Large group of runners gathered outside a store called Running Niche, some holding signs and wearing athletic clothing, with a woman sitting on a small tricycle at the front.
Group of people gathered outdoors at night, some wearing athletic clothing, with two tents and string lights overhead, likely at a running or fitness event.
Group of people gathered outdoors in front of a green tent that reads 'Running Niche' with the website URL, all smiling and dressed in athletic clothing.
A crowd of people gathered outdoors at a running event, standing near a green tent with
Group of runners and their dog gathered outside a brick storefront with a sign that says "Running in Chicago" and a chalkboard sign reading "we're open, run in and see us".

Running Niche Run Club

Every Wednesday at 6:30 PM, we meet out front of the store for a free 5k group run and walk. It is open to everyone, walkers included, and the only thing we ask is that you show up.

Route

The loop starts and finishes at Running Niche. In spring and summer we run a course that includes the west end of Tower Grove Park. When the days get short in late fall, we switch to a route that stays out of the park because the park lighting is not reliable after sunset. Either version is a 5k.

Pace groups

We organize by pace so no one gets stranded off the back or pulled too hard off the front. On a typical Wednesday we run groups at:

  • 8:00 minutes per mile

  • 9:00 minutes per mile

  • 10:00 minutes per mile

  • 11:00 minutes per mile

  • 12:00 minutes per mile

We also run a walking group every week, led by co-owner Jennifer Henderson. All walking paces welcome.

If you are not sure which group is yours, show up and ask. We will help you find the right fit.

Leaders

Co-owner Bob Dyer assigns a pace leader for each group at the start of every run. Leaders introduce themselves before we head out, welcome any first-timers, and keep the group together from start to finish. On any given Wednesday, 30 to 70 people show up, weather depending.

Beer Run Night

The second Wednesday of each month is Beer Run Night, our monthly post-run social in partnership with Urban Chestnut Brewing Company. After the run, stick around for complimentary beverages from Urban Chestnut. Water is always provided.

Event details

  • Start time: 6:30 PM, every Wednesday

  • Distance: 3.1 miles (5k)

  • Meet at: Running Niche, 1601 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

  • Parking: Free on site

  • Cost: Free

  • Arrive a few minutes before 6:30 so we can check you in and point you to your pace group.

Good to know

  • All paces are welcome, walkers included.

  • Strollers are welcome.

  • Runners under 18 need a parent or legal guardian with them.

  • Weather-dependent. We run in most conditions, but extreme weather calls are posted to our Facebook group and Instagram the day of.

RSVP and waiver

RSVPs help us plan pace groups and greet first-timers by name. By RSVPing, you are also agreeing to the terms of our participation waiver.

Stay connected

Three places to plug into the run club between Wednesdays:

Partnerships

At Running Niche, we work to create a welcoming and safe environment for running and walking groups across St. Louis. We partner with local running and walking organizations to host groups and events at the store, and our location near Forest Park and Tower Grove Park makes us a natural meeting point for community runs. If you are looking for a place to host your group run in St. Louis, give us a call at (314) 405-8006 or email info@runningniche.com.

Contact

Running Niche 1601 Tower Grove Ave St. Louis, MO 63110 Phone: (314) 405-8006 Email: info@runningniche.com