Run Club Spotlight: Northeast Track Club
In the bustling running scene of Washington, D.C., few groups have managed to cultivate a sense of "team" quite like the Northeast Track Club (NETC). Known for their high energy and inclusive atmosphere, NETC has become a staple for those looking to push their limits while building genuine friendships.
We sat down with the team behind NETC to learn more about what happens at the track and why this community is about so much more than just a lap time.
Instagram: NE_Trackclub
How would you describe the personality and vibe of Northeast Track Club?
Northeast Track Club is the kind of community where people show up for the miles but stay for the people. The vibe is warm and encouraging, we try to create an atmosphere where all you have to do is show up and once you’re here, the stress of everyday life can be put on hold for a moment. Our personality is rooted in connection through movement and belief that everyone should feel like a somebody.
What sets NETC apart from other running groups?
Two things really set us apart.
First, the depth of care within our community – not just amongst the leadership team but across the little micro-communities that form naturally throughout NETC. People celebrate each other’s wins, show up for each other outside of running, and build lifelong friendships.
Second, we’re the only club in DC that rents and hosts dedicated track sessions every Tuesday night. Having our own track each week creates a dependable space for runners of all levels to exercise, with a team-like feel that you won’t find anywhere else.
What is the mix of runners and who thrives in your group?
NETC is for everyone. Our Tuesday night track workouts have pace groups from 4:30 to 9:00 mile time. Our Saturday runs focus on building community and friendship amongst attendees. The Saturday pace is held at 9:00 minutes or slower, and we encourage attendees to meet someone new.
Runners who are looking to challenge themselves, find real community, and feel supported in the process [thrive here]. Whether they’re new to DC, getting back into running, or just looking for a fun group to get in some laps; there is a place for them!
Walk us through a typical NETC run.
After a brief set of announcements and introductions from the NETC leadership team, a typical Tuesday track workout includes the following:
A one-mile warm-up jog
A series of activations and stretches
Breaking up into pace groups
Completing the workout together in pace groups
Cool down
Socializing
Our Saturday community runs include meeting at a new coffee shop each week and runners being led on a run ranging from 5K all the way up to 20 miles during peak marathon season.
What do current members say they love most about running with you?
The love for NETC often happens in two stages. The first stage occurs when a new member of the club and community settles in and just gets to enjoy the act of running. They don't have to worry about pacing themselves, planning a workout, or creating a route for their long run. They just get to show up and run.
The second stage occurs when an existing member settles into the heart of the NETC community and/or one of the many micro-communities that have formed. Here deep friendships are formed, personal records are set, and groups of people travel across state lines to cheer on runners at races throughout the country.
Share a tradition that captures what NETC is all about.
One of NETC’s biggest traditions that really sums up who we are as a club is our 8-week ‘Better Your Mile’ program. Starting the first week in May, runners of all paces show up to set their baseline mile to kick off the 8 weeks of training. For the next 8 weeks, we chip away – running track specific workout with the ultimate goal of bettering your mile. Over those 8 weeks, you can literally watch the community form in real time: people sharing training tips, showing up not just to run but to see their friends, bumping up to pace groups that once felt intimidating on day one.
By race night, the track feels electric. With heat after heat of people racing to their fastest mile (about 20 heats); everyone crowds the track, losing their voices while cheering on people who were complete strangers 8 weeks earlier. Some people walk away with news PRs, some just come to cheer – but every single person who shows up is part of something much bigger than themselves. A community.
How can people find you and get involved?
We have lots of information on our website, www.netrackclub.com, and are active on Instagram at ne_trackclub.
We also have a lively Discord channel where members can connect with others, ask questions about recovery protocols, upcoming races, and much more.
