JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Many clubs sign up to run the Gate River Run. One of them, the Neptune Run Crew, has the second largest club participation with almost 150 runners signed up.
If you’re wondering who the Neptune Run Club is, it’s a free running community that is so much more than the exercise you get.
“I feel like running inherently is an individual sport, but it is so much more fun when you are together,” Neptune Run Crew co-founder Keri Clarke said. “One of our biggest priorities is people over pace. I know running, getting into the sport can be a little intimidating, but we want to create a really safe space where all paces are welcome.”
It all started when founders Keri Clarke and Andrew Mogg regularly ran with friends. They decided to make it into something for everyone in December of 2022.
“Andrew one day was like ‘why don’t we just have this every single Friday, friends running with friends,’” Clarke said.
More than a year later, the group has grown to include over 100 runners each week.
“Beyond what we were expecting,” Mogg said. “Our whole vision was to provide a space for our friends, our community to not just run together, but bring the community together, showcase other local businesses here.”
Every Friday at 6:45 a.m. the Neptune Run Crew meets to run a 5K at the beach.
“There is this awesome community, and we can just show up on Fridays and hang out with our friends, talk with our friends the whole time,” Neptune Run Crew member Abbey Ripley said. “It’s not about pace.”
If you’re wondering why Friday?
“Best day of the week,” Clarke said.
“It’s a good way to start the weekend,” Neptune Run Crew creative director Daniel Riano said.
“I love it,” Neptune Run Crew’s Olivia Davis said. “I look forward to Friday mornings and getting to run with friends and meet new people.”
Once a month they will have long runs on Saturday morning or a two-mile run Wednesday evening.
“It’s super special because I think a lot of young professionals move here and they move here not knowing anybody,” Riano said. “Part of the vision for this was to create the community.”
Anyone can join. Some people are just starting to get into running while others are experts.
“We absolutely want everybody to be involved whether you’re young or older,” Riano said. “We’ve seen a lot of older people start to come out and be like ‘well should I be here cause there is younger people?’ and we’re like ‘no please come out here’.”
Another aspect of the Neptune Run Crew is its focus on supporting small businesses.
“One of our big goals is to support local business as well,” Clarke said. “Locals supporting locals.”
The Neptune Run Crew is a not-for-profit organization that is in the works of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization.