How to Find Running Clubs in Cincinnati

Whether you’re a native of Cincinnati, you’ve chosen the Queen City as your home or are visiting from out of town, you might be wondering how to find running clubs in Cincinnati. Finding a running community makes it easier to get started, keep consistent, stay accountable, see the sights on foot if you’re from out of town, or get a shakeout or recovery run for a Cincinnati destination race.

Not only is Cincinnati very runnable, there are group runs happening nearly every day of the week. This guide takes the guesswork out of how to find running clubs in Cincinnati.

Fleet Feet Cincinnati Group Runs and Training

Members of Fleet Feet Cincinnati's Racing Team pose for a photo.

Cincinnati is home to eight Fleet Feet locations, and four of them have active run clubs: Blue Ash, Oakley, Fifty West and Newport. With nearly 700 participants across all locations, you’ll have a great chance of finding people who run your pace in a laid-back and supportive environment.

Fleet Feet Newport has a free run on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. with routes that explore northern Kentucky and downtown Cincinnati. Or, join the Cincinnati Sunday Runners for a free, community group run that starts at a different local coffee shop each week.

Can’t make the group runs but still want to connect? Join Fleet Feet Cincinnati’s Strava Group.

Fleet Feet Cincinnati Training Programs

When you need something more focused that includes specific workouts designed to improve performance or prepare you for a race, Fleet Feet Cincinnati offers multiple paid training programs to help get you there.

RunLife is a training schedule that offers consistency without a goal-race to work toward.
No Boundaries is a 14- or 16-week program designed for people who are new to walking or running or are currently runners and would like to improve their 5K or 10K performance. This program is offered in the spring and fall.
Official Heart Mini Training prepares runners for the Heart Mini half marathon or 15K.
Official Flying Pig Training is a 17-week program that prepares runners for the Flying Pig marathon or half marathon. It’s delivered in four phases, each with very specific goals, and is designed to gradually build mileage slowly, consistently and safely.
Year Pass gives you access to all of Fleet Feet Cincinnati’s training programs for the calendar year, so you can receive all of the perks and benefits of each program and save money in the process.
Fleet Feet Racing Team is a year-round training program for dedicated runners looking to elevate their performance during spring and fall racing seasons. It’s designed for those who are training at a higher level with specific time or place goals, such as qualifying for the Boston Marathon or winning your next 5K.

The following group runs are for enrollees of any of the Fleet Feet Cincinnati Training Programs:

Blue Ash and Fifty West meet at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday and 7:00 a.m. Saturday
Oakley and Newport meet at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and 7:00 a.m. Saturday

Cincinnati Run Clubs

Runners run through confetti in Cincinnati.

Join the Roebling Runners for twice-weekly runs to, from or over the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge—no toll needed! This group meets at Carabello Coffee at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday for a casual out-and-back, and varying times on Saturday mornings for long runs.

Frontrunners/Frontwalkers of Cincinnati is a social club for LGBT people and allies interested in running and walking for pleasure or competition. This group meets at Spring Grove Cemetery at 9:00 a.m. Saturday mornings for a run and/or walk followed by coffee and social time.

Black Men Run is a national group that encourages health and wellness among African American men by promoting a culture of running to stay fit. Black Men Run’s Cincinnati chapter meets in Summit Park in Blue Ash on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. They support a wide range of abilities, and their runs are open to everyone from all backgrounds, including first-timers and experienced athletes.

Not one, but two Cincinnati YMCAs offer a free running club, and you don’t have to be a YMCA member to participate. The Wise Runners Club at the Clippard Family YMCA gets together twice per week to run, and also offers training plans (for all distances), fun runs and educational opportunities. The Hamilton Run Club at the Fitton Family YMCA is free and open to all runners regardless of pace, distance and ability.

The Avondale Running Club is the oldest organized African American running club in America. This group of running and walking enthusiasts meets at different locations in the Cincinnati area on Saturday and Sunday. Check out their event calendar for more details.

Check out the Black Girls RUN! Cincinnati chapter for group runs near you. Not your average running group, the Black Girls RUN! movement encourages and motivates Black women to practice a healthy lifestyle, serving as a fitness resource for runners and gym rats alike. This inclusive running club welcomes all women to gather together and get active.

The Runners’ Club of Greater Cincinnati promotes running, walking and general fitness in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. This membership-based club is a non-profit 501c(3) run by volunteers and is recognized by the Road Runners Club of America. They sponsor and put on races, parties, picnics, group runs, happy hours and other events for Cincinnati runners.

She RUNS This Town is a free running club for women and has two chapters in the Queen City: SRTT Central Cincinnati and SRTT Westside Cincinnati. Group runs can range from casual gatherings among members and events organized by chapter leaders. If you’re a woman looking for an accountabilibuddy or running best friend, check out She RUNS This Town.

Pain By Numbers is a group of runners in nearby Newport, Kentucky, who host regular group runs. This group is primarily geared for anyone interested in training for a marathon or half marathon and welcomes first timers who have some proficiency in running. Visitors are welcome to join any of their scheduled group runs.

Pub Runs in Cincinnati

Runners gather for a pub run at Fifty West in Cincinnati.

Join the Fleet Feet crew on the first Monday of every month at 6:00 p.m. for a free pub run series. After your run, head to the Fifty West Burger Bar for post-run drinks, food and social time. Run with us three times and earn a pub run pint glass, six times for a pub run tee or nine times for a six-pack of Fifty West beer and a $25 Fleet Feet gift certificate.

BrewRunners of Cincinnati believes that running and local beer go hand in hand! This group of runners likes to socialize and have a drink after a run. They’re more than just a run club—they also offer training programs for Cincinnati races like Flying Pig. Check out their Facebook or Instagram for more information about group runs and training.

Cincinnati Run Club is a diverse group of people who enjoy running, meeting new people and enjoying refreshments and conversation after a run. This club organizes 3-5 mile routes with group runs at rotating venues throughout Oakley and Hyde Park on Monday at 6:30p p.m. and Cincinnati and Newport on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Runs start at spots like Streetside Brewery and MadTree Brewing.

Volunteer Groups

If you’re looking for a way to combine your love for running with a good cause, check out the Girls on the Run Cincinnati SoleMate program. As a SoleMate, you will train for a physical activity challenge of your choice while raising critical funds to support more girls in Cincinnati. Dream up a challenge that works for you and commit to go the distance.

The Fleet Feet Ambassador Team is a diverse group of active lifestyle individuals who share a passion for the Cincinnati running community and representing Fleet Feet at local races and events. To become an ambassador, you must volunteer at at least five Fleet Feet Cincinnati-sponsored store events, races, expo, community runs or training program events.

Local Resource for Cincinnati Running

We run local, and we love to share insider tips! Stop by any of our eight Fleet Feet Cincinnati locations for more information about where to run, training programs, tips for running and racing, and all the latest on popular run clubs across Cincinnati.