What sets MPRC apart from other Houston area running clubs?

We are all united by our love for running and HARRA. However, we believe a few things make MPRC different. We are an all-around running and social club, with a variety of paces that make us a great all-around choice. Our Saturday long runs are mapped to a different route each week and include vehicle support, a unique feature of our club. On Saturdays, we generally run a few miles to each vehicle-provided stop, where energy drinks are laid out by the vehicle driver. We wait for our remaining runners before continuing to the next stop, and give each runner the option to ride back in the vehicle before running on.

Our members travel to and participate in all kinds of runs - marathons, trail runs and triathlons, among others. By running with us, you will also be able to draw on our collective experience to learn about local runs, training programs, etc. We tailor our runs to include more long runs as we approach the date of the Houston Marathon, and many of our members run the Houston Marathon every year; while we do not have an explicit marathon training program, we do welcome those who are training for the marathon and looking for a general-purpose long run group.

What days and distances do you run?

We run 10-14 miles on Saturday at 6 A.M., our main run of the week. We also have a Tuesday-Thursday 5 A.M. run and a Tuesday 6:15 P.M. run.

What courses & trails do you run?

On Saturday, we run different routes: through River Oaks, from Allen Parkway to Montrose, to the Heights, through White Oak Park, etc. Each long run route has a PDF map we send out to members before the run, though many of us learn the route just by following the people around us. On Tuesday, our runs take us out of Memorial Park using routes that we usually decide right before we set out.

Where is Memorial Park? Where do you meet in Memorial Park?

The exact location has been marked on our map.

Why do you run at those times?

Either to beat the heat, or to provide a convenient after-work time.

Are there any membership fees?

Yes. They are $20 for Individual and $25 for Family for the year, due in August. If you are a new member, they will be collected at the time you join. Dues may be pro-rated if you are joining late in the year.

Do I have to join to run?

No. You are welcome to run with us once or twice to check out the club and see if you like it. However, if you choose to continue to run with us after 2 visits, we ask that you join by becoming a paid member.

What if I am a one-time visitor to Houston?

You are an exception; there is no charge for you! If you are visiting Houston on a business trip or to see family, feel free to come out and run with us.

At what pace do you run?

Our club has members of varying paces. On our Saturday long runs, everyone runs at their own pace before reassembling at the rest stops and heading out as a group again. Our paces broadly reflect the diversity of paces within the running community. However, we may be a little fast for people who are absolutely brand new to running, or taking up running for the very first time. If you've been running on your own for 1-2 months, however, it is very possible that you will enjoy running with us.

What races do you run?

There are as many answers as there are people in the club. Some of our members do not run in any races. Others run in fun runs and 10K's in the Houston area, and several of us run in triathlons and marathons throughout the country, such as the Big Sur Marathon in California. Others still prefer trails and races such as the Sunmart and Rocky Racoon Waco 5-0.

A few of our members have competed in the Boston Marathon. The one event that consistently draws the largest number of people is the Houston Marathon and Half-Marathon, with the Austin Marathon and Half-Marathon coming in second.

What does the vehicle on the long runs do?

The SAG (Support And Gear) vehicle supports the runners. It has two functions: to carry a cooler for runners to put their drinks in, and to pick up tired or injured runners. Each runner is individually responsible for providing his or her own drinks, along with any snacks or food. Runners who think they may want to ride back typically bring a towel to sit on and give to the driver before the run to store in the driver's car.

Note: the SAG vehicle is only provided for the Saturday 6:00 A.M. run.

What kinds of social events do you do?

We eat out at restarants (such as at the monthly meetings and Dash-n-Dines), have picnics and holiday parties. We frequently (though not always) have breakfast after the Saturday long run.

When are your meetings?

Meetings fall on the 4th Thursday of each month, usually at 6:30 P.M at a local restaurant.

What is the history of your club?

The club was started in August of 2000 by a few friends who all enjoyed running together; they wanted to make a club for all types of runners with a fun social side. We usually go by the abbreviation MPRC. This is our logo.

How many runners do you have in your club?

At last count, we have a little over 60 members.

Does your club belong to HARRA ?

Yes.

How do I contact you?

Email info@mprchouston.com. You will receive a prompt response from an officer of the club.

When was this page last updated ?

5/26/09.