The Raleigh Trail Runners run/jog/socialize/slack anywhere in the Raleigh area. If you need a friendly supportive (non-competitive) running group, look no further! Check out the message boards and come join us in a run anytime. Also see our "about page" for more info.
Don't see what you like? Make a suggestion of your favorite place(s) especially trails that are not too rough and can accommodate at least 2 miles (one way) in length. Bonus for runs that offer views of water, rocks, critters and shrubbery . We will *try* to accommodate everyone at some point by having a run near you. New runners/joggers are welcome anytime but please note that we are not following the Galloway (run/walk intervals) plan so if you are then you may not have a lot of company. Can't stress this enough that right now we don't have many slow runners (slower than 12 min/mile pace) attending our events, so you will likely not have running company until either more slow runners consistently attend events, or of course when you eventually get faster with training :) The good news however is that our runs are generally an out & back or small loop (2 miles) course, so just ask the run organizer for help on getting back to the parking lot if you can't keep up with the the pace or the length of the run. We have the following regularly scheduled runs:
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- Sunday - The run that started it all! Our group long run day that takes place (with few exceptions) at William B. Umstead state park. The starting location is Old Reedy Creek off of Weston Parkway by the fence separating the road from the Blackcreek Greenway and Crabtree Lake. An out and back (or loop for longer runs) offering distances of 2-24 miles. This has traditionally been our best attended event and the fun continues at Carolina Cafe after the run for some post-run socializing.
- Tuesday and Thursday- Our early morning Umstead trail runs. 3-6 miles in length, you choose the distance. Starting point is Harrison Ave. entrance.
- Wednesday - Shelley Lake evening run (with headlamp depending on sunset) 2-6 miles on either a lake loop or out and back along the greenway. There is often a post-run social dinner after as well.
- Thursday - We have a Thursday evening run in the Cary/Apex area. Check the calendar, since the time and location can vary throughout the year.
- Saturday - The weekend single track run on Company Mill Trail (single track).
In the spring-fall we also generally have a long, hilly run on Fridays from the Harrison Ave. entrance that includes a loop on Turkey Creek. Another Friday option is the downtown Raleigh Friday Slacker Run where we run 3-6 miles and then spend the rest of the afternoon slacking and generally just avoiding any resemblance of work for the rest of the day. :)
Some of our normal runs allow for shorter run options for those who aren't up for the full run so please check the calendar frequently.
While we do our best as organizers to ensure that everyone has someone to run with that may not always happen. Please be aware that all runs are at your own risk.
RTR is free!! There are no solicitations for commercial products and/or services from members or organizers. The meetup.com site fees are paid upfront by me and many gracious members have helped offset costs by donating to RTR. Our new suggested donation is $10 (was $12 but $10 is easier to not have to make change!). Of course more or less is also fine. Thank you all for your support and generous donations that cover our site hosting fees.
One last thing...we do an annual membership purge at the end of January. If you haven't visted the site at least once in a year, your membership will be terminated unless we hear from you why you still want it. It just helps keep things clean. So just make sure to visit (hopefully a LOT more than once a year) on occasion and you're fine. With all the great people and events going on, how can you not want to come out? :)
I'll see you all on the trail!
John
