Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just show up to a run?
Yes. No signup, no membership, no RSVP needed for your first run. Dawn Patrol (Tuesday & Friday, 5:45 AM at the Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park) is the best one for new runners. Just introduce yourself and someone will point you to the right pace group.
Do I need to be fast to join?
No. There are no time standards or cutoffs. We have members across a range of paces and distances. What matters is that you take your training seriously and want to be part of a race-focused team. This isn’t a casual social run club, but it’s not an elitist one either.
Do you have a coach?
ERC doesn’t have a club coach, but a lot of members work with private coaches (and a surprising number use the same one). We also have certified coaches within the club who coach other members. Others train with AI coaching tools like ChatGPT. Wednesday track workouts are written and organized by members. It’s common for people with similar paces to tag along on each other’s coach-prescribed workouts during the week too.
What if I don’t know anyone?
Most people show up not knowing anyone. Dawn Patrol is conversational pace, so you’ll have time to talk. Introduce yourself and you’ll know names by your second or third run.
Do I need to be a paid member to run with the club?
No. Come try runs before committing to anything. Membership is for when you’re ready to make it official and want to be part of the team for racing. See the join page for details.
What kinds of runners join ERC?
People who are serious about running and want training partners who push them. Most members race regularly, whether that’s 5Ks, marathons, or ultras. The core group is fast, and the women’s side is growing quickly. Age range runs from the late teens through the 70s, with active club records in open, masters, 50s, and 60s divisions.
How do track workouts work?
The workout is posted on Strava and Discord before Wednesday. Everyone meets at the south side press box at Kezar Stadium (between the men's and women's bathrooms) at 6:00 PM, warms up together, and then runs the workout at their own pace. You don’t need to be the fastest person there. You just need to be willing to put in the work.
How much does membership cost?
ERC annual club dues are $65.26, paid through Movemint. Dues cover club operating costs like PA-USATF team registration, website, Discord, and admin. To score for the team at races, you’ll also need a PA-USATF membership ($65/year for adults) through PA-USATF (club number 113).
What is PA-USATF?
The Pacific Association of USA Track & Field is the regional governing body for competitive running. Registering with PA-USATF lets you score for the team at Grand Prix races. You compete in your age group (under 40, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69), so it’s not just about the fastest runners. Membership is for the calendar year, but if you register after November 1st it carries over.
What races does ERC compete in?
We race year-round in the PA-USATF Grand Prix series across four disciplines: short road, long road, cross country, and mountain/ultra/trail. A lot of members also target goal races like CIM (California International Marathon), Boston, and various ultras.
How do I stay in the loop?
Everything happens on Discord. Run coordination, race planning, workout details, and general conversation. Runs are also posted on our Strava club.
How old is the club?
ERC was founded in January 1973 by four runners living at 801 Excelsior Street in San Francisco. We won our first Pacific Association Championship that same year. Read the full origin story.