Group run schedule
When to Show Up
Meet at the trailhead 15 minutes before 7:00 amTypical start time about 7:00 am
TrailFree
Trail Runners Club
Los Angeles, California
Trail Runners Club is Southern California's oldest trail running club, founded in 1988. It meets every Sunday morning at 7:00 am at rotating trailheads primarily in the Santa Monica Mountains for hilly, non-competitive trail runs typically 8-15 miles with options to go shorter or longer.
About This Club
Trail Runners Club has been running the Santa Monica Mountains every Sunday since 1988, which means they have the local trail knowledge to back it up. They run hilly, strenuous single-track and fire roads, and the distances are real, typically 8 to 15 miles. If you want to put in genuine mountain miles on technical terrain, this is built for that.
Highlights
- Snacks after runs
- Rotating scenic trailhead locations
- Access to run schedule and maps
Who It Suits
This club suits runners who are already comfortable covering 8 or more miles and want to do it on hilly, technical mountain trails, whether that is for the pure enjoyment of it or for race training. If you are newer to running, building base mileage, or not yet confident on steep single-track, the standard distances and terrain here will likely be a tough entry point.
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What a Run With Them Is Like
Every Sunday at 7:00 am, the group meets at a rotating trailhead, primarily in the Santa Monica Mountains but occasionally out to the San Gabriels or other Southern California spots. The courses are hilly and strenuous by design, covering 8 to 15 miles, though shorter and longer options exist if you need to cut it or push further.
The terrain is real trail, single-track and unpaved fire roads, so expect uneven ground and elevation. They do not publish a minute-per-mile pace, which on mountain trails honestly matters less than your comfort on steep, technical terrain.
Distance8-15 miles, Option to go shorter or longer
PaceHilly and strenuous mountain trail courses used for fun and training; not races. No specific minute-per-mile pace provided.
TerrainSingle-track trails, Unpaved fire roads, Hilly and strenuous mountain trails
Post-runSnacks provided at the end of the trail; occasionally the group goes out for Sunday morning breakfast
Your First Run
Your first run is free, so you can show up before committing to anything. Get to the trailhead 15 minutes before 7:00 am, because the meeting spot changes week to week and you will want to check their schedule ahead of time so you know exactly where you are going.
Bring enough water for up to 15 miles and wear actual trail shoes, not road shoes, the terrain earns that advice. After the run, there are snacks at the finish, and occasionally the group heads out for Sunday breakfast, which makes the first-time awkwardness a lot easier.
Something to train for
Upcoming Races in Los Angeles
58 upcoming races in Los Angeles. Having one on the calendar is the easiest way to turn a few group runs into a habit.
Sat, Aug 1, 2026LAKSA Marathon Los Angeles, CAPricing TBARegister Sun, Aug 2, 2026Run LA 10 Miler Los Angeles, CAFrom $50Details Tue, Aug 4, 2026Track Night Los Angeles Los Angeles, CAFrom $30Details
See all Los Angeles races
Common Questions About Trail Runners Club
Do I have to pay before my first run?
No. Your first run is free. After that, membership is $35 for an individual or $55 for a family.
Where exactly do I meet, and how do I find out the trailhead each week?
The trailhead rotates every week, mostly in the Santa Monica Mountains. Check their schedule before you go so you have the right location, and plan to arrive 15 minutes before the 7:00 am start.
Can I run fewer than 8 miles if that is all I have in me that day?
They do offer shorter options, so you are not locked into the full distance. That said, you are on mountain trails far from a parking lot, so talk to someone when you arrive about where the bail-out points are.
Do they run in winter or when the weather is bad?
They meet every Sunday year-round, so yes, they run through the seasons. Southern California weather is generally mild, but it is worth checking the weekly schedule if there has been heavy rain, since trail conditions in the mountains can change quickly.
What kind of shoes do I actually need?
Trail running shoes. The courses mix technical single-track and unpaved fire roads with real elevation, and road shoes will put you at a disadvantage on that terrain.
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.