Fraser Street Run Club: From a "Silly Idea" to a Vancouver Running Powerhouse

In May 2013, during a long run through bear and cougar territory, some friends came up with what they called a "comic-relief-of-an-idea." Since most of them lived on or near Fraser Street in Vancouver, they decided to start the "Frasercore" Club. What began as a joke and a few monthly social runs quickly expanded into something much bigger. By November 2013, the Fraser Street Run Club was officially founded and has since established itself as a major presence in the city's running community.

The mission of Fraser Street Run Club is to encourage people to run and to build a supportive community for runners in and around Vancouver. They offer an open and inclusive environment for athletes of all levels, with a special focus on promoting running in natural settings as a way to inspire an active, sustainable, and social lifestyle. They believe in the power of groups to explore new places, from urban trails in the city to the rugged mountains of Squamish and Vancouver's North Shore.

The FsRC community is led by a core group of highly accomplished founders. The team includes Kat Drew, an elite ultra-runner who has finished in the top 10 at the prestigious Western States 100-miler; Cody Callon, a social worker and decorated ultra-trail athlete; Jesse Booi, a former top professional skateboarder turned top-tier trail runner; and Michelle Ford, a personal trainer and accomplished obstacle course racer. This diverse wealth of experience provides an inspiring foundation for the entire community.

### Tuesdays on the Track, Sundays on the Trail

The culture of FsRC is active, adventurous, and social. Their weekly schedule features a variety of runs tailored to different goals. This includes **Track Tuesdays** for increasing speed, social **Feel Good Fridays** to relax and connect, and **Happy Trails Sundays** to explore the region's stunning natural scenery. The team is also well known for its "Field Trips," where they visit various locations to participate in different races as a group, strengthening their bonds through shared experiences.

Fraser Street Run Club warmly welcomes any runner in the Vancouver area to join their community. Whether you're into social runs, trail events, or team races, they offer a supportive and inclusive space for runners of all skill levels. Feel free to reach out to them through their official social media channels.

### The Vancouver Running Scene

FsRC combines its unique trail expertise with a welcoming community spirit in Vancouver's lively running scene. The city hosts various other groups, including the brewery-hopping East Van Run Crew and the fun-filled Ice Cream & Donut Run Club. This vibrant and diverse environment ensures that every runner finds the perfect community.

The city of Vancouver is a true runner's paradise, a place where the mountains meet the sea. From my current location in Cape Town, the thought of its stunning natural beauty is captivating. The city is home to world-class routes like the iconic **Stanley Park Seawall** and the endless trails of the **North Shore mountains**. The premier racing event is the **BMO Vancouver Marathon**, but for members of FsRC, the global calendar of ultra-trail marathons is their true playground.