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Boston's Best Running Clubs

Running can be both a challenging and personally rewarding sport. If you have been considering running for fitness in the new year, one of the easiest ways to start is with a group. With motivation from experienced runners, along with advice and access to a coach, you will learn about proper form and nutrition to take your running goals to a new level. While you are challenging yourself, you'll make friends, build lifelong practices and get fit. In the sea of running groups, these are Boston's best.
Jogging In The Snow
(File photo credit EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images)

Community Running Association of Boston
www.communityrunning.org/

Price: $120 per year

If you're new to running and are interested in meeting and working out with a coach, try the Community Running Association of Boston. Workouts are scheduled on a regular basis as are weekly runs. Monday runs focus on speed intervals. Wednesdays focus on group runs with tempo as well as hills. On Saturdays, the group members participate in a long run along the Charles River. Get personalized coaching and access to an indoor track during the colder months. Groups meet at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology track. Review the frequently asked questions on the website to learn more. Be sure to visit the website for the most updated schedule and tips.

Related: Guide to Boston Running Clubs

Five people jogging in park
Photo Credit: ThinkStock

Cambridge Running Club
www.cambridgerunning.org/

Price: $120 per year

Depending on where you reside, you may wish to join a running club on "your side of the river" as Bostonians say. If you are across the Charles River, consider joining the Cambridge Running Club. Attend a few practice runs before joining; if your training goals align with the goals of the club, you will have access to both personal coaching and a fun group environment. Two runs are scheduled every week at the track. There is also group fun run on the weekends.

Running Outside
Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Somerville Road Runners
www.srr.org/

Price: $30 for individuals/$50 for families

Another other-side-of-the-river option is the Somerville Road Runners. The run group meets every Monday and Thursday for local runs and spends Tuesday nights at the track. The group also participates in regular 5K runs all year long. It participates in seven sponsored races every year. The yearly membership provides discounts at run shops in the greater Boston area as well as in New England, a great way to load up on gear.

Related: Guide to Running Hot-Spots in Boston

barefoot running

New England Barefoot Runners Club
www.newenglandbarefootrunners.net/

Price: free

You may have noticed an increase in shoe-less runners in the area. While it may seem offbeat, barefoot running has increasingly become a popular option for runners. Proponents of the technique believe it is less stressful on the body and can lead to fewer injuries. If you're thinking about trying this style of running, try the New England Barefoot Runners meetup group. Learn more about barefoot running, and join in on weekly runs that vary by the season.

BAA

Boston Athletic Association
40 Trinity Place, 4th Floor
Boston MA 02116
(617) 236-1652
www.baa.org/

Click here for program information and pricing

Once you've become a seasoned runner, you may wish to take your running to the next level. The Boston Athletic Association's programs can help take you there. With programs for both marathon and half marathon training as well as a run club, you'll go a distance you never thought possible. Training and coaches are also available, making this an ideal, all-around package for any runner.

Cristy is a city dwelling enthusiast, an arts, culture, and technology lover, and an all around curious person. As an examiner, she covers all things Boston. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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