Pace Makers: Inside the Ottawa-Gatineau run club community
Ottawa is home to one of the most active running scenes in Canada. You can find a growing list of local run clubs here.
Spotlight on Aylmer Run Crew (ARC): You Just Have to Show Up
Highlighting local run clubs helps shine a light on the many ways community can show up through running. The Run Ottawa Blog connected with Aylmer Run Crew (ARC) to learn how a chance conversation along the river turned into one of the tightest-knit running communities in the region.
ARC’s origin story is a simple one. Josué Thervil, founder of ARC) was out running along the river one day and passed two women who had just finished a workout with an outdoor fitness group. He overheard them talking about how Aylmer didn’t really have a run club, and the idea stuck. After finishing the run, some digging confirmed it: they were right, there wasn’t a run club in Aylmer. So the decision was made to create one.
The plan was to get ARC off the ground and build a community around running in Aylmer. Then the pandemic hit, making it difficult to launch a club whose entire purpose was bringing people together. The launch was delayed by a few months, but once ARC finally got going, things started to happen quickly. Runners showed up, helped spread the word, and contributed to the atmosphere that eventually became ARC. Many of those early runners are now close friends, which remains one of the best parts of the story. ARC grew slowly at first, but it has gradually become the running community it is today.
The idea behind ARC has always been simple: running should be accessible, social, and fun. The crew’s two mottos sum it up well: “Simple. Fast. Free” and “Don’t waste the juice.”
ARC doesn’t consider itself a traditional running club. It’s more of a crew. There are no memberships. Participants show up, find someone around their pace, run together, and hopefully leave having had a good time.
They have earned a reputation as a “fast crew”, and that reputation is real. Some seriously strong runners show up week after week, which can feel intimidating if you’re new to running. But Thervil wants to change that. No matter your pace, experience, goals, or background, ARC welcomes everyone. Training for a marathon, working toward your first 5K, coming back after time away, or just looking for a reason to get outside on a Sunday morning: there’s a place for you here. All it takes is showing up. You don’t need to be fast to run with the fast crowd, you just need to be there.
“Don’t waste the juice” captures the ARC mentality well: bring the energy, enjoy the run, push when the moment calls for it, and don’t take yourself too seriously. There’s a time to chase a personal best, and a time to simply enjoy running with good people.
The crowd is one of the best things about ARC. It’s a genuine mix: younger runners, parents, experienced runners, beginners, triathletes, participants chasing personal bests, people training for their first race, and people who simply enjoy getting outside.
Some come for the running, but many stay for the camaraderie. ARC organizes social gatherings throughout the year, giving members a chance to hang out, get to know each other, and build friendships beyond the pavement, whether that’s grabbing food or a drink after a run, getting together for a special event, or just finding an excuse to socialize.
What started as an idea to fill a gap in Aylmer has become a well-established running community. Complete beginners have gone on to run their first 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon with ARC. Others have taken on triathlons and endurance challenges. One of the most rewarding parts of the journey is watching someone arrive saying “I’m not really a runner,” only to be talking about their next race or a new personal best a few months later. There have also been plenty of terrible-weather runs where everyone questions their life choices beforehand, and somehow everyone is smiling by the end. At this point, ARC has become much more than a weekly run. It’s a way for people in Aylmer to connect.
The goal going forward for Thervil is to keep growing ARC without losing what made it work in the first place: introducing more people to running, especially beginners, while continuing to provide a place for experienced runners to train and connect. More structured beginner programs are in the works, along with new ways to help more people move from “I should start running” to actually becoming runners. The goal isn’t necessarily to become the biggest club around. It’s to be the crew where someone can show up alone on a Sunday morning, not knowing anybody, and feel like they belong five minutes later.
At its heart, ARC is about proving that you don’t have to be fast, experienced, or even a “real runner” to belong. Whether someone is chasing a marathon PB or working up the courage to show up for their first run, ARC offers a place to find their pace and their people.
ARC meets every Sunday at 9:00 am sharp. The meetup location changes around Aylmer, with the exact spot and route posted each week on social media. Participants can typically choose between an 8 to 12 kilometre option and a 4 to 6 kilometre option, with all paces welcome and everyone encouraged to run at their own pace. Participation is always free.
Spotlight on Badass Lady Gang Ottawa: Creating Space for Every Pace
Highlighting local run clubs helps shine a light on the many ways community can show up through running. This month, we connected with Badass Lady Gang Ottawa to learn more about the welcoming, supportive space they have built for women runners across the city.
Badass Lady Gang Ottawa launched in March 2019 as a local chapter of the global Badass Lady Gang movement, which was started by Kelly Roberts in New York City just months earlier. From the beginning, the goal was clear: to create a running environment where women of all abilities feel welcome, supported, and never left behind.
At the time BALG Ottawa was formed, many runners had experienced showing up to “all paces welcome” groups only to feel excluded once the run began. Badass Lady Gang Ottawa set out to change that experience entirely. Their runs have been intentionally designed to keep the group connected, whether through looped or out and back routes, intersecting paths, or multiple distance options. Participants are able to choose between two to three route variations, including a walking option, often deciding what feels right even after the run has started. Typical distances range from 2.5 to 5 kilometres, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of runners.
Connection goes beyond the run itself too. Each weekly meetup begins with a simple but meaningful ritual, sharing names and answering an icebreaker question. Sometimes the questions are about running, sometimes they reflect current events, and sometimes they are purely playful. The result is an easy way for people to start conversations, break down barriers, and get to know one another.
