We would call Fort Collins’ passion for recreation and exercise our community’s best-kept secret, but it’s not exactly a secret. It’s more like a shout-from-the-mountaintop exclamation. Every year, our city hosts the famous Horsetooth Half Marathon, Equinox Half Marathon, Fort Collins Human Race and dozens of other community 5Ks, 10Ks, bike races, marathons and even a triathlon!
With access to some of Colorado’s prettiest and most exciting trails, as well as parks and miles of on and off-road bike lanes, it’s easy to find a way to workout no matter what your age or experience level. If you’re looking for a running partner or a community of yogis in the park, check out our guide to some of Fort Collins’ best free workouts.
Running
Photo courtesy of North FoCo Pub Runners
North FoCo Pub Runners
The North FoCo Pub Runners call themselves Fort Collins’ most inclusive running club. Their mission for every run is to create a fun, social atmosphere, promote local businesses and connect runners in our community. In the past, they’ve run from Snowbank Brewing, Scrumpy’s Cider, Odell Brewery and more! Follow them on Facebook, join the Meetup group and sign up for their email newsletter to stay in-the-know on upcoming events.
Altitude Running
Altitude Running is a running and outdoor equipment store in Fort Collins. Their passion for the hobby shows in everything they do — including a weekly community run on Monday nights! Every year, March through October, you can meet them at the store at 6 p.m. on Monday and take off from there! To keep up with run updates, follow them on Facebook.
Runners Roost Run Club
The Fort Collins Run Club at Runners Roost hosts weekly runs year-round. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m. depart from the store with your strollers and pups — and get treats afterward. Even your furry friends get treats courtesy of Bentley’s Pet Stuff! Recently, they’ve been teaming up with Fort Collins’ Ironside Athletics for a post-run kettle bell workout. Check their Facebook page for event updates!
Fort Collins Trail Runners
Fort Collins Trail Runners is simply a group of local runners who enjoy running trails for fun, training and/or racing. With no dues or membership fees, you can join in at any time to learn more and meet fellow runners! Meet them every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Reservoir Ridge Trailhead for a social run, and join their Meetup page to stay up-to-date on special events.
Fort Collins Running Club
Fort Collins Running Club is one of the most popular running groups in Northern Colorado. As a training, safety and social group centered around one of Fort Collins’ favorite activities, it’s easy to see why. Members can participate in training groups for some of the region’s most popular races — including the Horsetooth Half Marathon and Firecracker 5K. Their Tortoise & Hare race series is open to non-members at a $10 fee per run.
If you want to meet the club and learn more, check out their list of weekly runs which include a few free opportunities!
Biking
Team BOB
BOB stands for Babes on Bikes and this club is exactly that! They promote the sport of mountain bicycling among all women, encouraging female participation in the usually male-dominated sport. The club began in 1992 by four women and has since grown to over 70 members of all abilities!
Join them for a weekly ride Tuesdays at 5:30 starting in April to learn more and meet the group. But be ready for a workout! First-time riders may struggle with the pace and route of these rides.
Overland Mountain Bike Club
Overland Mountain Bike Club is Northern Colorado’s and Southern Wyoming’s premier mountain biking resource and promotes the sport through education and advocacy. When they began decades ago, the organization was Diamond Peaks Mountain Bike Patrol. Due to growing popularity, they eventually became a certified, nonprofit club, but still run the bike patrol to keep trails and bikers safe.
As a member, you’ll help build and maintain trails, teach people how to ride, and patrol trails across the region. You’ll also get the chance to participate in members-only rides. But there’s no pressure to join! Check the event calendar and stop by for a social ride on Wednesday evenings to learn more and meet the team!
Fort Collins Cycling Club
Fort Collins Cycling Club invites non-members to participate in a free ride but asks for paid membership to participate in more. With a $15 individual annual membership or $25 annual family membership, you can participate in all rides, social events, trainings and series hosted by the club. Check the calendar and choose your first ride!
Yoga
Photo courtesy of Fort Collins Yoga in the Park
Fort Collins Yoga in the Park
Hosted by local teachers and yogis in our community, Fort Collins Yoga in the Park is an annual warm weather event open to every person and every skill level. Classes are donation-based which means you can pay with $1, $5, $10, vegetables from your garden, or hugs and high-fives, but keep in mind the teachers are taking time out of their day to share experience and wisdom. Follow the group on Facebook to learn more about the 2017 schedule!
Fort Collins Free Yoga Meetup
This informal Meetup group is all about bringing yoga into the lives of everyone in the Fort Collins community. Whether you’re an experienced yogi looking to build on your current practice or someone who has just been wanting to give it a try, join the Meetup for updates on events — including outdoor classes and free classes at Om Ananda in Old Town!
Other Meetups
Front Range Hikers
Throughout the year, the Front Range Hikers Meetup hosts snowshoe, walking and hiking outings in Fort Collins, Loveland, Rocky Mountain National Park and occasionally the Brainard Lake Wilderness Area. Experienced hikers of all ages are invited to RSVP and attend their 8 – 12-mile hikes through the Northern Colorado trail system!
Fort Fit Bootcamp
Fort Fit meets on Mondays at 7 p.m. year-round and focuses on speed, agility, endurance and bodyweight resistance training. This killer workout is meant to be a challenge but is open to everyone no matter what your experience level. RSVP on the Meetup page so they know you’re coming, and follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date!
Tai Chi and Zen
When weather permits, this casual Meetup practices the I Liq Chuan Tai Chi-based 21 Form at Rolland Moore Park in Fort Collins as a supplement to the instructor’s classes at Raintree Athletic Club. This welcoming beginner class is perfect for every skill and experience level to practice outdoors on Saturday mornings! When the weather doesn’t cooperate, instructor Ken Forsythe invites everyone to come for five free classes at the Raintree Athletic Club. Meet him at the weekly meetup or send him a message to get your guest passes!
Which Fort Collins workouts did we miss?
Let us know if we missed your favorite free club, meetup or group!
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