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Top Running Clubs In Philadelphia

Whether you run competitively, for health and exercise or to just get outdoors, it is important to remember that running, as with any sport, has benefits and dangers. It may seem counter-intuitive, but there is an art to running that requires a specialized skill set. Many find coaching, support and companionship by joining a running club. When choosing one, start here.
Fast Tracks Running Club
149 Kynlyn Road
Radnor, PA 19807
(610) 254-9292
www.fasttracksrunning.org

Fast Tracks Running Club in Valley Forge was founded in 1993 to serve female runners. Since that time, it has now opened up its membership to men. All ages and experience levels are welcome. In addition to organized runs, it also features running-related speakers at scheduled meetings and sponsors social events. Organized runs are available most days during the week. Fast Tracks is a member of the USA Track & Field association and even offers babysitting services.

Related: Top Indoor Tracks For Running And Cycling

Walnut Street Run Club
City Sports Center City
1608 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 985-5860
www.citysportsblog.com

Walnut Street Run Club offers free memberships. Open to all ages and runners with varied skill levels, the club offers weekly runs. The club meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at City Sports on Walnut Street. Runs take place rain or shine. The distance of each run is about four miles, but the group keeps it non-competitive. After the workout, runners may check out that week's guest vendor at the store.

Valley Forge Striders
1206 Lancaster Ave.
Berwyn, PA 19312
www.valleyforgestriders.com

Open to all ages and ability levels, the Valley Forge Striders club belongs to the Mid-Atlantic chapter of US. Track & Field association. The groups sponsors runs on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at Valley Forge Park. Run distance varies. Among its featured events are the Berwyn 5K Victory Run and the Valley Forge Revolutionary Run. Its website provides an online membership application.

Related: Top CrossFit Studios In Philadelphia

Students Run Philly Style
260 S. Broad St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 825-8298
www.studentsrunphilly.org

Since 2004, Students Run Philly Style has been the only program in Philadelphia to provide marathon training to youth. Young people are connected with more than 200 adult mentors, known as running leaders. More than 50 schools, rec centers and other community sites host teams each year. Students train with mentors three days per week from March to November and compete in eight road races. The mission of the organization is to instill courage, effort and respect in youth, as it combats childhood obesity.

West Chester Running Club
138 Whispering Oaks Drive
West Chester, PA 19382
(484) 410-6780
www.sites.google.com

Founded in 2000, the West Chester Running Club was founded by a small group of friends. Its mission is to promote health, fitness and competitive running. The club offers a number of group runs, and sponsors a Kids Day at the Races in the summer. It also provides a scholarship race to benefit graduating students from Chester County-area high schools. In addition to running, the group provides Pilates, triathlon and duathlon training. Scheduled runs are open to all ability levels.

Jeffrey B. Roth, has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
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