Badass Lady Gang Ottawa is also known for its creativity and sense of fun. Some of their most popular runs include themed scavenger hunts around Halloween and Christmas, where participants form small groups and search neighbourhoods for festive items, documenting their finds along the way. Interval workouts take on a social twist as well, with trivia, “never have I ever,” or “would you rather” questions determining pace or distance. And for those who have been around awhile, the summer “freezie mile” remains a memorable highlight.
The group meets on Monday evenings at 7:00 pm in front of Tunney’s Pasture Station, near the corner of Scott Street and Holland Avenue. Runs typically wrap up around 7:45 pm, making it an easy fit into the week. Participation is free, no registration is required, and holiday Mondays are the only regular breaks in their schedule.
At its heart, Badass Lady Gang Ottawa is about creating a space where women feel welcome, supported, and comfortable showing up exactly as they are. Whether someone is new to running, returning after time away, or simply looking for connection through movement, BALG Ottawa offers a place where no one is left behind.
They are always happy to welcome new badasses and look forward to sharing many more runs together.
Learn more about Badass Lady Gang Ottawa here.
Spotlight on Achilles Ottawa: Building an inclusive running community
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 Achilles Ottawa to learn more about their inclusive community.
Achilles Ottawa is a running and walking club based in the nation’s capital that creates a supportive space for athletes who are blind or visually impaired, along with their trained sighted guides. The club welcomes participants of all vision levels and athletic backgrounds. Its core mission is to bring hope, inspiration, and the joy of achievement to people of all abilities. In addition to weekly runs and walks, Achilles Ottawa regularly takes part in community races across the city and beyond. The group is a proud chapter of Achilles International, a global organization with the same inclusive values.
Founded in 2010 by Ottawa Paralympians Mikhail Gorbounov and Jason Dunkerly, Achilles Ottawa was born out of a shared passion for running and a dedication to helping others in the blind and low-vision community stay active and achieve their goals. In the early days, runners, walkers, and guides would meet at Gorbounov’s home to hit the nearby paths and return afterward for some social time.
Over the years, the group has adapted to meet the changing needs of its members. They’ve tested different meeting spots around the city to improve accessibility and accommodate transportation. Their ideal home was found at the CNIB Community Hub, which offers a safe space for belongings, access to beautiful running routes along the Rideau Canal, and a welcoming place to socialize after group runs and walks. During the pandemic, Achilles Ottawa pivoted to virtual workouts and then met at the Central Experimental Farm for outdoor runs. Thankfully, they’ve since returned to the CNIB Hub, where they continue to thrive.
One standout moment came during COVID when the group creatively used 8-foot bamboo poles to allow runners and guides to safely remain connected while maintaining physical distance. Today, Achilles Ottawa is a familiar and spirited presence at events like the Great Big Cookie Run, Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend, and Richmond Road Races, sporting their bright yellow t-shirts!
Many athletes begin their journey with the club unsure of their abilities. But with encouragement and guidance, they go from hesitant first steps to proudly crossing the finish line at events like the Ottawa 10K presented by Otto’s Ottawa. The sense of accomplishment is shared and celebrated by the entire team.
There’s a strong sense of camaraderie within Achilles Ottawa. Members are incredibly supportive, often sharing laughs, tips, and resources. As club president Richard Marsolais puts it “Our relationship with Run Ottawa continues to strengthen, thanks largely to the people involved. Registration support, seamless race kit and bib pickup, and start-line modifications for those who need them have all contributed to a very positive experience.”
Achilles Ottawa meets most Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the CNIB Community Hub (104-425 Marche Way, Lansdowne Park), except on long weekends. Safety is a top priority—sighted guides are well-trained and only paired with athletes once they’re confident and comfortable in their guiding role.
For more information, email achillesottawa@gmail.com or visit www.achillesottawa.ca.
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-endclub.
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.
Spotlight on Hull Sunday Run Day: Building Community, one run at a time
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’re featuring Hull Sunday Run Day. We chatted with their run lead Zackery Liberty to learn more about the run club, and here’s what he shared with us…
Hull Sunday Run Day officially launched on Sunday, May 12, 2024. After joining various run clubs in the Outaouais region, Liberty realized there was a gap in the Hull area for a regular weekend run club that could bring the community together. His vision for Hull Sunday Run Day truly came to life after discovering Bobino Bagel, where their runs depart from every week.
Over the summer, as Liberty participated in races and other community runs, He connected with many people looking for a club like Hull Sunday Run Day, a welcoming and consistent group to join every weekend. Since then, they’ve built a solid core of regular runners who show up every week, and on some weekends this past summer, over 30 runners would attend on Sunday morning! Their members reflect a range of ages, backgrounds, and experience levels, from seniors to families with young children.
The ‘vibe’ of Hull Sunday Run Day is all about inclusivity and community. Runners of all abilities are welcome, and while people show up to run, they stay for the camaraderie over coffee and bagels. It’s been rewarding for Liberty to see people building friendships and connections each week.
One of the highlights for Liberty from this past summer was the launch of their HSRD t-shirts. Making the club a non-profit venture has been important to him from the beginning. That’s why they partnered with Base Gatineau, the local food bank in Hull, to donate 100% of their proceeds to support those in need in the community. Hull Sunday Run Day proudly wore their tees to the last event in the 2024 Saturday 5K Series, where they even won the award for the club with the most spirit!
Hull Sunday Run Day meets every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at Bobino Bagel in Hull, right across from the Canadian Museum of History. You can find more information by checking out their instagram account: hull.sunday.run.day.