One Size Fits All:
Trying on the South Philly Striders
by Melissa Field

If you don’t already belong to a running club, you’ve probably contemplated joining one.  Like many other runners, you’ve wondered if you’re too fast or too slow, if you’ll enjoy a little friendly competition, or if competition will interfere with your Zen-like running time. 

Or maybe the Art Museum and Fairmount Park are just too far from home.

For those of you that call Old City, Queen Village, Bella Vista, or South Philly home, the South Philly Striders might be just the group you’re looking for.  The South Philly Striders believe in a fun, relaxed atmosphere.  With pace times ranging from 7-12 minute miles, the group welcomes a range of runners.  They accept all pace levels, and accommodate varying pace times by pairing off or breaking into smaller groups.  There are about 100 people signed up to receive the Striders’ emails and about 20 people come out regularly for runs.  If you’ve thought about joining but haven’t laced up just yet, the Striders’ strongly encourage you to give them a try, regardless of how fast or far you plan to go.  

The South Philly Striders came into fruition a year ago, and for many group members, the club evolved into a welcomed social circle.  They began on the weekend of the Mummers Parade with a core group of four that swelled during the spring, summer, and fall, as more runners joined to prepare for the Blue Cross Broad Street Run, the ING Philadelphia Distance Run, and the Philadelphia Marathon.  The group also trains for smaller local races like the 2 Street Run.  After long weekend runs, they often come together for brunch or coffee.      

The members of the South Philly Striders are men and women  ranging  in age from mid-20s to mid-50s.  The Striders often run along the Delaware River, and though they start in South Philly, they frequently run to Northern Liberties and Camden waterfront via the Ben Franklin Bridge.  Group members enjoy the safety that comes with running as a group, especially in the early morning hours when, as they put it, “It’s hard for the city to look ugly.”  Members also enjoy newfound ties to neighbors and the Philadelphia community at large, as expansive runs help members get acquainted with many city neighborhoods.  Upon joining the Striders, group members discovered neighbors they never knew they had and now credit the group as one of the primary forces tying them to Philadelphia. 

The South Philly Striders maintain that the motivation of a running group will boost your race times and your morale because, let’s face it, it’s often the promise of a partner in pain that gets us out the door on those frosty February mornings.  The group encourages those who have trouble staying committed to running, or those who seek company and structure as they prepare for the spring racing season.  As one member explained, “Most runners have a love hate relationship with running.  Our group works to tip the scales toward love.”   

For more information, email sphilly_striders@yahoo.com.
www.southphillystriders.com 

Scheduled Runs:

Tuesday @ 6:00 AM at 9th and Passyunk (In front of Geno's steaks)

Thursday @ 6:30 PM at Front and South (South Street Bridge)
Saturday @ 9:30 AM at Front and South (South Street Bridge)

Other Area Clubs:

Philly Runners – www.phillyrunners.org

"Philly Runners is an all-skills running group based in Center City Philadelphia, open to all runners. Formed on March 27, 2002, we have over 500 men and women of all ages. Our skill level ranges from new runners who can only run a couple miles at a time through Olympic hopefuls. There is no fee to join and no need to RSVP. Our runs are never cancelled. Those just visiting the city may join us!"1

1st Tuesday of the month 7:45pm: Bishop's Collar drinks/dinner

Wissahickon Wanderers –www.wanderersrunningclub.org

The Wissahickon Wanderers running club was formed in the spring of 2000 and is open to runners of all different levels and abilities. Although based in the Philadelphia area, the club has members nationwide including the Midwest and West Coast of the United States.

Mondays @ 6:30 pm                                      Tuesdays @ 6:30 pm

Thursdays @ 6:30 pm                                   Saturdays @ 8 am

Fairmount Running Club - www.runfairmount.org

THEIR MISSION:  Promote running in the Fairmount area.

Support runners in defining and achieving their running goals.

Create a healthy and safe atmosphere for our members to achieve their goals.

FrontRunners – www.frontrunnersphila.org

Front Runners Philadelphia, a running club for lesbians, gay men and gay-friendly people of all athletic abilities. For more than 25 years, the club has supported a network of men and women that ranges from recreational walkers and joggers to competitive track athletes, road racers and marathoners. No matter what your pace, preferred distance or racing goal, you will find members to run and train with.

Mondays @ 6:30 pm                                                                          Wednesday @ 6:30 pm

Satuday @ 10 am (9 am during summer)                                    Sundays by arrangement

Bryn Mawr Running Club – www.runbmrc.com

The Bryn Mawr Running Club was formed in 1996 and is one of the largest running clubs in the Philadelphia area with over 400 members. Our club attracts serious runners of all abilities and fitness goals ranging from the recreational jogger to the highly competitive road racer.