FAQ
Q. When do you meet?
A. We host four weekly runs:
- Mondays @ 6:45PM
- Wednesdays @ 6:45PM
- Thursdays @ 6:45PM
- Saturdays @ 8:30AM
Q. Where do you meet?
A. Mondays and Saturdays start in front of REI at 201 M St NE, right off of the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro stop. On Mondays, we end at Andy’s Pizza NoMa where runners get a free signature slice with the purchase of a beer, wine, cocktail or non-alcoholic beer. On Saturdays, we end at Union Market.
Wednesdays and Thursdays start in front of Lost Generation Brewing, right off the Metropolitan Branch Trail (MBT). On Wednesdays, we jog over to 4th and T St NE where we start our hill workout. On Thursdays, we start and end at Lost Gen where runners get 20% off Shift, their crisp lager.
Q. How far do you run? Are these mapped routes shared ahead of time?
A. On Monday evenings, we offer 4.5 mile and 3.1 mile (5K) distances. On Saturday mornings, we offer 7 mile and 3.1 mile (5K) distances.
Maps for these routes can be found in our Instagram highlights and on our website.
The Monday routes are always the same, but the Saturday 7-miler changes from time to time. We will update the Instagram highlight and the website to reflect the route we will be running that week.
There are no maps for Wednesday and Thursday because these routes are very simple! On Wednesday, we run repeats on T St NE between 4th St NE and Langley Elementary School at the crest of the hill. On Thursdays, we run a 5K entirely on the MBT turning around at M St NE at one end and 8th St NE at the other.
Q. Can I drop in? Or do I need to register ahead of time?
A. No pre-registration is required for our regular runs. Feel free to just show up! Sometimes, we have special events that require sign-ups ahead of time — these will be advertised on Instagram and the website.
Q. Do you have a bag check?
A. We offer a coat/bag check at our Monday runs only! Before the run begins, drop your items in the pink wagon. A volunteer will transport the wagon to Andy’s where you will collect your belongings at the end of your run. PLEASE collect your items as soon as you finish your run, before you go in for pizza and beer! We will be storing the wagon just inside REI during the run, and neither REI nor NoMa Run Club should be held responsible in the unlikely event that your stuff gets stolen.
Q. How much does your group cost?
A. NoMa Run Club is completely free to join. We hold fundraisers throughout the year and always accept donations via our Venmo; however, these are optional.
Q. I’ve never run before, can I run with you?
A. As long as you think you can run at least 3 miles continuously, you can run with us (and most people can run further than they think!) That said, all the routes can be shortened with some ingenuity on your part, so if you can’t run 3 miles yet, or you’re just having a bad day, you can always bail early and beat us all to after-run drinks!
Q. What paces are there? Will I have someone to run with?
A. We welcome all paces! While there are no formal pace groups, informally the club tends to divide out into groups at around 8 minutes per mile, another group at 9 minutes per mile, and a final group generally around 10 to 11 minutes per mile. We do our best to have a sweeper at every run — they will bring up the rear and run with anyone who falls behind.
Q. I run with another club. Can I drop in for a run with you?
A. Of course! We would love to have you drop in! The more the merrier. We love the running community here in the DMV and welcome all runners, regardless of whether you run with other groups or clubs.
Q. Do you run in the rain and/or snow?
A. Rain or snow we are always on the go! We only cancel runs if the conditions are absolutely dangerous which generally means there is lightning or ice on the sidewalks. However, any weather can be dangerous if you are not dressed appropriately or adequately hydrated, so remember to keep yourself safe! And only run in conditions that feel safe and comfortable to you.
We will communicate via Instagram and Discord if we are canceling the run for any reason!
Additionally, we have an official cancellation policy here.
Q. Do you ever cancel runs?
A. If local conditions are too dangerous to run outside safely, we will post a cancellation announcement on Instagram and Discord. If you see no announcement, assume the run is on!
This is the guidance we use to assess when to cancel a run: Event Cancellation Policy
Q. Do you sell merch?
A. We sell merch periodically — stay tuned for upcoming announcements!
Q. Do you do any other activities outside of weekly runs?
A. While we have no standing running-optional activities at the moment, in the past we have gone to trivia nights, soccer games, and written “get out the vote” letters as a club. Invites to running-optional activities and off-schedule runs are sometimes posted by members on the Discord. If you’ve got big ideas, email nomarunclub@gmail.com.
Q. How can I stay in the loop?
A. For up-to-the minute updates follow our Instagram account and join our Discord. For more occasional announcements, sign up for our newsletter.