GROUP RUN GUIDELINES

Bandit Racing Team has three rules.

  1. Anyone can host a group run.

  2. There are no dues, blood oaths, or waivers.

  3. No assholes.

To provide Bandits with the best run club experience in Ann Arbor, we ask that all members use the following framework when planning / leading Bandit group runs.

Weekly Flagship Runs

Workout Wednesday

Wilderness Wednesday

Guinness Zero Friday

Speakeasy Sunday

Basic Guidelines

  1. If you plan to host a flagship run, call dibs on the group run organizer below. No need to consult with anyone before claiming.

  2. Post the run in the Bandit Racing Team Strava group. Be sure to include the route / workout details, and where to meet.

  3. Lead the team huddle. Welcome all runners, remind them of any route details that will enhance their experience.

  4. Provide an icebreaker question for runners to answer in the huddle. If you’ve come to one of our group runs, you know that this is a Bandit staple. This is the secret sauce that enables runners to express themselves and loosens everyone up.

    Pro Tip : Decide on your icebreaker before you show up, and pick a question that will produce short / fun answers

GROUP RUN ORGANIZER

WORKOUT WEDNESDAY

Purpose : Prepare Bandits for the spring and fall racing seasons.

Workout details come directly from our coach, Johnny Crain. Prior to training camp, anyone interested in participating will sign up to have Johnny write a prescriptive workout, based on the race.

New in 2026: “Crain Train” workouts will be charged on a “pay what you can” model. The club will pay a flat rate to Coach Johnny, and donations will be collected to cover the tab.

Typical Distance : 4-6 miles of effort, 60-75 minutes of running.

Guidelines for hosting :

  1. Post the workout in our Strava group on Sunday evening.

  2. When selecting a location, make sure it works for the workout and weather forecast.

  3. Lead the warm up / cool down / dynamic stretches.

  4. Explain the workout to your comrades after warm up.

  5. Let it rip!

WILDERNESS WEDNESDAY

Wilderness Wednesday is in session from Memorial Day to the start of fall marathon training season.

Purpose : A change of pace for summer, this is the granola cousin to Workout Wednesday, running on trails and pure vibes.

Typical distance : 5-8 miles.

Guidelines for hosting :

  1. Post the group run details in our Strava group on Sunday evening.

  2. Remind you comrades which trails are being covered.

  3. Let it rip!

GUINNESS ZERO FRIDAY

Purpose : Known colloquially as Guinny Z, this is our happy hour. Runneres are encouraged to stick together as a pack and run at our party pace (8:30’ - 9:00’).

Typical distance : 6-8 miles.

Guidelines for hosting :

  1. Post the group run details in our Strava group on Monday.

  2. Bring a 4-pack of Guinness Zero for your comrades. If you are unable to bring Guinness Zero (found almost anywhere that sells beer) please post in the Strava group asking another Bandit to bring the goods.

  3. This has been designated as a No Drop run, and the main pack should be keeping it party pace, between 8:30’ and 9:00’, depending on who’s in attendance.

  4. The host’s main job here is make everyone feel welcome, and keep the vibes flying high. Nothing is “required,” but Bandits always appreciate fresh coffee on colder runs, and a bluetooth speaker with good tunes takes things to the next level.

  5. Let it rip!

SPEAKEASY SUNDAY

The one that started it all, Speakeasy Sunday is our signature group run.

Purpose : Provide the ultimate long run experience for runners of all paces and distances. This means finding the most scenic routes, providing water stations every 3-4 miles, and marking the route with turn signs.   

Typical distance : 10-20 miles.

Guidelines for hosting :

  1. Post the group run details in our Strava group on Monday.

  2. Get the water station supplies and turn signs from Brent during the week.

  3. Before the run begins, set out water stations every 3-4 miles.

  4. Group run leaders are encouraged to mark the route with turn signs. Disregard if route runs exclusively on the B2B, in a metropark, or somewhere that is not conducive for signs.

  5. When leading the huddle, have runners share how far they plan to run, along with answering the icebreaker question.

  6. Let it rip!

POP UP TRAINING RUNS

Flash the bat signal in our Strava group when you are looking for company on a training run.

Purpose : Provide a space for informal group runs.

Typical distance : Can be anything.

Guidelines for hosting :

  1. Post the group run details in our Strava group at least one hour before your Pop Up run starts.

  2. Your Strava event title should be Pop Up : (whatever you want to call it)

  3. Provide any details in your description that give runners a clear idea of what to expect (distance, pace, terrain, etc).

  4. Pop Up Training runs should not be scheduled at the same time as a flagship Bandit run.

  5. Let it rip!

SPECIAL EVENTS / TIME TRIALS

We love a special event at Bandit Racing Team! Examples include Bandit Field Trip, Type II Time Trial, birthday mile runs, 4th of July Mile, Cider Mill Run, and on and on.

Purpose : Sometimes it’s important to color outside the lines. It’s also important to provide unique and fun experiences for runners, and give members a chance to create art in the form of organizing cool events.

Typical distance : Can be anything.

Guidelines for posting in Strava :

  1. Post the group run details at least three days before your special event starts.

  2. If your event is some type of competition, please consult with Brent before posting.

  3. If you would like your special event featured / unveiled in the Bandit newsletter, talk to Brent and he will make it happen.

  4. This club has access to a lot of resources. If you need a timing clock, cones, artwork made, cross promotion with other run clubs, etc. we can make that happen.

SOCIAL / NON-RUNNING

Interested in planning a Bandit destination race? Millrose Games watch party? Bandit happy hour on your deck? Volunteering opportunity at Gleaners? Feel free to post in our Strava group if the spirit moves you.

Purpose : This is a great group for human connection.

Guidelines for posting in Strava :

  1. Post in the Strava group forum, NOT the events section.

  2. This is a great resource for pre / post race meetups.

  3. No creeps.

QUESTIONS?

Text or call Brent @248.928.4379.

You can also email brent@brentmcdermott.com