About River City Running Club
Our History
The story of running in La Crosse is deeply intertwined with the unique landscape of our Driftless Region, where rolling hills and scenic bluffs have challenged and inspired runners for generations. Our club’s journey began in 1970 as the Dipsy Doodle Dashers, a name that captured the adventurous spirit of our founding members who blazed trails when running was still finding its footing as a mainstream sport.
Through the years, our club has evolved through several incarnations – from the Dipsy Doodle Dashers (1970-1974) to the Winding Rivers Running Club (1984-1987), before becoming who we are today: the River City Running Club. While our name has changed, our core values have remained constant: fostering community, encouraging personal growth, and celebrating the joy of running.
Those early pioneers laid the foundation for what would become one of La Crosse’s most enduring athletic communities. They ran in cotton t-shirts before moisture-wicking fabrics existed, mapped routes without GPS watches, and built friendships that would span decades. Their legacy lives on in every early morning run, every finish line crossed, and every new runner who joins our ranks.
Blast from the past
Who We Are Today
Today, River City Running Club stands as a cornerstone of the La Crosse athletic community. We’re more than just a running club – we’re a diverse family of athletes who believe in the power of shared miles and shared goals. From trail runs through our majestic bluffs to social runs that end with coffee and conversation, we create spaces where every runner feels welcomed and supported.
We believe running is a force for positive change – both personally and communally. Our members don’t just run through the Driftless Region; we serve as stewards of these trails and champions for healthy living in our community. Whether you’re taking your first steps as a runner or chasing your hundredth finish line, you’ll find a home with us.
Join us as we continue to write new chapters in our club’s rich history, one stride at a time.
Membership
