Local Run Clubs

Ottawa is home to one of the most active running scenes in Canada. Below is a growing list of local run clubs, if you’d like more information about how to get your club listed, please contact Jenn Tuthill.

 

Pace Makers: Inside the Ottawa-Gatineau run club community

Spotlight on Dominion City Run Club: an inclusive community with strong running roots

Highlighting the dedication and achievements of local run clubs and crews brings their stories to the forefront. Near or far, a love for running connects us all to an amazing global running community. This month, we chatted with Dominion City Run Club’s run leads Morgan Oda, Vincent Lepage, Dmitri Therien and Sarah Pétrin-Perron to learn more about the east-end club.

Dominion City Run Club (DCRC) began as a casual group of runners meeting up weekly for a run and a beer at Dominion City Brewing Co., but has since grown into something much bigger—a thriving, inclusive community that continues to expand every Wednesday night. Officially founded in April 2024, DCRC’s roots trace back even further.

Before 2024, a collaboration between Run Ottawa and Mile2Marathon brought runners together at the Run Ottawa office on Canotek Rd for weekly runs. Four individuals—Morgan, Sarah, Dmitri, and Vince—started out as regular participants, each showing up independently to train and meet new people. It didn’t take long for them to bond over their shared passion for running (and perhaps a post-run beer or two), and soon they grew close to the other runners, despite some not living in the area. When the original run group disbanded, the four friends decided they wouldn’t stop showing up at Dominion City. They continued to run, and before long, the brewery took notice of their frequent visits and reached out to make their gatherings official. And so, DCRC was born.

Now, a year into this exciting new chapter, DCRC is proud to have hosted 35 weeks of runs and is gearing up for even more fun in the second year. Every Wednesday at 7 p.m., the club welcomes runners, joggers, walkers, and everyone in between. There’s no pressure to keep up—DCRC’s motto is “All paces. All abilities. Always.” Whether someone is just starting out, getting back into running, or training for a race, everyone is welcome. The routes vary each week, with the warmer months bringing scenic runs along bike paths and by the river. In winter, the club adjusts to the weather and always offers shorter routes for anyone who needs them.

At the heart of DCRC is its incredible, diverse community. It’s been truly inspiring to see so many different people come together with a shared love for movement, community, and fun. Among the club’s memorable moments: raising over $3,500 for the Canadian Cancer Society, celebrating Halloween with a candy lap event, and closing out the year with a holiday candy cane scavenger hunt to benefit the Gloucester Emergency Food Cupboard. These events are more than just about running—they’re about fostering connections and making a positive impact.

Looking ahead, DCRC is excited for even more opportunities to grow, host unique events, and showcase fresh new merchandise. The support from Dominion City Brewing has been overwhelming, and the club can’t wait to create even more memories with this fantastic group of people.

So, whether someone is an experienced runner or simply looking to get outside and meet new friends, DCRC invites everyone to join in every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Dominion City Brewery, 5510 Canotek Rd Unit 15, Ottawa. The community looks forward to seeing new faces and continuing to grow together.

You can find an archive of all of the previous Pace Maker features here.


Local Run Clubs

 

Almonte Run Club

Almonte Run Club meets every Wednesday at 6:30 pm for a relaxed 5K out and back on the Ottawa Valley Recreation Trail and then meets for a post run drink at the Barley Mow. Everyone and all paces welcome! Like their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram.

 

Arboretum Hill Club

Free hill workout for all. Dominion Arboretum, Fridays 6:29 am

Like their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram.

 

Aylmer Running Club

This club meets Sundays at 9am in Aylmer, QC, and they run distances from 5K to 21.1K.

Like their Facebook page or follow them on Instagram.

 

Badass Lady Gang Ottawa

This group is all about accessibility, affordability, and having a Good. Freakin’. Time. We show up for each other to make health a lifestyle. This group is for ALL Badasses, All Ages, All Paces, All Abilities. They meet Mondays at 7pm at Tunney’s Pasture.

Follow them on Instagram.

 

Blossom Park Running Group

This recreational running club meets every Sunday morning at 8am in front of the Sawmill Creek Community Pool and open to all ages and paces!

Join their Facebook group for more information.

 

Bushtukah Trail Runners

The Bushtukah Trail Running group meets every Saturday at 8:30am for a trail run on the Greenbelt trails. They run year round on, and when the trails aren’t available they plan road runs. This fun and recreational running group is welcoming all levels of runners. Each week there are 2 different route options available ranging from 5km – 10km. This is a free run group, just show up, meet some fellow runners and have a great time on the trails!

Find more information on their Facebook page .

 

Capital Runners Club (CRC Ottawa)

Also led by Run Ottawa members, this is a group of runners who enjoy racing. They meet EVERY TUESDAY for hill work, tempo or intervals, depending on the season and upcoming events.

Join their Facebook group or email Dennis Ferris to join Tuesday’s workout.

