Pasadena has 3 run clubs to pick from, and all are free to run with and all are happy to have beginners. What really separates them is the night they run, how far they go, and whether you fancy a drink afterwards.
The day and time you can actually make every week rules out more clubs than anything else, so start there, then worry about pace and distance.
After that it comes down to surface and distance. Around Pasadena, 3 run on roads and sidewalks, 1 run on trails and 1 run on park paths. Every profile below lists pace notes and typical distances, and whether the club is happy for you to walk.
Pasadena Pacers is a free, beginner-friendly running club in Pasadena meeting near the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center with Saturday morning runs, Tuesday and Thursday evening runs, and Sunday trail runs at Griffith Park. The club offers structured training programs for various race distances and welcomes all paces and abilities.
Runs
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday
When
Saturdays 7:00 AM, Tuesdays and Thursdays approximately 6:00 PM, Sunday trail runs at Griffith Park with times posted on Facebook
Distance
4-mile Rose Bowl loop, Up to 10 miles or more on Saturday long runs
Pasadena Run Club is a free, community-oriented run club that meets Wednesday evenings at lululemon Pasadena with 2.5 mile walk and 3 and 5 mile run options. The club also hosts a monthly Sunday morning run from Neighbors and Friends Kitchen in South Pasadena.
Runs
Wednesday, Sunday
When
Wednesdays: Meet & mingle 6:00 PM, take off 6:30 PM. Monthly Sunday: Meet & mingle 8:00 AM, take off 8:15 AM.
Run With Us Pasadena organizes free Monday evening group runs from its Pasadena running store, offering 4 and 6 mile routes plus a 2 mile walk for all abilities. On the first Monday of each month, runs depart from the Rose Bowl instead of the store.
A club gives you the training; a date on the calendar gives you the reason. There are 1 upcoming race around Pasadena, each with finish-time stats from past editions so you can see what you would actually be signing up for.
What day of the week do most Pasadena run clubs meet?
Pasadena clubs run on 6 days of the week, and Sunday is the busiest with 2 clubs out. Monday is the quietest, with 1 club. If your schedule only frees up on one day, that is the fastest way to narrow the list.
How do I pick between Pasadena running clubs?
Start with the day and time you can actually make every week, because that rules out more clubs than anything else. Then look at pace and distance, and only then at the social side. Most runners try two or three before one sticks, and turning up once does not commit you to anything.
Where do run clubs actually run in Pasadena?
3 clubs run on roads and sidewalks, 1 club run on trails and 1 club run on park paths. Clubs often mix surfaces week to week, so it is worth checking a route before you commit.
Are Pasadena run clubs free?
All 3 Pasadena run clubs are free. The rest usually charge modest annual dues rather than a per-run fee, and most will let you come along once before you decide.
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.
