With more than 200 parks + 100 miles of paved greenway, there are plenty of places to run in Raleigh and surrounding areas. As spring inches closer, more people will be adding a run back into their schedule and we want to help them do it safely. Here are our tips + tricks for how to be proactive and make every run a good one:

🏃 Run in proper attire

Raleigh has numerous local running stores, like Runologie and Fleet Feet, that will help runners get off on the right foot. Because (while this may seem obvious to some) it’s important to run in proper attire. If the temperature is below 60 degrees, you’ll want to bundle up and if it’s over 98.6, you can easily overheat. QuickTip: Dress like it's 15 to 20 degrees warmer than it actually is.

Additionally, running in the right shoes is extremely important. Wearing ill-fitted running shoes can actually cause more harm than good + bring about injuries such as Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis.

🏃 Run in safe areas

The Raleigh Distance Project has put together a guide on where to run for local runners looking to get their fitness on — including NCMA’s Art Park, Lake Lynn, and Neuse River Trail.

Runners should also carve out a running route beforehand (using tools like Google Map) + avoid low-lit or unpopulated areas.

🏃 Run in a group

There are multiple running clubs in Raleigh that meet weekly + free to join. Note: Some clubs may temporarily be closed but offer virtual ways to support one another.

Monday
Pelagic Beer & Wine Run Club | 5:30 p.m. + 6:15 p.m. at Pelagic Beer & Wine
nOg Run | 6:00pm at Standard Beer + Food

Tuesday
Oak City Recovery Run Club | 6 p.m. at Healing Transitions
Bond Brothers Run Club (temporarily suspended) | 6:30 p.m. at Bond Brothers Beer Company
Big Boss Run Club (temporarily suspended) | 7:00 p.m. at Big Boss Brewing Co.

Wednesday
Raleigh Brewing Run Club | 6:30 p.m. at Raleigh Brewing Company
Trophy Run Club | 6 p.m. at Trophy Brewing & Pizza
East Street Run Club | 6 p.m. at Current Wellness

Thursday
Raleigh Distance Project group run | 6 a.m. at Cup a Joe
The Laboratory Run Club | 6 p.m. at Runologie