It's a lot easier to reach your goals when you have others supporting you every step of the way. Whether you're training for a distance race or prefer to socialize while you exercise, find community at these local running + walking groups.

Lakeland Runners Club
If a long-distance run is in your future, this club makes the perfect starting line. Join for 5K training and weekly group runs around locations like Swan Brewing, Lake Hollingsworth, and Lake Morton. Keep an eye out for races throughout the year, including the Lake to Lake 10K.

Fleet Feet
Visit this store to get fitted for running shoes, then join its weekly social runs at The Joinery on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. More of an early riser? Join the Rise & Run Club for 6 a.m. runs around Lake Hollingsworth each Monday — every runner gets a Pour Bear cold brew at the end.

A group of adults in running shoes pose for a photo after a walk — Find your pace and meet a new community on a walk together. | Photo by @lkldgirlswhowalk

Lakeland Girls Who Walk
Prefer to take it slow and socialize? This group welcomes "all people, pups, and strollers" to its weekly walks — just follow along on Instagram to keep stride with location updates. You can also find friends off the sidewalk with meet-ups to grab coffee or craft together.

A group of people walks along a city sidewalk, with women in front waving and flashing a peace sign at the camera. — Barely a Run Club began in May 2026, and it's already grown to dozens of members. | Photo by @barelyarunclub

Barely a Run Club
Emphasis on "barely." Meet up at Rec Room on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. for a 1.5-mile trip around downtown. Take a leisurely walk or run to be the first one back to the barcade for drink specials + post-run pinball.

LRC Kids Run Club
Junior joggers can kickstart a healthy lifestyle and find a passion for running with the Lakeland Runners Club's kids group. Bring your elementary schoolers to Bonnet Springs Park for free practices starting Tuesday, Sept. 1. Pro tip: LRC also has a summer program for middle schoolers interested in cross country running.