 

Course4FUN

Course4FUN is a running and outdoors club in Gatineau. The group workouts allow you to improve your running, and through their diversified training also to improve your quality of life, as well as your overall physical and mental health. By joining their group you will meet your objectives while sharing awesome moments with some exceptional people, having some good laughs, and more importantly having FUN! Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, their workouts allow everyone to enjoy training at their own pace, and they are run outside all year round! Mondays and Wednesdays at 7:00pm, and Saturdays at 9:00am.

Everyone is welcome!

For more information, visit https://www.course4fun.com, and visit their Facebook page in order to register for their events.

 

Dominion City Run Club (DCRC)

Dominion City Run Club (DCRC) meets every Wednesday at 7pm outside of the Dominion City Brewing Company taproom with running routes typically varying from 4.5-8km (always with options to shorten). Each run ends with socializing at the brewery! This group caters to “all paces, all abilities, always,” is free to attend, and there is no sign-up required. The group operates in English, but the run leads and many DCRC attendees are fully bilingual! You can find out more details through their Instagram and Strava pages.

 

Iron North Studio

Iron North Studio is a multi-discipline endurance gym located in Ottawa’s Hintonburg neighbourhood, offering paid and free run programs and triathlon training as well as cycling, strength, and yoga classes. Join us for our Winter, Spring or Fall Run Clubs supporting Around the Bay Road Race, Ottawa Race Weekend, and Army Run or for free long runs each Sunday with our certified run coaches. Iron North Studio was created through the idea that exploring and taking part in alternative forms of exercise to compliment your regular training would increase your performance in your chosen sport. As multidiscipline athletes, we regularly follow our long runs with a yoga practice or finish a tough ride with a quick strength circuit.

More info: http://www.ironnorthstudio.com/

 

Mile2Marathon

Mile2Marathon coaching meets throughout the city on Monday and Thursday nights, and on the trails on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Founded by Olympians Dylan Wykes and Michael Woods, Mile2Marathon provides coaching services and training communities to runners and endurance athletes of all abilities with the aim of creating an environment where anybody can challenge themselves, explore their limits, and become a happier, healthier, and faster person.

You can also join Mile2Marathon at Euro-Sports (13 Bullman St, Ottawa,) Wednesday evenings at 7pm for a weekly run workout. * Please note, this run club will resume in January of 2024.

Find a complete and up-to-date schedule and more information about Mile2Marathon on their website.

 

Mill Street Milers

They run. They laugh. They drink beer. This running group meets monthly on Sundays at 11:00 am at the Mill Street Brew Pub for runs of varied distances followed by a free post-run beer provided by Mill Street. Miler events are free, but tickets are to be obtained to attend.

Follow them on Instagram for more information.

 

Mon groupe de course

This group brings together people from the Outaouais area who run regularly for fun and fitness. Their facebook events are open to everyone. How much does it cost? Nada! Just show up! Locations are always announced at least one day in advance on the page. Everyone leaves together, and everyone runs at their own pace.

Like their page on Facebook.

 

Natural Fitness Lab

Natural Fitness Lab is a centre-of-excellence for outdoor athletes and adventure built around core technical competencies of: trail running, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

The adult program is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in Canada. We offer the perfect combination of outdoor sports to build applied core strength, cardiovascular endurance, aerobic power, agility, balance, and confidence in a pragmatic and natural environment. We are dedicated to creating significant opportunities for healthy outdoor lifestyle, promoting natural fitness, physical literacy and inspiring long-term athlete development through direct grass-roots community involvement and global campaigns for gender and age equality.

More info: www.naturalfitnesslab.com

 

November Project Ottawa

In the heart of Canada’s National Capital city, you will find yourselves immersed in a community of welcoming, smiley and sweaty individuals ready to hand out hugs and high fives. This young and fresh November Project community is bringing “soles” together every Wednesday morning 6:29 am through free fitness.

Follow them on Instagram.

 

Ottawa Athletic Club Racing Team

oac-logo

The Ottawa Athletic Club Racing Team was founded in 1981 as a road racing club. Today it has evolved into a women’s road racing team. The prime focus of the OAC Racing Team continues to be the provision of run coaching, and the group environment for the development of women runners. While a number of the athletes do triathlons and duathlons the club does not provide cycling or swim coaching. To maintain a healthy training environment we only accept women runners whose current performances would fit into the group structure.

More info: www.oacracingteam.com

 

Ottawa City Run Club

ocrc-logo

OCRC is a group of runners whose aim is to demonstrate that running can be for anyone and the benefits extend further than just the physical improvements. Running builds community –
a community that is always welcoming and never discriminates. We celebrate accomplishments, PB’s, and continuously motivate each other to be the best we can be. We share a passion for the pavement and we’re a group that cultivates that passion every single day.

We meet every Tuesday, rain, shine or snow at 7:30PM at Beyond the Pale in City Centre. Distance varies weekly but we typically run between 5K – 12K. 

