If you’ve ever seen the hordes of sweaty (sometimes shirtless 👀) runners downtown Milwaukee on a Saturday morning, there’s a good chance those early birds belong to City Limits Run Club, an organization growing faster than Richie’s 401K.
We caught up with them (metaphorically, not physically – we wouldn’t be able to keep up) to talk about how the run club cult got started in Milwaukee.
Check out our Q&A below to learn more about how they hit the ground running to bring wellness-focused gatherings to the 414.
What drew you to the idea of starting a Run Club?
City Limits Run Club was born in May 2024 from something simple: a few friends wanting to kick off Saturday mornings in a healthier, more intentional way. There was no real plan or marketing strategy—just a commitment to showing up each and every Saturday morning.
What started as a handful of runs amongst close friends quickly grew into something bigger. We soon realized there was a real need in Milwaukee for wellness-centered gatherings where people could connect through fitness, community, and good energy.
Our backgrounds have always circled around fitness, but running wasn’t exactly our strongest suit. We knew we needed to step up our own cardio game, so we figured why not turn that challenge into something bigger? By starting a run club, we created accountability for ourselves while opening the door for others to join in. That’s how City Limits grew from a simple idea to a city-wide community.
When did City Limits get its start? What did it take to get people to show up?
Our first official run took place in May 2024 at Lakeshore State Park with just five friends. In the beginning, we relied purely on word-of-mouth and a little friendly pressure on our closest friends to fill the group. Once we launched our Instagram page, our reach quickly grew beyond our inner circle. Consistency has been key – same day, same time, every week.
How many people showed up for your first run vs. how many people show up today?
That first run was just the five of us — Aaron Jakel, Harry Tice, Carmelo Curatola, Paul Basile, and Chase McCarty. Today, we average over 100 runners every Saturday, with our largest turnout topping 160 participants.
Why did you feel it would be a good fit in Milwaukee?
After college, we noticed that for many young adults in Milwaukee, the main way to meet people was either at work or at the bar. We wanted to create a “third space” – a welcoming, healthy, and social environment where people could connect without work or alcohol being the focus. Milwaukee will always have its reputation as a fun city, but we saw a need for more active, community-based options.
What’s it been like collaborating with other Milwaukee brands and larger sponsors?
If you told us a year ago that we’d be working with some of the brands we’ve partnered with today, we would have thought you were joking. It’s an honor to have both local businesses and larger sponsors reach out to collaborate. These partnerships not only help grow our reach but also give us the chance to spotlight amazing Milwaukee businesses.
What’s the mission behind City Limits Run Club?
Our mission is to create an inclusive, uplifting community where people can build friendships, improve their fitness, and feel more connected to Milwaukee. We want every runner whether it’s their first 5K or their hundredth to feel welcomed and supported.
What’s your favorite part about what you’re doing?
The most rewarding part has been watching the friendships, business connections, and creative collaborations that have come out of the club. Seeing people meet here and then go on to train together, work together, or simply hang out outside of the run club is incredibly fulfilling. We also love being able to highlight and support local start-ups and small businesses through our events.
What do you like about being in Milwaukee?
The people, the energy, the businesses, the culture, the summers, the lakefront, the neighborhood pride — Milwaukee has a warmth and authenticity that makes community building here feel natural.
What can people expect when going on a City Limits run?
A scenic route through some of Milwaukee’s most beautiful parks and trails, a welcoming group of people of all paces, upbeat music, and a post-run hangout or activity. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lacing up for the first time, you’ll find friendly faces and good vibes from start to finish.