Dolphin South End Running Club

+++review #1700+++
and for the 17^th hundredth Unilocal review, i’ll be writing about a great little run club in san francisco. although i only lived in sf for 2 yrs, i participated in several DSE races since they were all low-​key, low-​priced, and lots of fun.
some of the races took place along the embarcadero, flat, paved, with tons of terrific views of the bay, and some took place in golden gate park, slight rolling hills with a good amount of tree cover and lots of museums to look at! since i ran these races in my pre-​garmin days, i have no idea whether or not the distances were accurate, but based on what i heard from other participants, i’m thinking most of these races were spot on as far as exact measured distance was concerned (and all races were clearly marked in chalk with turnaround points and arrows).
for the most part, race fee was only $ 5, and in addition to a marked course with volunteers, you also got a finisher’s ribbon at the end, as well as drinks and light refreshments. since these races were always pretty small, no more than 200 – 300 total runners, there was never any crowding along the course or bottleneck at the finish line.
if you are a DSE member, you can accrue points based on your finish place at these races and be eligible for prizes at the end of the year.
if i still lived in sf, i’d be running a bunch of these races, maybe even every weekend since they host one race almost every weekend of the year!

I have only run one of their races, but I wanted to post a review. They are cheap, friendly, well-​organized, and an all around good outfit. I intend to run with them again.
Why should you trust me? Well, in 2015 I ran 13 races; in the first five months of 2016, I ran 18. These are 90% half marathons, but with a few shorter distances too.
I had experience with just about every race company in the region. This is much more of a club. Small events.
I recommend them highly.

Great, supportive running group. Perfect for anyone looking for consistent, organized races but want to avoid the ballooning cost of typical 5ks and 10ks (only $ 5 per race for non-​members). Runs are set up for just about Sunday.
Welcoming to anyone of any fitness level, so you’ll be cheered on if you’re going for the course record or if you’re just trying to complete your first ever 5k.

With over 40 races a year for about $ 5 each this is a great community resource for runners and walkers of all ages, shapes, sizes and skill levels. I’m always inspired by the families with children and senior racers.

My review is based on interaction of one of the staff coordinating a marathon today March 1^st 2015 at Golden Gate Park. Lady came up to me telling me to get out of the road because her Runner’s are coming highly adgitated and so disrespectful, but they have no permit for such an enforcement. If they did so they would have hired SFPD to enforce this «rule».
I fully understand 5^th Eircom concerns but I was not breaking the Law by dropping off some passenger at the Tulip Garden.
Give respect to receive respect… or just go by the Golden Rule

I am not much of a runner –it’s really just my winter cross-​training, but I went to the Marina 5k yesterday and was seriously impressed by how friendly and welcoming everyone was. Lots of sports organizations present themselves as having something for every pace, every level. Well, for Dolphin South End Running Club, it’s true. My questions were answered by several enthusiastic members and volunteers; runners on the course were friendly and cheerful. I was more or less in the middle of the pack, and everyone ahead and behind seemed to be having a great time. This group does a terrific job of making running feel fun! I am tempted to sign up for more and more of their events.

*this review is only for the DSE run clubs on Thursdays at Lake Merced*
I normally run the lake 3 – 4 times a week and would occasionally run into (literally, ha) an energetic group of runners with bibs on. I always wondered if this was an organized public or private event. My brother later informed me about this runners club and I was interested in checking it out. For $ 1, why not?!
The start/​finish line is at the big lot closest to Sunset Blvd and goes clockwise around the lake. The sign in process is super easy, you pay the dollar (no coins) and get a number bib. The clock has the countdown until race time, which gives you time to warm up, use the bathroom, stretch etc. Race starts promptly at 6:30 pm.
I was a little intimidated as it was my first time running with the group. It’s open to all ages and the levels vary from elite, casual, beginners, and fun runners which I think is cool because you get to challenge yourself more with that extra motivation from the group. I’ve noticed I usually get better times when running a timed race because of the adrenaline, so have fun and enjoy the friendly competition!
At the end of the loop, someone tracks your official end time which is nice if you don’t already record it yourself. Keep in mind they cut off the time after one full hour since start time passes (7:30 pm). You can either ask for it or wait until it’s posted on their site. They also provide water and snacks afterwards like strawberries, Oreos and chips to feed your runner’s high!
I’d highly recommend if you’re training for a marathon or if you just need that extra push cuz we all know how dreadful and tedious that loop can be. They also organize Sunday runs which are longer distances and in different parts of the city. Check em out! I def plan to come back and hopefully PR!
Stay active and good luck runners!

Joined this group in January 2013 and while I only made it out to a few runs during the year I really enjoyed all of them. Runs are friendly, fun and well organized.
Loved the San Bruno Mountain trail run

DSE puts on races almost every weekend that are well run and affordable! Member $ 3 or non-​member $ 5. They offer a mix of different distance races almost every weekend. Everyone gets a finisher ribbon as they cross the finish line and there is always a nice selection of snacks post-​race. Great running club

Such a wonderful group. I was super-​intimidated when I started running their races a couple of years ago, as I figured I would be the slowest one out there. Shockingly, that’s not the case, but I stay humble by trailing behind people 3 times my age. Seriously. There is a big range of speeds here, from sub 6 min mile people to slow joggers (maybe 13 – 15 min miles?), so everyone finds their own pace.
Anyway, its a really friendly and supportive group, and they set up a lot of great races. You can’t beat the price ($ 5, $ 3 for members, generally — some of the longer races are a little more). They have good timers, well-​marked courses, and snacks after. The longer races have water stations. The races occur most Sundays, and there’s also a training run every Saturday. I really can’t speak highly enough of this group.

