de Grâce Running Collective: Spreading Good Vibes on the Streets of Montreal

When a local running club left the West End of Montreal in January 2023, Jason saw a gap and wanted to do something about it. He missed running with others and wanted to bring that feeling back. So he started the de Grâce Running Collective, aiming to create a place where anyone could join in and help lead. The goal was to keep the spirit of running together alive in the neighborhood.

The essence of the de Grâce Running Collective can be summed up in two words: good vibes. Founder Jason established the crew with an open-door policy and a core belief in radiating acceptance and positivity. At dgcr, it is not about the miles you cover but the smiles you share. This philosophy creates a tight-knit community where a runner's pace, experience level, or background is secondary to a mutual love for running and a desire to connect. It is a space where everyone is welcome.

The de Grâce Running Collective is now a key part of Montreal's running scene. They grew out of a previous club and have built a new, welcoming space for runners in their area. Their group adds to the sense of unity and friendship found in running crews around the world.

Every week, dgcr meets for their main event, called Monday Magic. The group gets together at 7:15 p.m. on Mondays at Parc Paul-Doyon in NDG for an 8km recovery run. It is a relaxed run, good for chatting and connecting with others. The park is a great spot to start the week with some laughs and a supportive group.

The de Grâce Running Collective welcomes everyone. Whether you are already active or just starting out, you can join dgcr and see what it is all about. Come out on a Monday night and experience the positive energy for yourself.

dgcr is a shining example of Montreal's diverse and inclusive running scene. The city is home to numerous other crews, including the spirited Yamajo Run Crew, which focuses on connection and socialization, and the community-driven OutRun, which has created a safe haven within the city's flourishing LGBTQ+ community. The city also hosts November Project Montreal, an integral part of the global free fitness movement, which gathers twice a week for invigorating workouts with the simple motto: "just show up."

Montreal stands out for its European feel and bilingual culture. It is the biggest city in Quebec and is known for its beautiful scenery, arts, and people who stay active all year, even in the cold winters. This makes it a great place for a strong running community.

Montreal has lots of great places to run. Many people like Mount Royal Park for its winding trails and green spaces right in the city. Another popular spot is the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, a Formula 1 track on an island in the St. Lawrence River, where you can run on smooth pavement and see great views of the city.

Montreal has a busy running calendar with events that bring people together. The biggest is the Montreal Marathon, which attracts thousands of runners to its lively course. There are also many charity runs and themed events during the year, giving everyone a chance to join in for a good cause or just for fun.