Miles That Matter

The Sewickley Runners Club has built a community one Tuesday at a time.

On any given Tuesday evening in Sewickley, a familiar scene unfolds at the corner of Beaver and Broad streets—sneakers laced up, friendly greetings are exchanged, and runners of all ages and paces gather with a shared purpose. This scene is the meeting of the Sewickley Runners Club (SRC)—a weekly tradition that has grown from a small idea into a thriving community built on consistency and connection.

The club was founded by Joel and Anne Simpson—who moved to the Pittsburgh region in 2020 after years of belonging to the Raritan Valley Road Runners in New Jersey. That running group played a formative role in their lives—it kept them active, introduced them to lasting friendships, and happens to be where they met each other. When they settled in Sewickley, they hoped to find something similar.

“We found great running groups in Pittsburgh, but nothing active in or immediately around Sewickley,” says Anne. Yet every walk-through town revealed runners everywhere. “Sewickley is incredibly walkable and runnable, with a strong outdoor culture, and it felt like there was an untapped running community already here.” Instead of continuing the search, they decided to create what they were missing.

SRC’s first run took place Feb. 28, 2023. What began as a small, informal meet-up has grown steadily and now averages 20 to 30 runners each week—without losing sight of its original mission. “The goal from the beginning was simple: to create a consistent, welcoming weekly run that felt approachable to runners of all levels,” says Joel. “Not just for the miles, but for the community and friendship.”

That philosophy is reflected in how the runs are structured. The club meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.—rain, shine and even snow—and hasn’t missed a single week. Two main routes are offered including a 5-mile loop and a 5K, which overlap for much of the run, so the group starts and finishes together. The pace is conversational, the atmosphere relaxed, and new runners are intentionally welcomed and introduced.

“The goal is simple, with no pressure and no expectations—just show up, run your miles and be part of the group,” says Anne.

While SRC is rooted in Sewickley, its reach extends well beyond the borough. Runners regularly travel from Moon Township, communities along Route 65, downtown Pittsburgh and neighborhoods like Shadyside. Many work in Sewickley and stay after hours to run, while others are new residents looking for a way to connect.

“It’s common for someone to show up and say they moved to the area just weeks—or even days—earlier,” says Joel.

Over time, the club has evolved into more than a weekly run. Post-run conversations often turn into shared meals or drinks, and SRC now hosts pool parties, holiday gatherings, anniversary celebrations and group race outings. This year alone, the club is fielding seven relay teams for the Pittsburgh Marathon—and planning a post-race celebration to match.

But maybe most exciting is what’s ahead. SRC has received approval to host its first official race—the inaugural Sewickley Classic 5K. The event will include a 5K, a 1-mile walk/run and a kids dash, ending with a community festival at War Memorial Park featuring food, music and activities. Proceeds will benefit Laughlin Children’s Center, reinforcing the club’s commitment to giving back.

Joel says, “What started as a simple weekly run has grown into a club that not only brings people together, but also contributes positively to the community we’ve grown to love.”