Lake Merritt Run Club
About Us
Nearly 50 years of running community in Oakland and the East Bay. New name, same heartbeat.
Our story
From Lake Merritt
to the Bay Area
New look, same club! Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders — aka LMJS — has officially evolved into Lake Merritt Run Club.
For nearly fifty years, the club has been a solid and consistent presence in the East Bay running community, with its roots at Oakland's Lake Merritt. Our running journey began when the club was founded by John Notch and Claudia Massengil on July 18, 1977. The club sent its first team to the 1977 Tahoe Relays at Lake Tahoe.
The first Fourth Sunday Run — now the Fourth Sunday Race — was held July 24, 1977 at Lake Merritt and has continued every month since. From there, the club has grown into a true community that supports every type of runner, whether seasoned or new to the sport.
Our passion
Running is More Than Miles
Whether you are training for your first 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon — or crushing vertical gain on the technical trails of the East Bay hills — we are here to support every stride. We run to feel alive, to challenge our limits, and to celebrate the simple joy of movement together.
Running as a sport has evolved, and so have we. With annual and monthly races, a racing team, social runs, marathon training, trail runs, track classes, and beginner classes — there's something for everyone.
Our home
Rooted in Oakland,
Running the Bay Area
Lake Merritt is our namesake and our heart, but our home extends far beyond its shores. Our runs span from the Iron Horse Trail in Martinez to the east, all the way across to Tennessee Valley in Marin and the San Francisco waterfront — with the bulk of our community centered around Lake Merritt and the trails of Redwood Regional Park and the East Bay hills.
From the flat, fast loop around Lake Merritt to the redwood-canopied single-track of Joaquin Miller, Anthony Chabot, and Tilden Regional Park — our club is a reflection of the extraordinary and diverse terrain we call home.
We are deeply rooted in Oakland, but our community stretches to every corner of the Bay, united by the iconic landmarks and the spirit of the Town.
Mission & values
What We Stand For
Mission: Lake Merritt Run Club is a volunteer-based, nonprofit running club. We support our diverse running community through training, races, social engagement, and outreach. We foster camaraderie, collaboration and empowerment within the club and the community.
Vision: Running with a focus on inclusivity, equity, empowerment, and partnership.
Camaraderie
We build opportunities for runners by providing education and increasing engagement.
Community
We outreach to the community and build external partnerships to bring running to everyone.
Collaboration
We collaborate with youth groups, schools, organizations, and local businesses to enrich the running community.
Empowerment
We increase self-esteem and confidence through the healthy practice of running.
What we offer
Something for Every Runner
Weekly Runs
Saturday social runs, Saturday long runs, Sunday trail runs, Friday Donut Run, and Thursday trail club. All paces and levels welcome.
Races
Monthly Fourth Sunday Races, Tilden Tough Ten, Lake Merritt Relay, Woodmonster Trail Race — and more throughout the year.
Training Programs
Beginner running, marathon & half marathon training, spring track class, and trail fitness programs. RRCA-certified coaches throughout.
Social Events
Potlucks with guest speakers, picnics, Saturday fun runs, training clinics, and team relay entries.
Community Grants
We support Running for a Better Oakland and local school racing teams throughout the East Bay — helping bring running to youth and underserved communities in our city.
Racing Team
Runners of all types and speeds are welcome to join our team to compete in official USA Track & Field Pacific Association races — road, cross country, and mountain/ultra/trail.
Get in touch
Contact Us
Our sponsors
Thank You to Our Sponsors
We thank all of our sponsors for their continued support of our club, training programs and racing teams. Running stores listed as sponsors offer Lake Merritt Run Club members a discount on non-sale items.
Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email sponsor@lakemerrittrunclub.org