Upper West Side Runners
Manhattan · Upper West Side
The vibe
Upper West Side Runners is a free, community-run club meeting three times a week at 85th & Central Park West — Monday mornings, Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings — with pace leaders for 9, 10, and 11-minute miles so everyone has someone to run with. The culture is event-oriented: they coordinate group entries for races like the NY Women's Mini 10K and Joe Kleinerman 10K, partner with neighboring clubs, and run holiday parties and socials throughout the year. Runs end at local bars or coffee shops depending on the time of day. No sign-up, no fee, just show up.
About
Upper West Side Runners meets Saturdays at 8am in Upper West Side, Manhattan. Free to join, drop-in friendly, open to all paces. After most runs, the group gathers at Local bar or coffee shop.
Recently active online (Mar 2026)
Post-run hangout
Local bar or coffee shop
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Runs near here
Central Park Running Club
A free social run club meeting every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30am at the Loeb Boathouse, breaking down the walls between elite and social runners. All paces welcome.
West Side Runners (WSX)
One of NYC's oldest and most decorated competitive running clubs, rooted in the West Side YMCA since the 1970s and formally established in 1980 when president Bill Staab helped three Colombian runners enter the NYC Marathon. Roughly one-third Ethiopian with strong Latin American representation — serious immigrant runners who compete nationally and internationally. Staab has reportedly spent close to $1 million of his own money on entry fees, memberships, and visa support over 40+ years. The most dominant men's club team in NYC for years. Trains in Central Park and at Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. Competitive, not casual — but deeply community-driven. Featured in GQ, New York Times, NBC, and CS Monitor.
Warren Street Social & Athletic Club
One of NYC's oldest continuously competitive running clubs, founded 1978. Free membership and coaching. Competitive racing emphasis with a strong social identity — motto: 'Remember the Social in our full name comes before the AC.' Notable alumni include Khalid Khannouchi (former marathon world record holder) and Pat Petersen (former USA marathon record holder). Trains twice weekly in Central Park: Tuesday night speed sessions (Boathouse, 74th St) and Saturday morning long runs (Engineers Gate, 90th St). Competes in NYRR Championship Series, NY Runs, and USATF events. Welcoming to all levels despite the competitive core.