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Oakland’s Running Club Since 1977

Run.
Connect.
Belong.

Lake Merritt Run Club is the East Bay’s home for runners of every level — from first 5Ks to ultramarathons, road races to redwood trails.

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1977
Founded at Lake Merritt
47+
Years of community
90+
Active members
4
Signature races
3x
Runs every week
Who we are
Nearly 50 Years Running Oakland

Lake Merritt Run Club — formerly Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders — has been a solid and consistent presence in the East Bay running community since July 18, 1977. Our journey started at Oakland’s Lake Merritt and has grown into a true community with support for every runner.

“Running is more than just miles; it’s the shared breath of a community in motion. While our name is changing, our pulse remains the same.”

Whether you’re lacing up for the first time or chasing a marathon PR on the trails of the Berkeley hills — we are here for every stride.

Our story →

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Run with us
Roads & Trails, Every Week

Three road runs and a Sunday trail run — all paces, all abilities, always welcome across the East Bay.

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Fridays & Saturdays
Weekly Road Runs

Donut Run Fridays at Snow Park, Saturday Social Run at rotating East Bay locations, and Saturday Long Run with pacers.

See road runs →

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Every Sunday · 8:15 AM
Weekly Trail Runs

Rotating East Bay parks every Sunday — Tilden, Chabot, Redwood, Tennessee Valley and more. 3 to 10+ mile options.

See trail runs →
Training programs
Train for Something

Four programs for every level — from your very first run to a marathon finish line. RRCA-certified coaches, structured plans, real community.

Beginner Running
No experience needed
5 sessions at Adams Point, Lake Merritt. Run/walk intervals, RRCA coaches, all abilities welcome.
Mar 21 – Apr 18 · Adams Point→
Spring Track Class
Get faster
6 weeks of structured speedwork at Clark Kerr Track, Berkeley. Tuesdays at 6pm. All paces welcome.
Mar 31 – May 5 · Clark Kerr, Berkeley→
Trail Fitness Training
3 levels
Build uphill/downhill technique across 3 levels. Thursdays at 6pm in the East Bay hills. Led by Coach Jeanine.
Apr 2 onwards · East Bay hills→
Marathon & Half Marathon
Official Oakland program
Official Oakland Marathon training program since 2010. 18 weeks full, 12 weeks half. Kickoff Nov 22.
Kickoff Nov 22 · Race day Mar 2027→
Our races
Four Signature Races

From monthly Lake Merritt loops to epic East Bay trail races — LMRC puts on some of the region’s most beloved events.

Fourth Sunday Race
Monthly · Every 4th Sunday
5K · 10K · 15K · Lake Merritt
View & Register →
Tilden Tough Ten
Annual · May 2026
10 miles · Tilden Park, Berkeley
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Woodmonster Trail Race
Annual · June 2026
10 miles · Chabot Space Center
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Lake Merritt Relay
Annual · Summer 2026
Team relay · Lake Merritt
View & Register →
Community in action
Life at LMRC

Races, trails, donuts, and everything in between.

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Race day

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Sunday trails

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Friday Donut Run
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We are evolving and moving forward in a fresh and iconic direction. Our journey started at Lake Merritt nearly 50 years ago, and has grown into a true community with support for every runner.

Lake Merritt Run Club · Est. 1977
Our sponsors
Thank You to Our Sponsors

Running stores listed as sponsors offer LMRC members a discount on non-sale items. We thank all our sponsors for their continued support of our club, training programs, and racing team.

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Interested in becoming a sponsor? Email sponsor@lakemerrittrunclub.org

Ready to Run with Us?

Join Oakland’s running community — membership starts at just $25 a year.

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