OUR STORY
CAMBRIDGE RUNNING CLUB
About River Rats Run Club
It was never really about the running
Running is the reason we gather. What we're really building is friendship, confidence, and a place where you belong exactly as you are.
HOW IT STARTED
A sign up sheet, four people, and a brewery that believed in it
River Rats began with a small idea and an even smaller group. Wave Maker Craft Brewery had noticed our founder, Sarah, running past often, and asked if she would start a run club out of the brewery. Four people showed up to the first one. Then they kept coming back, and bringing friends. Walkers became runners, strangers became training partners, and a group of four became a community of hundreds.
FROM OUR FOUNDER
Why I started River Rats
I spent my career in sales leadership, building teams and chasing big goals. But what I loved most was helping people figure out what success looked like for them, especially the ones who felt overlooked or were still finding their footing. Being someone others could count on gave me real purpose.
Then life changed. I became a mom, and not long after, I unexpectedly found myself without work. So much of my purpose had come from helping others believe in themselves, and suddenly that part of my life was missing. I felt lost. So I started running. It gave me space to think, and it became the thing that gave me a piece of myself back.
When Wave Maker asked about a run club, it felt like a chance to build the thing I believe in most. River Rats was never really about running. Running was just the reason to gather. What we were building was connection, belonging, and a reminder that none of us are meant to do life alone.
Sarah, Founder
What we believe
-
Everyone belongs here, regardless of pace, experience, background, age, identity, or ability. That is not a slogan for us, it is how every run works. Here is what you can expect, and what we ask of each other.
-
Walkers, joggers, runners, and stroller-pushers are all equally part of this. There is no pace you need to hit to belong.
-
Time-based runs mean the fastest runner and the newest walker start together and finish within minutes of each other. We look out for each other on every trail.
-
Patience, respect, encouragement. We celebrate the wins, cheer the effort, and welcome the person who showed up nervous and alone.
-
Harassment, discrimination, or unkindness of any kind has no place here, at any run, event, or online.
THE PEOPLE BEHIND IT
River Rats has never been about one person
The club has grown too big to run alone, and that is exactly how it should be. In October 2025 we formed our first Club Committee, and through 2026 Teresa Adam, Monique Guillemette, Sarah Kelly, and Shelby Campbell have helped shape what comes next, from themed runs to charity events to new routes. Behind the scenes, a group of volunteers handles hosting, photography, and setup. River Rats has always been about the people who believe in what we are building.
What’s next
Building something that lasts
We want River Rats to be here for the long haul. Our next goal is to register as a not-for-profit so we can access funding, expand what we offer, and keep the club sustainable for years to come. Not bad for something that started with four people.
Chip in if you want to
Running with River Rats is free, and it's staying that way.
As the club grows, so do the costs of permits, food, coffee and all the little extras that make it what it is.
If you'd like to chip in, every dollar goes right back in. There's absolutely no expectation to contribute.
Showing up and being part of this community will always matter most.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT
What a run club can do
300+
MEMBERS AND GROWING
THOUSANDS
RAISED FOR LOCAL CAUSES
2,000+
PIECES OF LITTER CLEARED ON EARTH DAY
275+
RUNS & EVENTS HOSTED
15+
LOCAL PARTNERS
YOUR FIRST RUN
There's a spot for you here
You do not need to be fast, experienced, or sure of yourself. You just need to show up, dirty shoes and all. We will be right there beside you.