Run Club Spotlight: West End Run Club (WERC)
For four years, the West End Run Club has welcomed runners of all levels for their weekly runs from the West End, between Dupont Circle and Foggy Bottom. The group shared runs with us and talked about the different social opportunities that make their group a welcoming environment for everyone.
Courtesy of WERC.
When/Where does the group meet?
Every Friday morning at 6:45 am outside of Call Your Mother Deli (West End) on 1143 New Hampshire Ave NW.
What makes WERC different from other running groups?
Aside from our weekly Friday morning run, we offer runners plenty of ways to get plugged into the local community if they choose. From organizing race-day cheer stations to support local races like Rock n' Roll Half Marathon, Cherry Blossom 10 Miler, and Marine Corps Marathon, to quarterly volunteer opportunities like Girls On The Run (GOTR) and District Clean Up, there are many ways to get involved and give back.
We also host monthly Happy Hours/Socials (always on a Friday), have bi-annual merch drops, maintain strong social media engagement (with bi-weekly "Runner of the Week" spotlights), and foster an active WhatsApp group where members can join, ask questions, share guidance, search for running buddies, or just chat about running!
West End Run Club is an inclusive space for runners of all paces. For our group runs, we always have a leader up front and a “back-of-the-pack” caboose so no one gets left behind. It’s a great place to find community, make friends, and have more fun with your running—whether you’re just getting started or training for a marathon.
What is the mix of runners and who thrives in your group?
We’ve got a huge range of runners! From beginners to ultramarathoners, road runners to trail enthusiasts. Some people come out just to have fun or stay active, while others are chasing big race goals.
Right now, the group’s average pace usually falls somewhere between 8:30–11:00 minutes per mile. We don’t officially split into pace groups—instead, the pack naturally spreads out each week. We always have a co-leader at the front and a “back-of-the-pack” caboose so everyone is supported. All paces are welcome, and we encourage anyone to come join us.
Most of our runners are in their mid-20s to mid-40s. As of 2026, WERC is run by five co-leaders who help keep everything moving and the community strong.
We consistently have 25-40 runners, and on nice days, we’ve had it get up to more than 75. We also have some loyal dog members.
Walk us through a typical run.
Each week we run the same 5K route that starts and ends at Call Your Mother Deli in West End, DC. We always kick things off with names and a quick icebreaker question to give people a fun conversation starter during the 3 mile run. Afterward, at least half the group if not more usually sticks around for coffee & socializing—often longer than the run itself!
What should first-timers know before showing up?
Just show up—no sign-up or registration needed! Our Instagram is the best place to check for any weather-related updates. We’ll always post a reminder on our Instagram Story Thursday afternoon to let everyone know we’re “on” for Friday and looking forward to seeing you in the morning for our weekly run.
