Run Club Spotlight: DC Capital Striders
If you've been running in DC for any length of time, you've probably crossed paths with DC Capital Striders. With group runs across DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, they're one of the most established and welcoming running communities in the area. We sat down with the group to learn what makes them tick.
Tell us about DC Capital Striders.
We are a social running group. We schedule weekly group runs at many locations mainly in Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia led by knowledgeable group hosts open to runners of all endurance levels. We have partnerships with many nutrition/energy related product brands, race companies, and apparel/fitness related companies. Some offer discounts on products and races. We value giving back to the community through charity events and volunteering at local races. Our motto: “We Go the Extra Distance” implies we give back to the running community and offer a platform for anyone to enjoy the sport of running.
How did the group get its start?
We started with 3 people on the National Mall in April 2006. 20 years later we have 9 group runs, we reach hundreds of runners directly weekly and we reach thousands annually on social media. We have impacted many lives, hopefully all for the good! We volunteer, we fundraise, we help the environment! There have been many families created because of DC Capital Striders.
When/Where does each group meet?
Washington, DC
DCCS Smithsonian (Monday Evening): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dccssmithsonian
DCCS Shaw Bloomingdale (Wednesday Evening): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dccsshawbloomingdale
DCCS Dupont Circle (Saturday Morning): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dccsdupontcircle
DCCS Peirce Mill (Thursday Morning): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dccspeircemill/
Northern Virginia
DCCS Arlington (Monday Evening): https://www.facebook.com/groups/arlingtonroadandtrail
DCCS Alexandria (Tuesday Morning): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dccsalexandria
DCCS Trail Wolfpack (Great Falls Wednesday Evening/Manassas Monday Evening): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dccswolfpack
Maryland
DCCS Bethesda (Saturday Morning): https://www.facebook.com/groups/dccsbethesda
Who shows up to your runs?
It depends on the time of year. Group runs can get anywhere between 5-50 runners. We accept all paces, experience levels, and demographics. Walkers are welcome as well.
What should first-timers know before showing up?
No need to reach out, just join the Facebook group for the run location you are interested in. Make a comment, ask a question, it will be answered. You will be greeted warmly by the attendees when you arrive at the run. Bring a headlamp if running in the dark and reflective clothing. Dress for the weather. Helpful tip: you may not always have someone to run with, but someone will know you are there and make sure you get back to the start location safely.
