New look, same club! Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders – aka LMJS – has officially evolved into Lake Merritt Run Club.

For nearly fifty years, the club has been a solid and consistent presence in the East Bay running community, with its roots at Oakland's Lake Merritt. 

Our running journey began when the club was founded by John Notch and Claudia Massengil on July 18, 1977. The club sent its first team to the 1977 Tahoe Relays at Lake Tahoe. The first Fourth Sunday Run – now Fourth Sunday Race – was held July 24, 1977 at Lake Merritt and has continued since. 

From there, the club has built on its legacy and grown into a true community. A community that supports every runner, whether seasoned or new to the sport.

Running as a sport has evolved, and so have we. With annual and monthly races, a racing team, social runs, marathon training, trail runs, track classes, and beginner classes…there’s something for everyone.

Our Passion

Running is more than just miles; it’s the shared breath of a community in motion. While our name is changing, our pulse remains the same. Whether you are training for your first 5K, 10K, Half Marathon or Marathon at the Lake or crushing vertical gain on the technical trails of the East Bay hills, we are here to support every stride. We run to feel alive, to challenge our limits, and to celebrate the simple joy of movement together.

Our Home

Lake Merritt is our namesake and our heart, but our home extends across the entire East Bay. From the paved paths of the shoreline to the redwood-canopied trails of Joaquin Miller and Redwood Regional Park, our club is a reflection of the diverse terrain we call home. We are deeply rooted in Oakland, but our community stretches to every corner of the Bay, united by the iconic landmarks and the spirit of the Town.