orca run club
The friendly local run club. Sponsored by a whale.
Welcome
You asked!Ā And now, it is finally HERE and launching March 2025!Ā Welcome to the one and only, Orca Run Club!Ā We are so glad you are here.
At Orca Run Club, all whales are welcome.Ā Whether your goal is to try running for the first time, train for a race, build consistency, or to simply enjoy running and the community (or earn a free race) … we have a place in our Pod for you!
PACING
Each run club will be 20 minutes out, and 20 minutes back (a total of 40 minutes on your feet/fins).Ā This means whether you are choosing to walk or go for your next big PR, we will finish and celebrate together as a Pod.Ā All paces, ages, and friendly furry friends are welcome.
SCHEDULE
Each month a monthly schedule will be posted on our Orca Run Club Instagram page @orcarunclub and here on the website.Ā You can also join our Orca Run Club Strava club to RSVP and stay up to date on run club adventures.Ā We will meet every Tuesday at 6pm, rotating between three main locations.Ā East Lake Sammamish in Sammamish, Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park on Kirkland waterfront, and Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton.Ā You can read more about each of these locations below.
The fourth week of the month will be an āOrca Field Trip.āĀ During orca field trip weeks, the Pod will visit another local run club or location.Ā Each month will be a different field trip, so stay tuned!Ā More information on how to submit field trip ideas below.
ORCA FIELD TRIPS
On the 4th week of every month, we will have an Orca Field Trip!Ā Orca Field Trips give us the opportunity to meet new members of the running community and explore new locations.Ā We will combine forces with a variety of local run clubs in the area.Ā We may also try new things such as a trail run!Ā Orca Field Trips count as a punch on your ORC punch card and your ORC rewards.Ā A new monthly Orca Field Trip will be announced every month.Ā
Have an idea for an Orca Field Trip or a run club you would like us to visit?Ā Email [email protected] to inquire.Ā
Stay connected:
Follow on Instagram @orcarunclub and join our Strava Club to stay connected and cheer on fellow ORC members.Ā Ā
Locations
ORC East Lake Sammamish
This Orca Run Club location is a made up of a section of our incredible Lake Sammamish Half Marathon course.Ā It is flat, fast, beautiful, and there are no street crossings or places to get lost.Ā It is great for beginners and advanced runner alike.Ā Keep an eye out for eagles as you run along this awesome trail.
Parking for this location is in the Big Block Brewery parking lot.Ā It is free of charge.Ā You will then cross the street (via the crosswalk) to meet on the trial.Ā There is unfortunately no restroom at this start location, so try and make sure to go before start time.Ā As it is still dark this time of year, please dress in reflective gear if able.
You can check out the course on Strava HERE..Ā But remember, ORC is 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back. This way no matter what pace you choose, we will all finish together.Ā Feel free to add or takeaway from the course as you feel fit for your run.Ā There will also be laminated copies of the course available for reference as needed.Ā We canāt wait to run with you in Sammamish!
Link to Strava Map of Course: ORC East Lake Sammamish
Parking lot address:Ā Big Block Brewing Parking: 3310 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Sammamish WA 98075.
ORC Kirkland Waterfront
This Orca Run Club location does not disappoint.Ā Ā We will start and meet at Doris Cooper Houghton Beach Park.Ā There is free parking located in the park, as well as on the streets surrounding.Ā There is also a park bathroom at this location.Ā We will run along the waterfront, through downtown Kirkland, through Heritage Park, toward Waverly Beach Park.Ā There are a few street crossings and a slight hill on this course, but the scenery and fun post hang location make it well worth it.Ā
Check out the course on Strava HERE.Ā But donāt forget.Ā Orca Run Club is 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back.Ā This way no matter what pace you choose, we will all finish together.Ā Feel free to add or takeaway from the course as you feel fit for your run.Ā Ā There will also be laminated copies of the course available for reference as needed.Ā
Hang out and socialize afterwords to celebrate your run with the group.Ā This park we finish at has swimming, beach volleyball, a playground, and Beach House Bar & Grill available for post run snacks and beverages fun continued fun to be had.Ā
As it is still dark this time of year and there are a few street crossings, please bring a light and reflective gear for safety.Ā We canāt wait to run with you, Kirkland!
Link to Strava Course: ORC Kirkland Waterfront
Address: Doris Cooper Houghton Beach ParkĀ 5811 Lake Washington Blvd NE, Kirkland, WA 98033.
