In this edition of Get to Know Your Running Clubs we chatted with Mary Chen about the Nopo Run Club. You’ll often find them running all around the city of Portland.

Want to learn more about them? Read on!

Hi Mary! Who are you? Give us your best one line bio

Hi there! I'm an organizer and go-to-gal for the Nopo Run Club.

Tell us a bit about the club history

Our club started in May of 2011 through a Meetup group. The first run had 5 people. We found that combining running and craft beer was the perfect combination to satisfy the Portland active lifestyle and social scene. We organize free events to motivate, celebrate and congratulate everyone for participating. We've been growing exponentially ever since. Now we have over 2,000 members!

Nice! Tell us a bit about your members, what level of runners typically run with you?

We welcome all skill levels. Our routes range in difficulty, but we give multiple options for our runners to choose from. Our group is large enough that most people can find a running buddy to match their pace. The goal is to provide the best running experience in Portland.

Where/when do you usually meet and run?

We meet 6:30pm at Stormbreaker Brewing every Wednesday

Any cost to be a member/join?

Nope, there is no membership fee, but you do get $1 off beer on Wed!

Are you affiliated with any events?

We participate in numerous races such as Shamrock, Portland Marathon, Girls on the Run, The Girlfriends Race, Race for the Roses, and Bridge to Brews. We have joined various relay races including Hood to Coast- fundraising team, Ragnar relays, Cascade Lakes relay, and Bend Beer Chase. Our club also hosts a biannual beer mile and is adding a new champagne mile this year.

Where are your favourite spots to run in/around the city?

This city has so many parks, running from Columbia Park to Peninsula Park is one of my favorite 10K routes. It has a beautiful view of the city and all the roses in the summer.

Do you have any favourite races? Outside of anything that you’re affiliated with :)

Silver falls half marathon, Fueled by fine wine, and Gorgeous relay

Anything else that we should know?

We are not just a running club, we are a running family. Everyone who has joined our club has played an integral part in creating our amazing story. We are grateful for all the enthusiasm and support the past 5 years and can't wait to see what the next 5 years will bring. Runners are the best!

Want to learn more?

Want to connect with the Nopo Run Club, or just learn a bit more about them? Check out their information below:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Find more runs around Portland

Looking for runs in and around Portland? The RunGuides Portland race calendar can help you find upcoming runs and running races in the area - www.runguides.com/portland/runs