Do you have runner dreams, but yearn for routine and/or social accountability? Are you “hardcore” or more of a walk-jogger who is just happy to be outside? Maybe you just crave endorphins, a heart-rate/mental-health boost, and community? Good news: Lil’ Rhody has several weekly run club options to choose from. From petite crews to massive hoards, there’s truly a pack for everyone.
Some run clubs, like Chill River, are hyper-local and relatively new. Others, such as Frontrunners, are part of international organizations that have been around since the 1980s. In this case, Frontrunners, which is for LGBTQIA individuals, consists of approximately 40 active members. Jess Motyl-Szary, one of the group’s local leaders and a self-identified slow runner, shares, “I love how inclusive this club is – not only in terms of gender and orientation, but also pacing.” One member even gets to run with the group’s Manila chapter while visiting family in the Philippines!
Gansett Run Club, “the umbrella of all run clubs,” is truly a sight to behold. Born from the pandemic’s desire for human connection, this group pulls a consistently large turnout each Wednesday, ranging from about 75 people in the dead of winter, to 450+ on Global Running Day (June 3, 2026). In fact, the blizzard of ‘26 has been the only time they’ve ever had to cancel a Wednesday run for safety reasons – with many members helping to shovel instead. Steve Blaise, the group’s founder (and resident photographer), works to keep this group free and welcoming to all – competitive runners, joggers, and walkers alike. Deliberately designed as an out-and-back along the East Bay bikepath, participants can choose to turn around at the 1, 3, or 5-mile mark, with the goal that no one ever feels stranded. A Woonsocket native, Steve celebrates how Gansett has one of the most diverse turnouts, as far as run clubs go. “It’s important to me that this group reflects what the community actually looks like,” he shares. Blaise also helps organize opportunities for the group’s large pull to give back, from partnerships with Zappos to help provide footwear to underserved communities, to raising awareness and funds for organizations like the National Association for Mental Illness on the group’s annual Blue Jean Run.
Check out the list below for free, weekly run clubs, including locations, times, and links. Perhaps one will speak to you?
RI Weekly Run Clubs
Mondays
- Frontrunners Rhode Island (PVD) – for LGBT+ & allies; 6pm; Meet at the intersection of Hope St. and Blackstone Blvd; 3-5 miles plus optional invitation to eat out together post-run; ~40 runners
Tuesdays
- Run Garden City (Cranston) – 6pm; Meet at the Garden City Gazebo; run or walk!
Wednesdays
- Gansett Run Club (PVD) – 6pm; Run with the masses! Or walk with them – whatever. Out-and-back options for 1 mile, 3 miles, or 5 miles. Anywhere from 75 – 400+ people turn out, all year.
Thursdays
- Angle Tree Trotters (North Attleboro) — Thursdays, 6pm; Meet at Angle Tree Brewery; “Casual” – run or walk up to 3 miles
- Chill River Run Club (PVD) – 6:30 am; Meet at Seven Stars on Hope St.; 3 miles out-and-back; Small crew!
- Note: This group meets every other Thursday morning
- Frontrunners Rhode Island (PVD) — for LGBT & allies; 6pm; Meet at the intersection of Hope St. and Blackstone Blvd.; 3-5 miles plus optional invitation to eat out together post-run
- West Fountain Run Club (PVD) — 6:30pm; Meet at Moniker Brewery
Saturdays
- East Bay Run Club (Warren) – Noon; Meet at Del’s on Child’s St. in Warren; “walkers welcomed”
- Frontrunners Rhode Island (PVD) – for LGBT & allies; 9 am; Meet at the intersection of Hope St. and Blackstone Blvd.
- Waverunners – 8:30 am; Locations vary all over RI!