West Side Runners (WSX)
Manhattan · Upper West Side, Riverside Park
The vibe
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.
About
West Side Runners (WSX) meets Wednesdays and Saturdays at Wednesday 7pm, Saturday 8am at Riverside Park / Upper West Side in Upper West Side and Riverside Park, Manhattan. Free to join, drop-in friendly, open to all paces. The club typically draws 20–50 runners per outing.
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Runs near here
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Warren Street Social & Athletic Club
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