Rochester Road Runners: The 'FUN Running Club' with Serious Coaching

In 2014, a new running movement emerged in Rochester, New York, with a simple goal: to create a free running club where like-minded, friendly people could run, train, race, support, and motivate one another. The Rochester Road Runners was born as an alternative to the often serious and costly running groups in the city. They wanted to build a team that represented the city they love, but most of all, a team that knew how to have fun.

A Philosophy of Fun and Friendship

The philosophy of the Rochester Road Runners is to be "that fun group." They are one part running club and one part social club, with all the camaraderie, loyalty, and spirit you would expect from a great team. They have successfully created a welcoming environment that caters to everyone's needs; some members are serious athletes training for marathons, while others are just there to find running partners and make new friends. The level of involvement is completely up to each individual, creating a pressure-free and supportive atmosphere.

What makes the Rochester Road Runners truly special is their commitment to providing high-level support at no cost. While it's not all fun and games, and they take their training seriously, the club is led by an RRCA-certified running coach who is available to all members. This means that whether you're looking to set a new personal record in a 5 K, train for your first marathon, or simply get in shape, you have access to expert guidance at no cost.

A Packed Week of Runs

The culture of Rochester Road Runners is built around a consistent and diverse weekly schedule that caters to all needs. Their fun and free group runs are held at various locations around the city on Mondays at 6:30 a.m., Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m., with the Saturday session including a long run option for those building endurance. In addition to these, a dedicated training workout is held on Thursday evenings, providing a perfect opportunity for more structured training under the guidance of their coach.

With a clear and simple policy of "no dues, no fees, all free," the Rochester Road Runners extend a warm invitation to everyone. They are not a store and have no overhead, so there are no fees, expectations, or pressure to buy anything. All paces and experience levels are welcome, whether you are a hardcore marathoner or a complete beginner looking for some help and others to learn from.

The Rochester Running Scene

The Rochester Road Runners are a central pillar of the city's large and historic running community. The city is also home to other prominent and long-standing organizations, including traditional clubs that are members of USA Track & Field. This rich and diverse ecosystem ensures that every runner in the region, from the social jogger to the elite competitor, can find their place.

The city of Rochester is a historic and beautiful city located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario in upstate New York. Known for its world-renowned universities and its legacy as a global center for imaging and photography, it is a city of great innovation. For runners, its famously snowy winters build resilience, while its beautiful parks and extensive trail systems provide a stunning playground.

The runners of Rochester have a fantastic and varied landscape to explore. A favorite for many local runners is the Genesee Riverway Trail, which follows the river through the heart of the city, passing by magnificent waterfalls. The famous Erie Canal Heritage Trail offers miles of flat, scenic, and historic paths perfect for long runs. For a greener escape, the city's beautiful parks, such as Highland Park, provide an excellent setting. The premier racing event in the city is the Rochester Marathon, which takes place in the autumn and offers a full marathon, half marathon, and relay, attracting a massive and enthusiastic field of participants.