From the mid-1970s, the Decatur Running Club has existed as a program designed to promote health and fitness in the Decatur community, as well as serve the needs of its members through social and competitive venues. Based in Decatur, Illinois, and comprised of members from Decatur and the central Illinois region, the Decatur Running Club is welcome to all who are interested in keeping connected to the running community, whether it is through attending local races, volunteering at DRC sponsored events, participating in fun social runs with individuals of similar paces, keeping updated on the performances of local junior high, high school, and college runners, or simply finding a network of fellow runners for training advice. The Decatur Running Club offers all of those things, and is always looking for new ways to serve the needs of its members!

The Decatur Running Club has a major role in some local road races, including the annual Shoreline Classic 5K and 15K, the Penguin in the Park 5K, Whitmore Park 5 and 10 mile races, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, the Firecracker 4 and 8 mile races, and the Turkey Trot 5K and 10K. In addition, the DRC helps with timing and provides some volunteers for many of the local road races in this area. While the DRC’s road races are great ways to connect with running friends, a number of social events are held year-round. During the summer months and in October, DRC members, along with the DISC/Decatur Park District, host local road races designed to give individuals an informal opportunity to run with other people. The races in the summer lead to the pre-Shoreline Classic training runs, from August to mid-September. There are also social gatherings, such as the Macho Nacho Run, where after a run with friends, you are welcome to come back to Lock, Stock, and Barrel for some post-run food, as well as the Ray’s Chili Chilly run, where you can warm up after a chilly outing with some of your favorite chili. The year is capped by a wonderful Christmas party, where you can join friends and fellow runners in remembering those memorable races and training runs.

If you are runner, or thinking about getting into running, join the Decatur Running Club to find some great benefits--social and competitive outlets for your energy, potential training partners, fellow runners to share wit and wisdom about training and racing, as well a method to serve the community through volunteering at worthwhile events. We are always looking to find new ways to promote health and fitness in the Decatur community.