Discovering Montreal’s Vibrant Running Scene with East Laurier Running Club
Montreal is known for its rich history, cultural diversity, and stunning architecture. But did you know that it also has a thriving running community? One of the standout groups in the city is East Laurier Running Club. Inspired by Toronto’s Parkdale Roadrunners, Jean-Philippe (JP) and his roommates and close friends founded the crew in 2012.
East Laurier Running Club is named after the geographical location where its founding members resided. Although not an official neighborhood or landmark, East Laurier has since become a well-known name in the global running community. The group’s early members were experienced runners who joined forces to improve their personal performance. However, the dynamics of the group have evolved over the years to become more inclusive, welcoming runners of all levels.
The Benefits of Running Beyond Physical Fitness
At East Laurier, the focus is on promoting the benefits of running beyond physical fitness. Running is a democratic and social sport that can bring people together from all walks of life. It’s an excellent way to improve mental health, relieve stress, and build a supportive community. East Laurier aims to demonstrate these benefits by creating an inclusive environment that fosters a sense of belonging among its members.
Run Hard, Party Harder
East Laurier Running Club also knows how to have fun. The group’s mantra is to “run hard, party harder,” and they are true to their word. Members are encouraged to contribute their talents to the group’s development, resulting in city-wide running events and matching post-race celebrations. East Laurier has become a creative outlet for its members to express themselves through coaching, graphic design, event coordination, and more.
Join the East Laurier Running Club Community
East Laurier’s headquarters are at Bar Chez Baptiste, where the group meets every Tuesday at 7:25 pm for their weekly run. The group provides a community space for members to connect with like-minded Montrealers and international runners alike. The team aims to challenge each other to push their personal abilities and improve overall performance. If you’re looking to discover Montreal’s vibrant running scene, East Laurier Running Club is an excellent place to start.
East Laurier Running Club – In A Nutshell
Running is more than just a physical activity; it’s a community builder. East Laurier Running Club embodies this idea, promoting inclusivity, creativity, and fun among its members. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting, joining a running crew like East Laurier can provide you with the motivation, support, and sense of belonging you need to achieve your running goals. Come join us at Bar Chez Baptiste on Tuesday evenings to discover Montreal’s vibrant running scene and connect with like-minded runners from all over the world.
Montreal
Running in Montreal
Montreal is an excellent city for running, with a variety of terrains and beautiful scenery. One of the most popular places to run is Mont-Royal Park, a large park in the middle of the city that offers over 30 kilometers of running trails. Along with the park, the city has a network of bike paths that runners can use to explore the city, including the Lachine Canal, which offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River. Additionally, the city’s streets are relatively flat, making it easy to enjoy a smooth run without too many hills. With its beautiful scenery and varied terrain, Montreal is a great destination for runners of all levels.
Running Events in Montreal
Montreal is a city that loves running and celebrates it with a plethora of running events. From small local 5Ks to the world-famous Montreal Marathon, there is something for every runner. One of the most exciting running events in the city is the Montreal Night Race. Held in August, the 5K race takes place in the heart of the city and features thousands of runners racing under the city lights. Another popular event is the Banque Scotia 21K de Montreal, a half marathon that takes runners through the city’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
Explore Montreal’s Running Scene
Montreal has a vast network of running crews, each with its own unique personality and style. If you’re interested in discovering more running groups in Montreal, check November Project Montreal, NDG Run Rite Athletics Club, or Yamajo Run Crew.
November Project Montreal is a part of a global free fitness movement that started in Boston in 2011. The group meets twice a week. The workouts are always free, open to all fitness levels, and require no registration or RSVP. The group’s motto is “just show up,” and their goal is to make fitness accessible to everyone. November Project Montreal provides a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals to come together and push themselves beyond their limits.
NDG Run Rite Athletics Club is a community of runners and athletes who come together to train and support each other in achieving their fitness goals. The group offers various programs, including running, track and field, and strength training. They welcome runners of all levels, from beginners to advanced athletes, and provide a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals to come together and work towards a common goal.
Yamajo Run Crew is a running community that prides itself on being more than just a running group. The group’s mission is to bring people together through running, socializing, and community engagement. They believe that running is a universal language that transcends cultural barriers and has the power to bring people together. Yamajo Run Crew is known for their vibrant and energetic group runs, which always end with a post-run hangout at a local spot.
In the vibrant city of Montréal, the heartbeat of the running scene quickens as OutRun takes center stage. Founded by the indomitable Alexia, this community-driven initiative serves as a shining beacon of acceptance and inclusivity. OutRun welcomes sporty individuals and runners from all walks of life, creating a safe haven within Montréal’s flourishing LGBTQ+ community. From the iconic Bridge in Lafontaine Park to their additional weekly runs, OutRun embraces diversity, flexing its schedule to accommodate every runner’s pace. It’s more than just running; it’s a transformative experience where the joy of running intertwines with the power of unity, forging meaningful connections that last a lifetime. Step into OutRun’s vibrant world and let your spirit soar.