Run Club Spotlight: DC Rock Creek Rockets
For this week's Run Club Spotlight, we bring you…not a run club. The Rock Creek Rockets is a group of runners that eschews the title of “Run Club,” opting instead to classify themselves as a laid back group of runners who happen to meet at the same time each week. The idea is that there should be no anxiety about getting out and running with new friends.
When/Where does the group meet?
Our group meets at 6:30 am on Thursdays at the Dupont Circle Fountain.
What makes DC Rock Creek Rockets different from other running groups?
It’s not a run club, we just meet every Thursday for a group run.
People can have certain opinions about run clubs, and I want to take away that anxiousness. Runners come and go as they please during our routes. If anyone wants to have a social breakfast afterwards they ask the group, but it’s pretty informal. We have a very relaxed atmosphere.
What is the mix of runners and who thrives in your group?
We vary from different age ranges and different levels of fitness, and depending on the week, we have 5-10 runners. We have people that prefer trail running over road running, so it’s a good mix. Everyone has their own personal goals, whether it’s racing or casual running, and the Rockets provide another opportunity for people to meet up and not run alone. We keep to a 9:00 min pace but we’ll adjust if needed.
Everyone can thrive with Rockets! Please come join us!
Walk us through a typical run.
Runners meet up at 6:30 am at the Dupont Circle Fountain, but the run doesn’t start until 6:35, giving some flexibility for anybody who is a bit late. We chit chat a bit (I’ll introduce myself to a new runner and give them a quick rundown of the route), and then we’ll take a picture of that day’s runners. We’ll head out to Rock Creek Park and do an out-and-back and finish by the fountain.
Most of the runners have my Instagram and can message me if they’re meeting us along the run. If anyone needs to adjust their route, they let me know and I’ll ensure I say bye on their way out. We have a brief rest by the Zoo Loop for people to catch their breath and then we start up again. Very casual.
What should first-timers know before showing up?
Please connect with us on our Instagram for the route. I am always available to chat so please send the group a DM.
Please bring hydration/nutrition with you if that’s a requirement for yourself as we only pass one water fountain. I tend to bring a headlamp during the times of the year when it’s particularly dark, but the more the merrier!
Rockets will always be flexible on pace and you won’t run alone!
How can people find you and get involved?
Follow us on Instagram at @dcrockcreekrockets.
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