Scottsdale Run Club Wins Best Run Club of the Year at the 2025 Sweatpals Awards
The Sweatpals community has spoken, and the winner of Best Run Club of the Year goes to Scottsdale Run Club. This recognition celebrates a community that's built something rare in the Arizona running scene—a space where runners of every level feel encouraged, included, and motivated to keep showing up.
Making Running as Fun as Possible
Founded by Jack Lauinger in 2023, Scottsdale Run Club operates across Scottsdale and Tempe with one clear mission: make running as fun as possible so friends can convince their non-runner friends to come with them. That approach has transformed the way people think about running in Arizona. This isn't about perfect form or hitting certain paces—it's about creating an experience where everyone belongs, regardless of fitness level or running background.
What started as a way to connect outside of the bar scene became a community built by friends whose skills, support, and dedication make everything possible. Scottsdale Run Club proves that the best fitness communities aren't created in gyms—they're built on sidewalks, trails, and paths where people show up for each other week after week.
Beyond the Miles
The most memorable experience for Scottsdale Run Club this year was their free sunset yoga classes hosted with Revival Wellness. With over 300 attendees on average, these gatherings showed the community that connection doesn't have to stop at running. They love offering other ways for people to gather outside of running, creating multiple touchpoints where friendships deepen and the community grows stronger.
This is what keeps people coming back. You leave feeling lighter, not just because you moved your body, but because you connected with people who genuinely care about your progress. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, Scottsdale Run Club meets you where you are and lifts you up.
How Sweatpals Makes It Effortless
Sweatpals has been a game-changer for Scottsdale Run Club. The platform makes it easy to keep track of and message event attendees, ensuring no one gets lost in the shuffle. The discoverability features help bring new people to their events, connecting curious runners with a community that welcomes them immediately. For a run club focused on growth and inclusion, Sweatpals provides the tools that make community management feel effortless.
Growing Arizona's Largest Friend Group
Looking ahead to 2026, Scottsdale Run Club has one clear goal: keep growing the largest friend group in Arizona. It's not about breaking records or hitting massive milestones—it's about creating more opportunities for people to connect, move together, and build friendships that extend far beyond their weekly runs. When your mission is making running accessible and fun for everyone, growth happens naturally.
This win celebrates the heart behind what Scottsdale Run Club does: the consistency, the leadership, and the way they've made running feel like home for so many people. From early morning miles to sunset yoga sessions, this community has created something special in the Arizona fitness scene.
Congratulations to Scottsdale Run Club on this well-deserved recognition. You've built a space where showing up becomes the easiest decision of the week. Find their next run on Sweatpals and come ready to meet your new favorite running crew. 🏃♀️🏃♂️🏆