The Orchard Street Runners of the Lower East Side

Lower East Side java newcomer Lost Weekend NYC is the meeting spot for a nascent neighborhood running group called “Orchard Street Runners.” Two evenings a week – Tuesday and Saturday at 6:30 pm – a group of locals assemble at the coffee shop to run the downtown streets.

The idea was first conceived back in the fall by Orchard Street resident Joe Dinoto in an effort to convince the girl he liked to run with him. Wooing time. It worked. Since starting the extracurricular activity back in the fall, the group has gradually expanded. We are told that even the NYC Bridgerunners are crashing Tuesday nights. That exposure has apparently helped the cause.

Running routes are reportedly planned based on the skill level of participants, but always incorporate crossing bridges and staying downtown.

We have a few default routes depending on if its a beginner run or something a little more advanced but we always run bridges and keep it around downtown and bk. I’ve been planning routes before runs lately, using Google Earth then projecting them on the wall at Lost Weekend NYC. Then as a group we redesign the route before we take off.

If you’re interested in joining up, following the group on Facebook for more information.

On a related note, the Orchard Street Runners are holding a silent auction fundraiser on February 23, the proceeds of which will benefit the Lower Eastside Girls Club.