East End Runners FAQs

Updated 2 January 2011
When does the group run?
There is a run that begins every Sunday at 7 AM from various places, usually around the East End of Pittsburgh.

How long are the runs?
The Sunday runs are usually 40 - 50 minutes long. Often there are also "runs to the run" for those who want to go a little farther.

Where do the runs start?
The runs start at different places every week.

Who creates the routes?
There is usually a leader who knows where they are going, although there are runs that are creatively devised by the group if the leader does not show up.

How do I find out where to meet for the Sunday run?
The current "secretary" sends out a note the week before the run saying where to meet.
You can also find the location of the Sunday run in our Blog: http://eastendrunners.blogspot.com/ Check out the links section on the bottom right hand corner of the page for other helpful information.
Are there any weekday runs?
Every Wednesday and Friday there is a 3 mile run that starts at the corner of Forbes and Murray at 5:45 AM (yes that is in the morning).

Do you run in the winter? in the snow? in the rain?
Yes, but the group might be smaller - there has been at least one run where only the leader showed up - so feel free to sleep in if you don't like nasty weather or if it looks like the footing will be uncertain.

Any other runs?
There is usually a default holiday run that starts somewhere in Squirrel Hill at 7:30 AM (you get to sleep in!) on July 4th, Easter, Labor Day... you get the idea. Watch your email for confirmation or just turn up and take your chances.

Does the group run fast?
The group runs somewhere between a 10.5 - 12 min/mile pace. There are various levels of runners in the group but we don't leave people behind.

Does the group do anything else but run?
People frequently meet for coffee after the Sunday run. Lately we have been meeting at the Common Grounds Coffee House on Forbes Ave in Squirrel Hill but we also try out places near where we run - such as the Big Dog Coffee Shop on the South Side or Tazza D'Oro in Highland Park

How many people are in the group?
As of January 2011 the email list has 95 people on it (up from 65 in November 2007!) but there are usually only 5 - 15 people on the Sunday runs and 4 - 10 on the weekday runs. We are not sure why all those other people are on the list but unless you ask we won't delete you.

How do I remove myself from the list?
Send a note to the person who sends out the information about the Sunday runs.

Are there membership dues?
Are you kidding? We often don't know the last names of the people we are running with.

Who can join?
Anyone who likes to run and is referred to the group by another member.

Do I have to run every Sunday/Monday/Friday?
This is a very free-form group. Show-up whenever you like, we will be happy to see you.

Does the group have a motto?
Yes, it has two: "So many decisions could have been bad" and "Start slow and taper off."

How and when did the group start?
It was started 15+ years ago by a few mothers of small children who wanted to get some exercise. Ask Elaine Mormer and Susan Hunt for more details they are members of the original group.