegister Sat, Aug 22, 2026DLS 5k & 1-Mile for Lewy Body Dementia Arlington, VAFrom $20Details Tue, Aug 25, 20262026 NOVA Running Club 5K Arlington, VAFrom $30Details
See all Arlington races
Common Questions About Shirlington Running Club
Do I have to pay or sign up before I come?
No. It is free and there is no membership required. Just show up at Dudley's at 6:30 PM on a Tuesday.
Is it okay if I walk the whole thing?
Yes. Walkers are welcome - that is not a footnote, it is part of what this club says it is.
Exactly where do I go when I get to Dudley's?
Go to the back corner of Dudley's Sport and Ale toward the outdoor patio, near Shirlington Animal Hospital. That is the meeting spot before the run starts.
How far will we run?
About 5K in summer and about 6K in winter. The route changes seasonally but both are short enough that bailing early to walk back on your own would not be a major drama.
Do they run in bad weather?
They do not say either way. If there is a storm in the forecast, check their social media before you head out - they would be the ones to post a cancellation there.
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.