Run Club Chronicles: Off Track Association
The Run Club Chronicles
We got in contact with Off Track Association.
The Run Club Chronicles with Off Track Association, a dynamic collective of runners who are located in Annecy and Paris. Founded in August 2023 where they quickly became a big group of enthousiast runners. With breathtaking landscapes they make miles like no other.
Off Track Association was founded by three friends with the same vision: promoting sports around them, partly for health and partly for the euphoric feeling it brings. Epicureans at heart, athletes in spirit, like they said themselves, they created Off Track to multiply moments of sharing. Running without pressure, results, or performance goals—for the exploration of the body and trails, always in good company.
Their core values - sharing, exploring and diversity. This way they create a creative space for individuals with the same goals in mind. All athletes are welcome, from all levels. We got in contact with them and here is what they had to say for this edition of the Run Club Chronicles!
Image by: Anthony Ginet
First of all, why run clubs and how did OTA start?
OTA began with a simple but personal goal: we wanted to create a recurring monthly meetup just for us, the three founders, as a way to stay connected. Running gave us a shared experience that felt like “our time” together. But one day, during a casual coffee break, we realized it might be great to open up this experience to others. Running is a powerful way to bring people together, and the idea of creating an event that wasn’t just ours but a safe meeting place for anyone who wanted to join felt inspiring. This is how OTA evolved: from a small meetup into a community of runners who come together to share the joy of running and connection every month.
Image by: Julien Cordier
Do you have any pre-run rituals or routines that help you get in the zone?
We keep it relaxed at our Social Runs. There’s no focus on performance; it’s about having a good time and enjoying each other’s company. That said, we do have a sort of informal ritual: greeting every single person with a big smile and making everyone feel welcome. We believe that the energy at the start sets the tone for the entire run, so we make sure that everyone feels included and that there’s a shared, positive vibe right from the beginning. It’s a simple but meaningful way to make each run feel like a gathering of friends.
If you could choose any location in the world for a group run, where would it be and why?
For us, the location matters less than the people we’re with. So honestly, we could be anywhere in the world: as long as we’re together, with smiles, positivity, and that shared spirit of community, we’re happy. It’s the people that make the experience meaningful. Of course, there are beautiful destinations we’d love to explore together someday, but the essence of OTA is not about where we run; it’s about being there for each other, wherever that might be.
What was the most fun event you had with the running club?
One of our most enjoyable and memorable events has to be our annual trip to the Beaune races. Every year, our group heads to this charming, welcoming town, which becomes the backdrop for a weekend full of shared experiences. It’s not just about the race : it’s about the atmosphere of the whole town, the warmth of the people, and the festive energy that everyone brings to the post-race celebrations. The Beaune event has turned into a tradition for our club, a time when we’re not just running but also celebrating, connecting, and creating memories together.
How do you keep everyone in the group motivated?
Our approach to motivation is all about connection. We make an effort to know everyone personally, to say hello, and to build a sense of belonging. This attention to connection and community is what keeps people coming back. We also try to bring something fresh to each Social Run, adding small twists or themes to keep things exciting. And our Instagram is a big part of it: we share our experiences, so even people who can’t join one run can still feel part of the community and be inspired to join next time. By making everyone feel included, we’ve created a club where motivation naturally grows because people feel like they’re part of something meaningful.