Finding the best running club for you is an exercise in weighing costs, benefits, and community. Fortunately, Sussex County, New Jersey is home to some of the best running clubs and communities so you’ll always have a group to fall into.
Andover Run Club
Andover Run Club was founded in 2024 and is a great option for those looking to build community through movement or push themselves to new limits. They regularly meet on Sundays at Kittatinny Valley State Park in Newton, NJ for a run on the Sussex Branch Trail but members can be found on a run throughout the week.
You’ll be right at home with Andover Run Club no matter your skill level. They’re range of members means you’ll find someone chasing a podium, looking to complete their first race, or try out something new across any road, track, or trail distance.
Membership is free and gets you training support, discount codes for local races, and consistent group runs. Challenge yourself, earn a new PR, or just join Andover Run Club for a Sunday run.
Sparta Runners Club
Sparta Runners Club is recreational running club based in Sparta, NJ. They host structured group runs and track workouts in the Sparta area, exploring local paved paths and scenic Sussex County trails throughout the week.
This is a paid running club with options for youth, single, and family memberships. However, the membership fees go towards supporting activities, refreshments, and overall club running costs.
The club embraces all experience levels and running styles, from casual road runners to dedicated trail enthusiasts. Spart Runners Club is a supportive community, shared training motivation, and a regular calendar of group runs.
Lost Shakers of Salt
The Lost Shakers of Salt is the local trail running community in and around Sussex County, NJ. Their main weekly run is Tuesday afternoons during the primary running season but move to nights and weekends when the days get shorter.
Focusing on the community aspect, the club will follow group runs up with a stop at a local joint for dinner and drinks. Lost Shakers of Salt arguably have the largest member base in the area with a Facebook group with over 1,100 members giving you many options to find someone to run with.
If you are primarily a trail runner, consider joining the club on Tuesdays before joining us on Sundays.
Walk, Move, Run
Walk, Move, Run is a weekly group run hosted by Root Runners, the local running store. The club is active every Monday afternoon from April to October at Hillside Park in Andover, NJ.
Using the Lake Iliff Trail, you’ll enjoy a lakeside out-and-back on a groomed and maintained rail trail. They separate out into different pace groups so you can always find someone to walk or run with.
With Root Runners, you can focus on both physical and mental health benefits that comes from staying active with a running community. This free option is great for someone looking to get active and have a great time while doing it.
Which is the Best Running Club for You?
The easiest way to find the best running club for you is to drop in, run with them, and see if it matches your goals. It’s easy to feel intimidated by joining a new club, but in Sussex County, you have plenty of options to help you get fitter and enjoy doing it.
We recommend you join up with us for a Sunday run, see what our club is about, and stick around for while!