More info: www.6RUN3.com   

 

Ottawa Frontrunners

Ottawa Frontrunners (OFR) is a running and walking club for members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender (GLBT) community and friends. They meet on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm and Saturdays at 9 am and include runners of all ages and skill levels and varying paces.

Just show up or email ofr@ottawafrontrunners.org for more information.

 

Ottawa Hash House Harriers (OH3)

Affectionately referred to as a drinking club with a running problem established in May of 1985 in Ottawa and 1938 worldwide. Running/walking weekly on Monday nights at 6:45pm from various locations. Check here for run times and locations. Join them for exercise, camaraderie, a few beverages, often a meal, and always a good time. Fees can range between $5.00 – $12.00 per run ($12.00 includes a meal). All levels and ages of runners/walkers are welcome. For inquiries, run leaders can be contacted by email.

 

Ottawa Running Club

Some friends got together for a run 10 years ago and the ORC was born. Since then, hundreds have been introduced to running, broken personal bests and made new friends as part of Sole Responsibility’s running club. Plus, thousands of dollars have been donated to charitable causes near and far.

More info: OttawaRunningClub.org

 

Renfrew County Run Club

This group meets weekly on Thursdays at 7:00 pm at the Renfrew Town Hall. Every pace, every body, everyone welcome.

Find more info here.

 

Royal Beavers Run Club

This vibrant community of runners meets every week at the Greely Library for 5k runs on Wednesdays at 6pm and 10k runs on Saturdays at 8am. Join them for great routes with a supportive running crew. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay updated and get involved!

 

Run 4 All 613

A slower run club for ALL bodies. They meet Mondays at 6pm at 399 Arlington at Bell St in Centretown. This is a 2SLGBTQI+, fat positive group and beginner friendly. There’s a suggested drop-in, pay what you can ($5-10), 50% of proceeds will go to Right to Be Canada.

Follow them on Instagram.

 

RunK2J

You can take your training seriously and still have fun!

RunK2J offers group run clinics and coaching for running and triathlon in Barrhaven and Orleans. Sunday morning LSD runs are open to everyone. In winter we run from Ottawa City Hall at 8:30 am. In the summer we alternate between Hogs Back and Britannia beach. Details are posted on Facebook weekly.

 

Running Room Bank Street

This FREE run group meets every Wednesday at 6:00pm at the Bank Street Running Room (901 Bank Street). Choose from a 5 km or 7 km route, every pace is welcome.

 

Russell Run Club

The Russell Run Club is a bunch of runners who love their community (Township of Russell and surroundings). They appreciate the role this sport plays in their lives physically, mentally and socially and they want to share this activity in a supportive and encouraging environment. The Russell Run Club currently provides running/walking/jogging programs for all ages and abilities. They plan on continuing to grow the club in the future with more programs and social events.

Check them out at www.russellrunclub.com

 

Slowpokes Ottawa

This social run club leaves from Little Victories Coffee on Elgin every Saturday at 10:00am. Committed to creating a supportive environment that welcomes runners of all levels, from beginners seasoned marathoners. Whether you’re looking to set personal goals, stay active, or simply enjoy the thrill of running, this club provides the support and encouragement you need to achieve your ambitions.

Follow them on Instagram.

 

Somerset Runners

Join Somerset Runners for a weekend social run between 6k and 10k, starting and ending with coffee! All paces welcome! Saturdays at 8:00am at Bridgehead Coffeehouse (282 Elgin Street).

Follow them on Instagram or on Meet-up.

 

Sparks Street Run Club

This FREE run club is about building friendship and fitness. Meet at the Bridgehead coffee shop at Sparks Street every Wednesday at 12:15 pm and Saturday at 9:00 am. Everyone is welcome! Just show up to run!

Follow them on Instagram.

 

Sunrise Trails

Run trails with this friendly group! Meet ups are monthly on Sundays at 7:00am. Locations change every month and events are free. Please register to attend.

Follow them on Instagram for more information.

 

Trail Sisters Chelsea

The local chapter of  Trail Sisters. They host bilingual, women’s only group runs on Mondays in Gatineau Park.

Follow their Instagram account for information on their weekly runs.

 

Vanier Running Group

Join runners from Vanier, Ottawa and the surrounding neighbourhoods. They meet every Saturday morning at 8:00 am at Ministry of Coffee on Beechwood.

follow them on Instagram.

 

West Ottawa Run Club

This community of runners meets every Wednesday at 6:30pm, at Conspiracy Theory Brewery (2172 Robertson Rd., Nepean). They go for a run, then meet back up at the Brewery for a drink and some social time afterwards. Great way to make new friends. Beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and food available for purchase afterwards. This is an all season run group, they run trails in the warmer months and on the road when there’s snow on the ground. Route length varies between ~2km and ~10km (check their social media for the weekly posted routes). There is no cost to join and runners of all levels and paces are welcome.

You can find more information at: www.WoRun.ca