Square Runners: A Community in Fitness & Fun

By John Pilecki

In June 1958, a small group of runners met at Macombs Dam Park in the Bronx,  New York City, and founded the New York Road Runners Club. 

Fast forward 53 years to June 2011 in Regent Square and a similarly small group of runners meet in front of the for the Square Running Club’s first run. 

Fortified by sports drinks provided by , owner of the Square Café, the 15 or so runners sprint down South Braddock Avenue, past unsuspecting sidewalk diners, drawing looks from passersby that range from startled to slightly envious. 

Only time will tell if this auspicious start for the Square Runners will lead to an event as massive as the New York City Marathon, the eventual outcome of that  1958 gathering in the Bronx, but even if the club remains a local phenomenon,  there is plenty of room for growth in membership.

The runners met thoughout the hot summer months and the payoff included  successful completion by some club members of several organized runs, including the Aug. 26

Square Café Catering Manager has taken a leadership role in the club, helping to design a cool Square Runner race shirt, beginning a group site on Facebook, and generally encouraging all the runners to meet their goals.

Runs are at 7 p.m. each Thursday, beginning in front of the Square Café on Braddock Avenue. ALL LEVELS OF RUNNERS ARE WELCOME! You can select your own distance, usually two to five miles, and a “walk-run” pattern is always an option for beginners—or experienced runners who need a break!  

More info is available on the Facebook Square Runner Club group site. Hope to see you at the next Thursday run—who knows, like those folks in the Bronx five decades ago, you might be able to regale future generations with “I remember when” lore!