The New Groove Run Club is one of many opportunities to get involved in the run club culture in Spartanburg. Image provided by Stephanie Machacek of New Groove Run Club.
If you’ve spent any time on Spartanburg social media lately, you’ve probably noticed something happening. Photos of smiling runners. Crowds gathering outside breweries and coffee shops. People celebrating personal records, first miles and finish lines.
Running clubs are having a moment in Spartanburg.
What makes the trend especially interesting is that many of the people joining these groups don’t consider themselves runners at all. Instead, they are finding something much bigger than exercise: community.
“I think people are craving connection,” said Kelly Bailey, founder of Burn Run Club. “We live in such a phone-centered, behind-the-screen world now, and people want opportunities to be both physically active and socially connected. Running gives you both.”
Nationally, running clubs have seen a surge in popularity as more people seek affordable ways to improve their health while building friendships. Spartanburg has embraced that movement with a growing number of clubs welcoming everyone from experienced marathoners to first-time walkers.
One of the newest groups making an impact is Burn Run Club, which meets Sundays at 3 p.m. behind Flock Shop along the Rail Trail. Bailey said the club began almost by accident after a friend challenged her to train for a half marathon.
“When my friend Vernice invited me to do a half marathon, I genuinely thought she was crazy,” Bailey said with a laugh.
As she and a few friends began training together, they discovered many others felt intimidated by traditional running culture.
“None of us considered ourselves runners,” Bailey said. “We wanted to create a safe, welcoming space for people who simply wanted community, encouragement and a place to begin.”
That mission remains at the heart of the club today. Bailey said one of the most rewarding parts of its growth has been seeing the variety of people who participate.
“We have couples, families, kids, moms pushing strollers, walkers, joggers, runners and people doing a combination of all three,” she said. “Everyone is simply showing up to move their bodies and support one another.”
Across town, New Groove Run Club has built a similar culture. Co-founded by Stephanie Machacek and Alyssa Popp, the club meets Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at New Groove Artisan Brewing in Boiling Springs.
The group welcomes walkers, joggers and runners of all paces and typically attracts between 14 and 25 participants each week.
“Our group is smaller and more comfortable for those who don’t like huge crowds,” Machacek said. “We have everyone from walkers, joggers and faster runners.”
Members are also rewarded with 50% off appetizers after the run, creating another opportunity for conversation and connection.
Downtown Spartanburg offers several additional opportunities to get involved. Rockers Run Club meets Tuesdays at 6 p.m. from Rockers Brewing, combining group runs with post-run fellowship at the brewery. The Way Run Club gathers Saturdays at 8 a.m. at Fretwell, bringing together runners for movement, encouragement and community. Meanwhile, The Mom Walk Collective Spartanburg has created a similar movement for mothers, organizing regular walks designed to help local moms find friendship, support and connection while getting active.
For Bailey, the clubs represent something larger than fitness.
“The friendships and community that have come from this are truly unmatched,” she said.
And for anyone who feels intimidated about joining?
“Been there,” Bailey said. “Just a few months ago, I would have told you I was not a runner.”
Her advice is simple: show up.
“If you PR, we’ll celebrate you. If you finish, we’ll celebrate you. If you simply show up, we’ll celebrate you.”
In Spartanburg’s growing running community, that may be the secret to success: one step, one mile and one new friendship at a time.
