East Laurier Running Club: Running Hard and Partying Harder in Montreal

In 2012, a new running crew emerged in Montreal, inspired by the energy of another well-known Canadian group. After experiencing Toronto's Parkdale Roadrunners, Jean-Philippe (JP), along with his roommates and close friends, decided to form a similar community in their city. They named the group East Laurier Running Club to reflect their geographical location, and what began as an informal name has since gained recognition in the global running community.

The philosophy of East Laurier Running Club is to promote the benefits of running beyond just physical fitness. They believe running is a democratic and social sport that can bring people together, improve mental health, and relieve stress. While the group's early members were experienced runners focused on performance, the dynamics have evolved over the years to become more inclusive, welcoming runners of all levels. This is all balanced with their famous mantra to "run hard, party harder," creating a community that is as much about social connection as it is about running.

The culture of East Laurier has become a creative outlet for its members to express themselves. The group encourages members to share their unique talents, leading to the organization of city-wide running events and matching post-race celebrations. Members participate in everything from coaching and graphic design to event planning, making it a truly collaborative and lively community.

Tuesday Nights at Chez Baptiste

The heartbeat of the East Laurier Running Club is their weekly run. The crew's official headquarters is at Bar Chez Baptiste, where the group meets every Tuesday at 7:25 p.m. This gathering serves as a community space for members to connect with like-minded Montrealers and international runners alike, with the team aiming to challenge each other to push their personal limits in a fun and supportive environment.

East Laurier Running Club promotes that running builds community. They warmly invite any runner in Montreal, whether experienced or new, to join them at Bar Chez Baptiste on a Tuesday evening to explore the city's lively running scene and meet like-minded people from around the world.

The Montreal Running Scene

East Laurier is a standout crew, but they are part of a large network of running communities in Montreal. The city also hosts the global free fitness movement November Project Montreal, the diverse and inclusive Yamajo Run Crew, and the LGBTQ+-focused OutRun. This vibrant mix of crews, each with its own distinct personality and style, makes Montreal a true hub for community running.

The city of Montreal is an excellent place for running, with a variety of terrains and beautiful scenery. From my current location in Cape Town, the thought of its European charm is captivating. A favorite for all local runners is the magnificent Mont-Royal Park, a large park in the middle of the city that offers over 30 kilometers of running trails. The city's network of bike paths, including the one along the historic Lachine Canal, also provides stunning routes for exploring. The premier racing event is the Montreal Marathon, which takes place every September, but the city also hosts unique events like the Montreal Night Race..