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Tortugas Run Club
Chicago, Illinois
Inclusive haven for slow runners building confidence in Pilsen
About This Club
Tortugas Run Club meets in Pilsen and takes its name seriously, tortuga means turtle in Spanish, and this is a group built around slow runners and beginners rather than around pace goals. It started as an offshoot of a hiking club and runs weekly out of Harrison Park. If you've been putting off joining a run club because you're worried about being the slowest person there, this is the kind of group that record is describing.
Highlights
- Turtle-themed for slow runners
- Pilsen neighborhood focus
- Hiking club offshoot
- Inclusive community
- All speeds welcome
Who It Suits
This suits beginners, back-of-pack runners, and anyone who wants to build running into a habit without worrying about keeping up. It's not the group for elite racers or anyone looking for a fast-paced training run, the record is explicit that those runners should look elsewhere. It's also not set up for dogs or strollers.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
You'll run on flat park terrain at Harrison Park, at your own pace, with no target pace or time pushing the group. Walkers are welcome, so run-walk is a normal way to move through the session, not an exception. There's a post-run hangout at Harrison Park afterward if you want to stick around.
PaceAll paces welcome, own pace, inclusive for slower runners
TerrainPark, Flat
Post-runPost-run hangouts at Harrison Park
Your First Run
Show up to Harrison Park on Sunday at 10am. There's no experience needed and no sign-up or membership to deal with beforehand, you just arrive and go at your own pace.
If you're nervous about being new or being slow, that's specifically who this group says it's set up for, not an exception they tolerate. Stick around after for the hangout at the park if you want to meet people without the pressure of running side by side.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Chicago
63 upcoming races in Chicago. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026Dim Sum & Then Some: The Uptown 5K/10K & Kids Dash Chicago, ILFrom $55Details Sat, Aug 8, 2026Track Night Chicago Chicago, ILFrom $5Details Sat, Aug 15, 2026Prostate Cancer Awareness 5K Walk/Run/Bike Chicago, ILFrom $35Details
See all Chicago races
Common Questions About Tortugas Run Club
Do I have to pay or sign up to join?
No. It's free and there's no membership required, you just show up.
Can I bring my dog?
No, this club isn't dog friendly based on the record.
Can I bring a stroller?
No, it's not listed as stroller friendly.
Is this connected to anything besides running?
Yes, Tortugas started as an offshoot of a hiking club, so there's a hiking connection in its roots.
What if I need to walk during the run?
That's fine, walkers are explicitly welcome and the whole pace structure is built around going at your own speed.
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.