The Fast & The Friendly: A Look into the Syracuse Run Club

On July 5^th 2025, the Syracuse Run Club celebrated its one-year anniversary and what a year it’s been! What started as a casual meet-up of 2 runners looking for community has grown into one of the city’s most inclusive and welcoming groups.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the run club's Co-Founder, Gabby Lloyd, who told me she never expected this kind of growth, especially since their last run drew over 200 people! Their motto is simple: “Come for the run, Stay for the vibes.” And they actually mean it! It’s not just about running, it’s about connecting. People are encouraged to mingle before each run and often stay to chat over refreshments afterwards.

The Syracuse Run Club isn’t trying to be the fastest or the flashiest. They’re creating something more meaningful: a place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can show up exactly as they are.

"There' s no pressure, there's no performance... I just wanted to get people to run" Gabby explained.

Now, I’ll admit, I was definitely late to the party as I just recently started joining their runs. Honestly, I was scared to start due to fear of being judged for my lack of running experience. However, despite my walking or occasionally jogging pace, I’ve never once felt out of place or left behind! It feels nice knowing that nobody expects you to show up as this elite marathon runner (although I'm sure some people are), but as a regular person who is just trying to get active! It’s truly an environment that makes you feel seen and supported.

One of the most refreshing parts of running with them is seeing how truly welcoming the group is. It’s not unusual to see parents pushing strollers or jogging alongside their kids. The routes are thoughtfully chosen to be safe, scenic, and accessible and they often reveal parts of Syracuse you wouldn’t otherwise explore. Each run feels like I’m discovering a new part of the city, which is a huge plus for a newcomer like myself!

If you’re looking for a new way to move your body, meet some great people, or just see more of what Syracuse has to offer, the Syracuse Run Club is absolutely worth checking out. Here’s to year two and many more miles together!