Pound the pavement with Lakeland’s running and walking clubs

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 around Lakeside Village on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. After you work up a sweat, gather at the Brass Tap next door for food + beverage discounts. More of early riser? Join the Rise & Run Club for a 6 a.m. run from the store to Pour Bear Coffee each Monday — every runner gets a free brew at the end.

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.

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 on Tuesdays at 5 p.m. Pro tip: LRC also has a summer program for middle schoolers interested in cross country running.