By Olivia Rush, December 11, 2025
By Olivia Rush, December 11, 2025
One of my favorite ways to experience a city is by running all around it! Whether you’re new to town or a Portland native, linking up with a Run Club is a stellar way to explore a new neighborhood, meet new friends, AND force yourself to get outside – especially during rainy season!
If you’re anything like me, your best runs are the ones with good company — and maybe a post-run cold drink. Luckily, Portland’s run scene is thriving, with crews for just about every vibe: social, trail, LGBTQ+ friendly, coffee/beer-adjacent…the list goes on.
Check out the list I’ve compiled below to find the right club for you. This list is by no means exhaustive, but a great starting point if you’re run-curious!
Wednesday nights are officially sacred thanks to this wildly social group. Every week they pick a different bar around the city — usually in SE or NE — hit a ~4-mile loop together, and then toast their mileage with a drink (and likely new friends). All paces welcome, newbies included.
Why we love it: If your favorite part of running is the people, this might be your jam.
This neighborhood crew meets the first Tuesday of each month (summers only!) — most often at a brewery (like Oakshire) — and splits into pace groups so nobody feels left behind. Courses float between ~2–4 miles, then there’s usually beer and bites after.
Why we love it: Low-pressure, great for folks still finding their stride.
Thursday nights at Away Days Brewing Co. bring the Run Away Club, a casual 5K that starts and ends at the taproom. There are usually two pace groups — a faster loop and a more chill one — so everyone from brand-new runners to regulars can join. After miles come discount drinks and plenty of laughs.
Why we love it: Easy miles + craft beer = quintessential Portland run club energy. 🍺
You’ll spot this crew meeting up at Deadstock Coffee in Old Town on Tuesday evenings and in their Beaverton location Saturday mornings.. They keep things simple — run, chat, and hang — with a few route options (including a walk) and an emphasis on welcoming runners of all speeds.
Why we love it: If your ideal run pairs well with espresso, good conversation, and a vibe that’s more “community” than “competitive,” Deadstock is for you!
One of Portland’s long-standing social runs, NoPo Run Club meets midweek and emphasizes community above all. They’re known for free runs that range around 5K–10K and often involve a brewery hang afterwards. All abilities are welcome, and the group is big enough that you’ll likely run with someone at your pace.
Why we love it: Running, friends, beer — and occasionally themed runs and events to keep things interesting.
If your ideal run includes forest air and shaded paths, this trail crew is worth checking out. They explore spots like Forest Park, leaning into community and connection as much as the miles.
Why we love it: These runs feel like a mini-escape from the city — great for runners who prefer dirt to concrete.
Frontrunners is one of Portland’s most established clubs, offering runs and walks around Forest Park, the waterfront, and classic bridge routes. All abilities are welcome — and there’s usually a social hang planned after, too.
Why we love it: A supportive and safe space to move your body and meet great humans.
This club’s all about bringing all levels together — from first-timers to seasoned runners. Their schedule and start location varies, but expect chill runs with a positive, community-first vibe.
Why we love it: Great option if you live east of the river and want a solid midweek meet-up.
For a mix of trail and road with a community feel, Wy’east Wolfpack is one of Portland’s original run crews (since 2012). Their weekly Thursday night run is legit — two route options (around 7 and ~3.5 miles) with regroup points and a social hang after. They also offer long Sunday runs with pace groups if you’re chasing training miles, and if you want to REALLY level up, you can purchase a subscription for personal coaching, group fitness, and skills series!
Why we love it: A great pick if you want a bit more variety in your running — hills, trails, and more — but still in a supportive, inclusive group.
As Portlanders, we love to support local! Shops like Portland Running Co., Fleet Feet Portland, and Foot Traffic host weekly group runs In Portland, Beaverton, and Vancouver, WA that are perfect for runners who want a free, no-pressure way to get plugged in. Most of these runs range from easy miles to structured workouts — and often include post-run coffee and shop discounts, too.
Whether you’re chasing your first 5K, exploring Forest Park trails, or just want an excuse to run and meet new friends, Portland’s got the club for you. See you out there!