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Lake Merritt Run Club

LMRC Racing Team

Runners of all types and speeds are welcome to join our team and compete in official USA Track & Field Pacific Association races. No tryout. No minimum race requirement. Any club member can join at any time.

2010Team founded
90+Team members
3Race series
PA USATFAffiliated

About the team

Compete. Connect.
All Are Welcome.

The Lake Merritt Run Club Racing Team competes in the Pacific Association USATF Grand Prix Series — road races, cross country, trails, and mountain/ultra/trail events. The team was formed in April 2010 and has grown from its first group of 11 racers to around 90 members.

Unlike some Bay Area racing teams, Lake Merritt Run Club is deliberately inclusive. The purpose of fielding our age-group teams is not about winning — it’s about trying your best, enjoying the camaraderie of competition, and getting a little outside your comfort zone. Runners of all speeds and backgrounds are welcome.

Team members are free to mix and match races from all three series. There is no minimum race requirement. Any club member is welcome to join at any time.

LMRC Racing Team at a race

Competition

Three Race Series

The Pacific Association USATF Grand Prix Series sponsors individual and team competition across three disciplines. All info about membership, schedules, and standings can be found at pausatf.org.

Series 1
Road Racing Grand Prix
Year-round · 12–16 races

Races spread around the Pacific Association throughout the year. Distances range from 1 mile to the marathon. Point totals are tracked for both individuals and teams across the series.

View schedule →
Series 2
Cross Country Grand Prix
Mid-August through November

Races almost every weekend on mixed road and trail. Distances range from 3–4 miles for women and 3–6 miles for men. Different locations throughout the Pacific Association region.

View schedule →
Series 3
Mountain-Ultra-Trail (MUT) Grand Prix
Half-marathon to 50 miles

Trail and mountain ultra races ranging from a half-marathon to 50 miles. Teams of 3 can be female, male, or mixed. Lake Merritt Run Club has been racing the MUT Grand Prix since the team’s early days.

View schedule →

Team benefits

What the Team Offers

🏅
PA USATF Grand Prix EntryAccess to road, cross country, and MUT Grand Prix races as an official Lake Merritt Run Club team member.
💰
Subsidized Race EntriesThe team funds a few races annually for all members who want to race.
🚗
Carpool ContributionsGas contributions toward carpools of 3 or more to race venues.
🔄
USATF Membership RenewalPA membership renewed for members who raced 4+ times the prior year.
🏆
Age-Group Team CompetitionCompete alongside runners in your age group — no experience level required.
🔀
Mix & Match SeriesNo minimum race requirement — race as many or as few events as you like across all three series.
🤝
Community & CamaraderieRun with 90+ club members who enjoy the spirit of competition — all speeds, all types welcome.
👕
Team UniformReceive a Lake Merritt Run Club singlet/team uniform — required for USATF PA races. Coordinated through the team coordinator.

How to join

Three Steps to Race for Lake Merritt Run Club

1

Join Lake Merritt Run Club

You must be a current Lake Merritt Run Club member. Annual membership starts at $25/year — join here. Runners of all speeds and backgrounds are welcome.

2

Join Pacific Association USATF

To compete for the club you must join PA USATF — visit pausatf.org for current membership fees and to register. Fees are set by USATF and may change year to year. If you’re already a PA member racing for another team, you can change your affiliation to Lake Merritt Run Club and race for us after 90 days.

3

Get Your Team Uniform

Contact the racing team coordinator to receive your Lake Merritt Run Club singlet/team uniform. USATF PA rules require athletes to wear their team uniform during races. Email racing@lakemerrittrunclub.org to get yours.

Open to all members: Any current Lake Merritt Run Club member is welcome to join the racing team at any time. There is no tryout, no minimum race requirement, and no experience level requirement. Runners of all types and speeds are welcome — just show up and race!

Get in touch

Team Contacts

Team Coordinator
Jeanine Holmlund
MUT / Ultra Racing
Christine Chapon
Men’s Team
Rick Soper
General Racing Inquiries
Lake Merritt Run Club Racing

Ready to Race for Lake Merritt Run Club?

All speeds and types welcome. Join Lake Merritt Run Club first, then contact racing@lakemerrittrunclub.org to join the team.