It makes sense that, in the “City of Angels,” there would be some truly heavenly running clubs and groups. In fact, against the backdrop of Woodland Hills, you can find exceptional running groups dashing across the hillsides, while in downtown L.A., there are running clubs for beginners and marathoners alike to walk, jog and sprint through the city’s urban jungle. 

If you have ever wondered how to go about joining a running group or even how to start running as a beginner, there are a number of Woodland Hills-based groups ready to show you. Even if you are an ultramarathoner ready to smash out a new personal best, there are several clubs for you, too. 

L.A. Road Runners, located at 871 Figueroa Terrace in Los Angeles, celebrates diverse groups and individuals who make up the running community and supports them in their Los Angeles Marathon training journey. LARR trains and supports those who wish to participate in the L.A. Marathon and other McCourt Foundation races via training programs, expert coaching, social events, information sharing and coaching tips. When you connect with LARR, you gain the resources needed to guide you on your Los Angeles Marathon foray, with L.A. and Orange County residents able to join the 26 week in-person coached training program to run, walk or run/walk with the official pace leaders for the L.A. Marathon and Rose Bowl Half. 

Dog Haus Running Club Pasadena, headquartered at 93 East Green Street in Pasadena, is a free weekly social running club that meets every Tuesday night at Dog Haus, its weekly 5k group run starting and ending at Dog Haus Biergarten, where the group gathers afterwards for happy hour specials all night long. The three-mile route goes down to the Arroyo Seco – with a new extended five-mile stretch – before ending back at the Biergarten, with runners, walkers and joggers of all levels welcome. Stick around during your cool-down period to socialize with new friends while enjoying drink specials exclusively for club members. 

Los Angeles Trail Running Meetup organizes all sorts of running events for which you are responsible for understanding the dangers, risks and general information about; you are also responsible for bringing all gear to make an event as safe as possible for you and fellow members, and this includes correct running shoes and apparel, enough water, sunscreen/hat, snacks and general outlook. All events are free of charge, with the exception of some races organized by third parties, and be aware that signing up for an event and failing to show up – or dropping out late – might take an opportunity away from someone else. 

Run the Valley Run Club, headquartered in Burbank, is a free run group for runners of all skill levels, mixing things up with weekday and weekend runs that aim to fit into busy schedules on paved and unpaved trails in and around the Valley. Organized by Joshua Moreland, Run the Valley currently boasts some 548 members…and you could be the 549th!

If you’re looking to scratch “run a marathon” off your bucket list, you’re not short on options…especially if you live in a Woodland Hills neighborhood. With several half-marathons and marathons calling the Los Angeles area home, including the Long Beach Marathon and Half-Marathon in October, the Pasadena Half-Marathon in January, the Surf City Half-Marathon/Marathon in Orange County in February and the granddaddy of them all, the L.A. Marathon in March, there are plenty of running groups around town that will get you in shape and provide a “leg up” on the competition.