Run, Don’t Walk! These Clubs Will Help You Make Friends and Feel Your Best
Hot girl walks are out. Let the podcast wait for your daily commute, and swap solo time for the opportunity to connect with like-minded locals. Community-oriented clubs are popping up all over OC, with intentions to bring like-minded individuals together to live happier, healthier and more connected lives. We get that joining a club is intimidating, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised by warm welcomes and maybe even discover that running isn’t so bad after all—especially when followed up by a hard-earned happy hour! Here is your guide to Orange County’s fitness-forward social clubs for every age and interest.
Newport Run Club
If you’re a Newport local, you’ve definitely seen Newport Run Club coasting down the Balboa Peninsula. Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. (rain or shine!) seemingly all the young adults of Newport Beach gather at the pier for a three-mile trek. The run usually ends with a drink or two at Helmsman Ale House, ‘cause listen, you earned it! This is the place to meet new friends, workout buddies or even a date. If you’re thinking about lacing up, look the part with a Run Club hat and set the pace with their curated playlists.
Local Insight: Newport Run Club also meets on select Saturdays at Freelance Coffee Project or Helmsman Ale House.
Location: Newport Beach
Girls Walk Club
Ditch the airpods on your next hot girl walk for a community of gals who have open arms, and most likely a 10k step count! Emily Johnston founded the Girls Walk Club for all the girls in between life stages. Careers, relationships and life’s hustle and bustle are set aside to foster community. Girls Walk Club is for any girl in Orange County. Walk locations span from Balboa Island to the San Clemente Beach Trail. If walking is not your speed, join the girls for Taco Tuesday once a month at Ahba in Laguna Beach!
Locations: Various cities in Orange County
San Clemente Run Club
Running is better by the beach and with a squad by your side. Founders Mckenna and JuJu first met through running, and have since expanded their weekly runs to over 30 beach town locals. San Clemente Run Club gets after it twice a week for three-mile runs on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. and four-mile runs on Saturdays at 8:30 a.m. Post-run refuels take place at Bear Coast Coffee. Sunshine, friends, runners high and a caffeine fix? Sounds like a perfect SoCal Saturday.
Location: San Clemente
SoCal Girls Club
The SoCal Girls Club is for the girls! Kelsey Garbe and Bri Bosanko created the SoCal Girls Club to bring women together through wellness. Think of it as the four W’s: women, wellness, walks and workouts! New members can expect to make budding friendships and walk into a confidence-led life. Whether it’s pilates in the park, cookbook nights or sunny beach walks, the SoCal Girls Club is for the girl who wants to step out of her comfort zone, but with the support of a female army behind her.
Locations: Various cities in Orange County
The Mom Walk Collective
Hey mamma! We know it takes a village; find yours at the Mom Walk Collective. This strollers parade is an approachable way to meet moms in the same life stage and a portal to access tips from moms a bit farther along. Mom Walk Collective hosts bimonthly walks in practically every OC city. Find your closest Mom Walk Collective on the walk finder and get your mojo back by setting out to meet at least one new mamma! Kiddos encouraged.
Local Insight: If there are no walks in your city, become an ambassador and create your own collective!
Locations: Various cities in Orange County
Neat Coffee Run Club
Neat Coffee Costa Mesa brews community in all that they do. From small business pop-ups to summer movie nights, it would almost be off-brand if Neat Coffee didn’t have a run club of their own. Set your alarm and meet the crew in the parking lot at 6:15 a.m. every Thursday. This sunrise run is perfect for those heading to work, or slinging espresso at 7 a.m. With that being said, make sure to treat yourself to a cappuccino and a toast or two before heading out.
Location: Costa Mesa
Surfriday Costa Mesa
Catch a wave with Surfriday Costa Mesa at Tower 28 in Newport Beach. Whether you’ve never stood up or are a regular in the lineup at Blackies, there’s something for everyone at Surfriday. Boards, wetsuits, donuts and coffees are provided every Friday (you guessed it!) at 7 a.m. Even if you prefer to sit on the sand while watching the water, Surfriday invites you to post up with a dark roast in hand. Surfriday has taken a hiatus for the winter season, with plans to be back on the board in the spring of 2024.
Location: Newport Beach
Mikkeller Running Club OC
Mikkeller Running Club is the optime of balance, or at least their run-to-beer ratio is right on point. You don’t have to be a runner to join, but you may become one sip of the hoppy kool-aid. Join Mikkelelr run club for brewery-based 5Ks every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. for distance junkies, the club offers longer runs every second saturday. It’s the perfect preparation for the Surf City Half Marathon. Speaking of, if you’re registered but don’t have a pacer, take this as your sign to join the club.
Local Insight: Mikkeller Running Club also hosts monthly bike and brew rides. Follow Mikkeller Cycling Club OC for more.
Locations: Various cities in north Orange County
SC Craft Runners
On Wednesdays South OC runs! SC Craft Runners is a collective of run and beer enthusiasts, who have been meeting for weekly runs every Wednesday since 2021. Their route changes weekly, allowing for new sights and new sips from South County’s best tap rooms including Laguna Beer Company, Project Social and Artifex. Routes are posted on their Instagram prior to weekly runs, which take off at 6:30 p.m. All ages 21+ are welcome.
Locations: Various cities in south Orange County
