Divisadero's Topo Designs Launches Free Monday-Night 'Run Club'

Divisadero's Topo Designs Launches Free Monday-Night 'Run Club'A post-run photo-op. (Photo: Topo Designs)
Stephen Jackson
Published on November 12, 2016

If you ever find yourself looking to cancel out the decadence of your weekend with a Monday-night run, we just might have found the plan for you.

Every Monday at 7pm, "The Run Club" sets off from Topo Designs (645 Divisadero St.) for a three- to five-mile run in the nearby area, led by local personal trainer Peggy Friar. And it's completely free and open to the public.

Trainer Peggy Friar (left) and store manager Caroline Joan Peixoto. | Photo: Stephen Jackson/Hoodline

"We really wanted this to be something fun where other runners, including new runners could have a chance to get out there and get active," said Friar. 

"It's just about getting outside and having fun," added Caroline Joan Peixoto, who manages Topo's San Francisco store. "Nothing too intense, and hopefully it will give people some inspiration for the week."

Piexoto, who previously managed Topo's flagship location in Denver, moved to San Francisco last year to open the company's first store outside of Colorado. Friar, a Michigan native who's been in the city since 2008, left a career in marketing about a year and a half ago to become a personal trainer, focusing on strength, conditioning, and of course, running.

The pair have been hosting the club since September 12th; this Monday will mark its ninth week in existence. They usually get between six and 10 participants, but would love to see it grow even more, noting that it's open to all levels, and breaks up into smaller groups for pacing when necessary.

"The more people that show up, the more we can cater to everyone," said Piexoto.

Topo Designs' storefront. | Photo: Stephen Jackson/Hoodline

Friar switches up the routes a little from week to week, taking runners to the de Young Museum and back via the Panhandle, or into Golden Gate Park via Hayes Street. 

"There's no pressure for it to be competitive," said Piexoto. "It's more to build community."

The group usually returns by 8pm, and Friar and Piexoto hope participants will grab beers or do other social activities with the group afterwards.

"I've always wanted to to do this," said Friar. "It's not so much a club as just a bunch of buddies getting together. Since it's such an individual sport, running can be isolating. It's nice to have a community and to be able to feed off of the energy of other people."

Photo: Topo Designs

If you're interested, all you have to do is show up to Topo Designs on Divisadero around 6:45pm on Monday nights. Happy trails!

You can get more information about Peggy Friar's training services through her Instagram account, @peggyfriar. To stay up to date with all things Topo Designs, follow them at @topodesignssf