Night Terrors Run Crew: Owning the Toronto Night Since 2013
In the early spring of 2013, a runner named Aimee and several of her female friends identified a gap in the Toronto running scene: there was no group offering runs after 8 p.m. Believing that running late at night would be "fun, mischievous, and badass," they started their own. This simple act of rebellion and a desire for a different kind of running experience gave birth to the Night Terrors Run Crew. Over time, what started as a small group of girls grew into a large, diverse collective that has become a pivotal and inspiring force in their city.
A Philosophy Without Boundaries
The philosophy of Night Terrors Run Crew is captured in their powerful motto: "Take a step into the night. Run. Train. Race. We run, rain or shine, year-round. We run just because. There are no boundaries for the Night Terrors." This ethos guides a community that is dedicated to making running accessible to everyone. Their mission has evolved to focus on introducing free running programs to people of all fitness levels, with an unwavering commitment to ensuring that no runner is left behind. This sense of community has remained with them since their earliest days.
Now led by the dedicated William, who joined just a month after the crew was founded, NTRC has become a collective of community-focused runners. They have been incredibly successful in integrating the local art scene with the fitness community through various collaborations with artists and local businesses. This unique approach has helped them build a strong and diverse community where runners of all abilities are welcome, creating a space that is as much about cultural engagement as it is about running.
A Packed Weekly Schedule
The culture of Night Terrors is incredibly active, with a comprehensive weekly schedule that caters to a wide range of goals and abilities. They offer free community runs on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, with each run featuring both a short and a long route option to accommodate different needs. For those looking to build speed, they also provide coached speed training workouts on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. To top it off, the crew occasionally travels outside the city's gridlock to run trails, truly embodying their "no boundaries" spirit.
NTRC extends a warm invitation to anyone and everyone in Toronto to join their free and accessible running programs. With a variety of options from social community runs to coached speed training, there is a place for every runner, regardless of their ability. Interested individuals are encouraged to connect with them via their official social media channels to stay up-to-date with the latest information and take a step into the night.
The Toronto Running Scene
As one of the city's most established and active crews, NTRC is a central pillar in Toronto's massive and diverse running scene. The city is home to a vast array of other communities, including the pioneering Manic RC, known for their "8:30-ish" Saturday morning runs, and the Eastbound Run Crew, which is built around its home base at a local brewery. This incredible ecosystem of crews ensures that every runner in Toronto can find a community that matches their vibe.
The city of Toronto, Canada's largest, is a vibrant mosaic of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. The city is also defined by an extensive network of ravines and parks that cut through the urban landscape, providing a surprisingly green and varied playground for its passionate, year-round running community. The premier racing event is the TCS Toronto Waterfront Marathon in the autumn, a World Athletics Platinum Label event known for its flat, fast course along the shores of Lake Ontario.
