List of Running Clubs in Illinois

Illinois Running Groups

Illinois running is powered by Chicago, but the community stretches well beyond the Lakefront Trail. The state has a running culture with serious depth, historic clubs, and a diversity of groups that’s hard to match.

Chicago is home to the Chicago Area Runners Association, which has been advocating for runners since 1978 and now counts over 8,600 members with Run Crews in neighborhoods across Chicagoland.

Venados Running Club in Pilsen has been going since 1981 with Wednesday evening runs from Monochrome Brewing. 3Run2 started in Logan Square and Humboldt Park and has become one of the city’s most respected crews.

Heartbreak Hill Running Company in Lincoln Park hosts structured Tuesday tempo runs, Thursday speed sessions, and Saturday long runs with pace groups and water stops. Lakeview Run Club, Gold Coast Run Club, and Grocery Run Club keep things active across the North Side.

Tortugas Run Club in Pilsen welcomes all speeds with Sunday morning runs and post-run community time at Harrison Park.

Outside of Chicago, the scene continues. Oak Park Running Club and the Skokie Swifters keep the suburban running community connected. Fleet Feet locations across the state host weekly group runs. The Central Illinois Running Club provides training and racing opportunities downstate.

The Chicago Marathon is one of the six World Marathon Majors, and the training culture that surrounds it fuels running groups across the entire state.

Whether you’re along the Lakefront, in the suburbs, or downstate, Illinois has a running club ready for you.