Boston area running clubs

GBTC, BAA, Somerville Road Runners, Whirlagigs (or something like that)

Four words:

Greater Boston Track Club

Anthony

In order:

BAA

New Balance Boston

Greater Boston Track Club

Another admittedly biased vote for GBTC. Big group of young (22-29 year old) guys training for everything from 4:10 in the mile to mid-2:20s in the marathon.

How tall are you? You must be at least 6'2" to train with the BAA. The lankier and longer torso-ed the better.

The BAA seems to have shifted to prioritizing their new "super-elite" team. Even the BAA's 'sub-elites' (those not in Mahon's group, but still running fast - Harvey, etc.) don't even seem to have a coach. Those guys are getting email coaching from a former coach who moved away, I think? Does anyone know if there is even a BAA group (guys who aren't running sub-15 for 5K) that meets to workout anymore?

For team environment and coaching, New Balance Boston and GBTC are above BAA, in my opinion. Unless you're Morgan Uceny or Emily Lipari, the BAA doesn't seem to be paying much attention.

I'm in the same situation as OP. Any new/different opinions of these or different Boston groups?

GBTC seems to have gone downhill recently - they did not do well in XC this year.

I wouldn't have expected that with the history of GBTC. Do you have any insight about the club? I see they have 1-2 structured workouts a week and are coached by Derderian and not Squires. I'm looking to train for the 8/1500 and to find a knowledgable coach and hopefully some guys around me to get me there. GBTC stood out to me because of its relative proximity to my place in Southie / club history. Also, any route advice? I'm sick of running around that hot dog shack on Castle Island.

Nah, they still have plenty of fast guys. Depends on what you're looking for, of course. Take a look at results from this winter's Boston indoor meets to get an idea of who's training for what.

I suspect I know the guy you're responding to...maybe take his word with a grain of salt.

lol who do you think I am?

Tbh I didn't pay attention to indoor, so maybe they just had a down season in the fall. Goes to show that you should do your research.

I mean everybody has listed out the fast clubs- BAA, NB Boston, GBTC, Central Mass Striders, Western Mass Distance Project, Cambridge Running Club, Dirigo, Whirlaway. (some of these aren't right in Boston but I feel like clubs might have runners floating around in the area)

I think, based on what you said, GBTC would be a great fit. They have slightly slower sponsorship standards than NB Boston -- maybe you've hit them? I also don't think it's a bad idea to reach out to NB Boston with your name, PRs, your story, your future goals, etc., and see if you can train with them. If they say no, it's not the end of the world & maybe it wasn't meant to be.

You can't go wrong any which way. The club competition in the Boston area is super strong. Enough to keep you motivated and training!