Run Club Spotlight: Waldorf Runners
This week, we are taking the Run Club Spotlight to Maryland to meet the Waldorf Runners. This is the only Waldorf-based run club, and they welcome dozens of people to their runs each week. They are working to build a fitness-focused community that welcomes runners and walkers of all levels.
When/Where does the group meet?
Tuesdays at 6:30pm at Westlake Square Shopping Center in Waldorf, MD, Thursdays at 6:30pm at Mary B. Neal Elementary School in St. Charles, MD, and Saturdays and Sunday mornings as announced at the Indian Head Rail Trail in White Plains, MD.
We also host pop-up runs as announced.
What makes the Slow & Steady Run Club different from other running groups?
We are currently the only Waldorf based run club. We are a free community, offering this club as a service to our broader community to emphasize the importance of healthy living, connecting with community and connecting around shared goals.
What is the mix of runners and who thrives in your run club?
We truly welcome all levels.
Our weeknight runs offer a 1 mile and 3 mile route and varying paces. We usually have a faster group at the front, 10-13:00 pace in the middle, and each group also has run/walk interval groups and walkers. Some of the walkers are power-walkers, walking with a purpose, and others enjoy a leisurely stroll. We also have many children who accompany their parents and participate and many parents who come and bring their strollers.
We usually have 30-60 runners on Tuesday; 20-40 on Thursday; 5-20 on weekends.
We are trying to build a community where all runners can thrive. We have a good amount of very season runners who race and compete, recreational runners who just get out there for fun, and many people who are developing runners. All of them have the opportunity to thrive.
Walk us through a typical run.
We usually meet up at 6:30 to do announcements and a dynamic warm-up. We take a group photo and then we roll at 6:45 PM. As runners return they cool down and connect with community.
Same format for Sunday and Saturday runs except a smaller group usually. Weekend runs tend to bring out less developing runners and more serious runners who are training for longer distances although occasionally, we will get some walkers out too.
What should first-timers know before showing up to your run club?
All paces are welcome. Visit our website or follow our social media for each week’s run schedule. There is no need to RSVP, but you can. We are very responsive on social media and email so feel free to reach out with any questions. Bring water and a good attitude. We’re always happy to meet new members of the community.
What do current members say they love most about running with you?
Many members love the family inclusive environment, and that the club is not solely focused on performance based running. We received many comments that the group feels “like family “and it is very welcoming and supportive of people in various stages of their fitness journey.
How can people find Waldorf Runners and get involved?
www.waldorfrunners.com and @WaldorfRunners on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Want to have your run club highlighted in the newsletter? Submit your group here.
