There’s a lot of run clubs in Denver.
Like, a lot.
Some have wild names, looking at you Good Boys, and some have a longer Strava page than a CVS receipt.
Regardless, run clubs have earned their rightful place in a city where fitness is best done socially, and the great outdoors always takes precedence. The ones we’ve gathered offer plenty of ways to log those miles from track workouts, to trail routes and even the ever-dreaded long run day.
Whether you’re chasing a new personal record or just hoping to find someone at your pace, these Denver run clubs stand out on the starting line thanks to their loyal followings, inclusive communities and friendships made mile after mile.
Cooldown Running
Where: Various locations
The Lowdown: Even if you’ve barely dipped your toes into Denver’s fitness scene, chances are you’ve heard of Cooldown Running. They’re everywhere, with that iconic social spirit brewing right here in Denver. Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., they take over the Mile High streets, runners and rollerbladers alike, on routes ranging from one to five miles. Just keep an eye on their Instagram page, as meeting spots change weekly.
Where: Various trails and Washington Park, Denver
The Lowdown: Bobby Capobianco and Sean Greenspan founded Denver’s Full Circle Social Club, and even though it may not have a physical home, their mission in making fitness a community affair touches every athlete’s heart in the city. Whether you’re hitting the Colorado trails with them at 6 a.m Wednesday morning, or rounding out your evening at 6 p.m. Thursday night in Washington Park, you’ll be sure to break a sweat and have a good conversation or two.
Traverse Fitness
Where: D’Evelyn High School and Washington Park, Denver
The Lowdown: Traverse Fitness strikes again. What don’t they do? Run clubs, unsurprisingly, are not off that list. They serve miles for breakfast every Wednesday at 5:15 a.m. at the D’Evelyn High School track, led by Traverse Coach and Ironman triathlete Billy LaGreca. LaGreca started this crew during his Kona training days and has kept runners coming back ever since. If that’s too early, Traverse Fitness also offers a rotating run club with 6:30 a.m. or 5:30 p.m. options every other Thursday, meeting at South High School and looping through Washington Park.
AION
Where: Kent Denver School, Cherry Hills Village
The Lowdown: AION, founded by Jacob Showers, started as the “gym without walls.” These days, they’ve found a physical home at Kula Sports Performance down in Greenwood Village, but that same explorative nature lives on through their run club every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Kent Denver School. Year-round, rain or shine, you can join in on intentionally crafted drills, thoughtful pacing and a crew built for hype. As Showers says, you’ll get “to the moon” with all of your goals here.
Man Up and Talk
Where: South High School, Denver
The Lowdown: Man Up and Talk Run Club, started by Boston marathoner Aaron Bronson, was forged out of the initiative to create a safe space for men to be vulnerable. Through real stories and real conversations, Bronson has slowly chipped away at the stigma shrouding men’s emotional expression. Now, that same mentality crosses paths with his love for running, resulting in a weekly track club every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at South High School. After all, who doesn’t love a space that tests both your mental resilience and physical limits?
Citius RC
Where: Various locations
The Lowdown: Citius RC began in 2017 and has been attracting serious runners ever since, with some working to qualify for big-name races. In the summer months, they host long group runs every Saturday morning starting at eight miles, with the option for more, at rotating locations. They too dabble in the track realm on Tuesday mornings at 5:55 a.m., with warm-ups kicking off at 5:30 a.m., alternating between North and South High School. So, what do you say, your pace or ours? One of us is looping the other, and it’s probably not us.
Colorado Columbines
Where: Various locations
The Lowdown: The Colorado Columbines is a women-only run club that’s been holding a strong pace since 1978. As new run clubs continue to sprout over Denver, Columbine’s legacy is the glue that holds this scene together. This same support system thrives at every meet-up, and while a membership is required, the perks are endless. Fun runs, exclusive social events and even discounts from sponsors like Runners Roost in Lakewood. If you’re looking for a network built to last, the Colorado Columbines are it.
Denver Beer Company
Where: Any Denver Beer Company Taproom
The Lowdown: Denver Beer Company is the iconic Denver brewery that we can’t help but love. There’s no better spot that captures Mile High’s kindred spirit and lively personality, and now, they’ve turned that energy mobile with their run clubs. Every Tuesday at 6:15 p.m., each taproom sends off runners who can go as hard as they want, or take a much-needed party pace. Plus, the beers after – or before, we don’t judge – make it all the more worthwhile. Carbs are good for runners, anyway.
Denver Run Club
Where: Ratio Beerworks and North High School, Denver
The Lowdown: Denver Run Club is the namesake, right? It would be sacrilegious not to mention them. They meet every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Ratio Beerworks off Larimer with track workouts patrolling North High School every Friday morning at 6:30 a.m.. Their Instagram page is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also the best place to stay up to date on all their weekly events and social gatherings. True to their tagline, “Good Enough Sucks,” this club pushes you to be your best while still meeting you halfway.
It’s official, North and South High Schools have their tracks packed this summer. On that note, Thursdays? Clear your schedule.
And don’t even get us started on Tuesdays. When every run club under the Denver sun comes out to play. While you’re out there, don’t forget to track those miles on Strava for your followers to see. Because, does it really count if no one can witness your latest tempo efforts, hill intervals, or long run splits?
Regardless of where you land or how many miles you have under your belt, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome at any of these clubs. Who knows? You might even surprise yourself, discovering how far you can go while sharing a laugh or two with new running buddies at your side.