Fall is unofficially “marathon season” because of the abundance of long-distance races during this time of year. In fact, roughly 16% of U.S. marathons take place in the month of October specifically. The cooler, mild temperatures and less severe weather make for ideal outdoor running weather.
But most of the runners here in the U.S. aren’t quite running marathon distances, which only 1% of the population gets to claim. The intensity of ultra long distance runs are no longer a barrier to entry through, because a plethora of social groups have popped up, catering to both casual joggers and dedicated runners.
The resurgence of running clubs in recent years is bringing a new generation, and demographic, into the fold of one of the world’s most accessible sports. That’s because modern running groups take on a new tone–they’re more like social clubs designed for meeting new connections, and sometimes supporting small businesses like local coffee shops. Perhaps one of the underlying and most important factors for increased popularity: many new run clubs are less focused on performance metrics like qualifying times, and are instead focused on inclusivity and community-building.
It doesn’t matter the length of a race–whether a full marathon or a 5K–running has historically lacked diversity. In Running Insight’s 2010 marathon study, “Blacks represented about 16 percent of the U.S. population, but less than one percent of marathon finishers.” Running USA’s more recent survey from 2022 with 5,500+ respondents indicated a more positive trend: 20% of respondents were Hispanic, 7% Black, 5% Asian, 2% American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 2% Mixed Race.
If you’re looking to take the first step in your running journey, but you’re in search of an inclusive group, check out a brief list of multicultural running clubs and initiatives around the country:
Pioneers Run Club: Boston’s first Black and Brown-led running community
Blk Arizona Run Club: A Black-owned Sunday run club that started in Phoenix last year
Más Millas Run Club: A Latino-led, non-profit run club based in Fort Worth, Texas that’s grown significantly since launching in May 2025
Rocket City Runners: A run club based in Huntsville, Alabama where all fitness levels are encouraged
Asian Trail Mix: A club promoting diversity within trail running by actively engaging AAPI individuals in New York City
Latinos Run: A national organization with 50+ chapters elevating the Latino community
Harlem Run: A diverse collective of runners, joggers, and walkers that call Harlem home
Running Mamis: A safe space for Hispanic mamis, tias, and abuelas to stay fit in East Lost Angeles
Renegade Running: A diverse running community built in Oakland that’s now expanding into other areas of wellness
Chai and Miles: A club for the South Asian running community in San Francisco
Rising Hearts: An Indigenous-led organization centering community and advocacy through running-based initiatives
Asian Women Stay Running: New York City’s first AANHPI women’s running club
Native Women Run: A nonprofit amplifying & empowering Native women through running chapters in multiple cities
DIdn't see anything in your city? Check out RIDC's directory of BIPOC-led running groups.