I’ve already participated in 2 races with this group in the last 3 weeks. Small, very organized runs with friendly staff. Registration is only $ 5 for non-​members. Even if you don’t register online, on the day registration is no hassle too.
I’m working on getting my pace faster so I don’t run out of the good snacks at the finish line :) But still ample water and snack of cookies, chips and fruits. And you get a ribbon!
If you are looking for a local, cheap run this is it. They schedule races almost every Sunday morning throughout the year.
I’m a fun of DSE! They’re part of my half and full marathon training, good way to spend time with fellow avid runners or just having a fun Sunday morning run.

I participated in the club’s 10K race today for the first time and was very impressed by how well it was organized! The registration fee was only $ 5 for non-​member. The registration process was super easy even though I just showed up on the day of the race.
Water and sports drink were provided at a turning point as well as after the race. There were some snacks (grapes, cookies, apples, etc.) too. The course was well marked and a few volunteers pointing the way, cheering us up. Oh, and a finishing ribbon was a nice surprise!
I can’t wait to participate in another race or maybe their group run!

This is a great running club! They have Saturday 6 mile morning runs beginning at 8:15a through one of the best courses I can imagine: Begin GG park at JFK/​Traverse; run west through the park to the Dutch Windmill; north up to Land’s end, through Lincoln Park view view of golden gate bridge, then back south along 29^th Ave. Great group of many different ages — probably a pace for any recreational runner.
DSE also sponsors Sunday morning runs throughout the year. Very inexpensive $ 5 ($ 3 for members) with some snacks and water provided after. Usually about 70 – 120 people show up and its a lot of fun.
«Start slow and taper off» is the slogan, so speed isnt the primary goal. Fun, meeting some new friends, and good health are the motivations.

I have ran a few of the DSE races in San Mateo, SF, and Pacifica. Everyone in the club is very friendly, and the races are totally worth it! I believe it’s $ 3 for people under the age of 17, and $ 5 for adults. Kids under 12 or free? Something like that.
and all members pay $ 3!
Everyone also gets a finishing ribbon!

This is a wonderful running club!
Sometimes finding a race to run at the last minute is tough. DSE puts on races almost every weekend that are well run and affordable! You can show up at the last minute and slap $ 5 on the card table and you are in the race! The races are all over San Francisco so you can see the city during a year of races.
Plus the people are really nice. You can tell the people in the club really get a kick out of each other.
Try these races out, whether you are a casual or serious runner I bet you will like it!

Best running club in the bay area, people in this club is competitive and serious.
So far I’ve been in a couple of runs with them, compared with the popular ones, their runs are cheap and well organized. Runs are simple: course directions, water, timing devices and competitive people. These guys really know how to do it well.
Runs are usually small (80 – 100 runners), but you’ll find that most people in this club is really competitive, not the kind of people that pays for a number and shirt, but ends walking.
I have to say that my best records have been achieved running with this club, I love it.

I come to SF from San Jose to run almost every week as a non-​member. why? I have no idea.
The people here are super friendly and have a great bond with one another. Only $ 5 to run as a non-​member, members I think only pay $ 3. I think I ran one 5k and a couple of 10ks… and one 12k with outrageous winds!
Never underestimate the older people here, they WILL pass you up!
Smiles all around, food after the finish, and of course a finisher ribbon are all the makings for a fun and successful run!
Expect to see me at the next run! :)

I got the following msg from lou after I told him I went for a 5K run with the DSE Running Club:
«Gigi running!!! Has hell frozen over? Do cows have wings and chirp like woodpeckers? Do cats bark now too? Wow.»
I’m so glad the bf’s roomie introduced me to the DSE. Running with this club is very laid back and affordable. And not to mention, I get a ribbon at the end of race!
I love it. and I want more ribbons!

In 2007 I finally allowed my membership in the DSE Running Club to lapse and cease, so with one week left in the year I’m committed to rejoining the club in 2008 and becoming more active in their weekly Sunday runs again.
These days I run in marathons and half marathons only choosing to train on my own or on a treadmill in the privacy of my own home, but I really miss some of those low-​key Sunday morning runs where I used to hang around in the back of the pack enjoying the scenery and the company while the speedsters burned up the race route. The runs are well organized by club volunteers, the race courses are usually very well-​marked and the races are quite inexpensive. Everybody gets a participation ribbon at the end of the race.
DSE is another running club which emphasizes participation in addition to recognizing their hot-​shot runners. At the year end awards gala members are awarded trophies or certificates not only for being fast but for participating and/​or volunteering also. I’ve got a shelf full of running trophies, and trust me, not a single one was earned because of my speed (or lack thereof).
DSE is all about creating and maintaining friendships and staying active, and I look forward to starting the upcoming new year properly by reactivating my membership and my participation.

‘Start slowly and taper off.’
That’s the motto of San Francisco’s oldest running club, founded 40 years ago this year by famous distance runner, Walt Stack.
Holding races nearly every weekend, I finally decided to roll out of bed on a Sunday morning to join the DSE runners on one of their runs. I figured it to be a great opportunity to meet other folks and get some moral support from fellow runners.
The races are held locally, mainly within the city (though, a few races branch out to the peninsula and Marin), are well-​organized (routes are marked, plenty of beverages and snacks available afterwards), and average about 100 runners per event. With such small events, it can be disheartening to be left in the dust by all the faster runners (in my eyes, anyone under 9 min/​mile pace!), but the weekly races definitely keep you own your toes and help you to stay motivated. It’s a switch from entering the larger, more advertised races held throughout the year. It’s also a lot cheaper, $ 5 for non-​members and $ 3 for members. (Yearly membership is only $ 25.)