ORC Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park
With the completion of the Eastrail, Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park makes a wonderful run club location.Ā We will meet under the picnic shelter near the swimming area and playground.Ā There is a large free parking lot and bathroom near where we will start.Ā
We will travel along the waterfront on Gene Coulon Interpretive Trail up to the new Eastrail for 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back. This allows us to all finish together no matter the chosen pace.Ā Keep your eye out for the many hummingbirds flying along our path.Ā There is a small section that connects the two trails at the end of the park (with signage), but no road crossings or potential turn arounds on this course making it a great place to try running or hit a new pace.Ā
In the spring and summer, a post run hangout will be available at Dock n Drink.Ā In the summer it is also a fun place to swim and paddleboard!Ā
As it is still dark the time of year, please wear reflective clothing if possible.Ā Ā Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed within Gene Coulon Park.Ā
Link to the Strava Course:Ā ORC Gene Coulon
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PERKS
Every time you attend an Orca Run Club or Orca Field Trip; it will count as a punch on your ORC punch card to earn rewards!Ā
3 punches: Orca Run Club Sticker
5 punches: Orca Run Club Race Tee!Ā
10 punches:Ā An Orca Running or Evergreen Trail race!!!
YES!!! You can literally train for a race with the amazing Orca Running & Evergreen Trail community, AND earn your race for free in the process.Ā How cool is that!?
6 Reasons to try a Run Club:
1.)Ā Community:
Run clubs offer community in a way that is often hard to put into words.Ā Run clubs link people together through shared experience.Ā The run is a challenge you complete and overcome together.Ā This is where some of the most awesome connections are made.Ā You might just end up meeting friends you like so much you hang with them outside of running, or your new bestie!Ā
2.)Ā Accountability:
We all know running motivation can be fleeting.Ā But your local run club becomes your team!Ā Whether it is asking if you are attending, or noticing your progress working toward your goals, friends will be checking in on you.Ā
3.)Ā Motivation:
There is nothing more motivating than watching a group of runners complete a run.Ā The energy is contagious.Ā Other members of the team boost motivation by supporting and cheering each other on.Ā Being around other runners is simply inspirational.Ā Personally, I always leave run clubs with a smile on my face (and another race registered for….).Ā
4.)Ā Learn New Routes & Techniques:
Run clubs have established routes to explore, and have grown significantly to where you can find one almost anywhere!Ā They create a safe environment to explore a new area with a group that will be making sure you finish.Ā And what runner isnāt excited to talk about their training, next race, or newest pair of shoes!?Ā You may learn ALL kinds of things at run club.
5.)Ā Improvement:
Run clubs make you a better runner.Ā Between the community, accountability, motivation, and new learning opportunities listed above… it would be impossible not to grow.Ā Ā Donāt believe me!?Ā Well, try one and find out.Ā Canāt wait to see you out there!
FAQs
How fast do I need to be to attend Orca Run Club?
At Orca Run Club, pace does not matter!Ā You can walk, jog, jump, or run.Ā Our run club is 20 minutes out and minutes in so that no matter what, we finish and celebrate as a pod!
Can I bring my kids or dog to Orca Run Club?
Orca Run Club is all ages welcome.Ā Kids are welcome as long as they are accompanied by an adult.Ā Our Kirkland and Renton location both have very fun playgrounds available and swim areas in the summer.
Pets are welcome both at our East Lake Sammamish location and Kirkland Waterfront location.Ā Pets must be friendly and kept on a leash.Ā Please also pick up after your pet if needed.Ā Unfortunately pets are not welcome at our Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park location as they are not permitted in the park.
Orca Field Trips will depend on the location.
Can I bring a Stroller or a Wheelchair?
YES!Ā The East Lake Sammamish and Gene Coulon locations are very flat and wheel friendly.Ā It is still possible at the Kirkland Waterfront location, but please note that this one does have a hill, road crossing, and some uneven sidewalks.Ā Ā Orca Field Trips will depend on the location.Ā
How much does Orca Run Club cost?
Orca Run Club is currently FREE of charge.Ā
What do I need to bring with me to run club?
We suggest reflective gear during the summer months, running shoes, water, and maybe a snack.Ā We will be spending 40 minutes out on our feet.
Do I have to pick one Orca Run Club location?
NO!Ā You are welcome to mix and match depending on your schedule needs.Ā Just donāt forget to get your card punched whichever location you choose to attend.
Is Orca Run Club fun!?
Come join us and find out!Ā
Who can I contact with any questions or comments?
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] anytime!
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