8 Rhode Island Running Clubs
These local clubs make running a team sport.
1. PVD Lady Project: Run with Ro
When: Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. through October 28.
Where: At the fountain at the end of Blackstone Boulevard walking path in Providence.
Rundown: Run the Blackstone Boulevard path with Róisín McGettigan Dumas, coach, sports psychologist, owner of Believe I Am and former Olympian.
Insider Tip: On the last Wednesday of every month, Run with Ro teams up with Rhode Runner to organize a free Five-K on the boulevard. Find out more about Run with Ro on the Facebook page.
When: Every Thursday night at 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Fastnet, 1 West Broadway, Newport
Rundown: Embark on a group Five-K then kick back and socialize with a beer after you’re done.
Insider Tip: Hook up with other passionate runners and help volunteer and give back to charity at road races across the state. Find out more about the group on its Facebook page.
When: Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Run Newport, 16 Long Wharf Mall South, Newport, 401-846-1036
Rundown: The running group meets at the store and offers a choice of a three- or five-mile route.
Insider Tip: The group often plans runs at the gorgeous Sachuest Point Wildlife Refuge. Learn more specifics at Facebook.com/runnpt.
When: Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 8 a.m.
Where: Rhode Runner, 657 North Main St., Providence, 401-831-6346, rhoderunner.com
Rundown: On Wednesdays, groups take on a three-, five- or seven-mile loop in Providence. On Sundays, coach Jim Doyle trains runners looking to reach certain goals. On Sunday runs, routes can extend from two to twenty-two miles with water and Gatorade provided every three miles.
Insider Tip: On the third Thursday of the month, Bucket Brewery offers free beer to runners back at the Rhode Runner shop at 7 p.m.
5. Ronald McDonald House of Providence Running Club
When: Weekly track workouts every Monday and Thursday at 5:45 a.m., Wednesday at 5:45 p.m. and Saturday group runs at 8 a.m.
Where: Track workouts take place at Brown Stadium at Elmgrove and Sessions streets in Providence. Group runs start at the end of Blackstone Boulevard near Hope Street. Find more information at rmhprovidencerc.org.
Rundown: Work on speed and endurance with track workouts, or join the Saturday group run to meet other like-minded people and gain motivation.
Insider Tip: This group also supports Ronald McDonald House by providing dinner for House guests on the second Friday of each month.
When: Various weekly group runs and races throughout Rhode Island.
Where: Every Saturday at 8 a.m. at Colt State Park in Bristol. September through March, join the Thursday night Pub Fun Run series at 6:30 p.m., featuring a five-mile run followed by a visit to a different pub each week around the state. Find out more information at rirr.org.
Rundown: The smallest state’s largest running group of passionate runners who participate in races and training runs. Membership includes parties, a Grand Prix series and awards.
Insider Tip: Not only will you gain motivation, but you’ll also give back by joining volunteers who help out at water stations and provide pacing at races. Find out more on the group's Facebook page.
7. Run with Mayor Jorge O. Elorza
When: Sunday mornings at 9 a.m.
Where: The running group meets at the Museum of Natural History at Roger Williams Park at 1000 Elmwood Avenue in Providence.
Rundown: Go for a three-mile run every Sunday with the mayor through Roger Williams Park. Stay on the road or explore the park's trails and get to know the city leader outside of the office.
Insider Tip: The runs are not politically focused, but runners have been known to share a good idea or two. Find out more specific information about running with the mayor on the group's Facebook page.
When: The group participates in Rhode Runner's Wednesday night series at 6:30 p.m., and then meets at Wild Colonial for drinks after the run. Random group runs are also organized on the group's Facebook page.
Where: The group often meets at Rhode Runner on Wednesdays. Wild Colonial is located at 250 South Water Street in Providence.
Rundown: Wednesday night runs are three, five or seven miles long, but you can organize a group to go any distance.
Insider Tip: Replace those calories you burned while running with a beer at Wild Colonial. You can also sign up for Wild Colonial's Grog and Dog Jog, a one-mile relay race, capped off by eating a hot dog and chugging a beer as fast as you can. Costumes required! Watch our Rhode Island Monthly video of the race here.
