Run Better. Live Better.
We have been taking over the Loop since Juneteenth weekend, 2017 . The first run was at Emancipation Park in Historic Third Ward, and that corner of the city is still home. No dues. No sign-up form. No pace you have to hit to belong.
The Zquad
ZFT Houston was built to make distance running feel like it belongs to the Black community in Texas, and to put that presence in a running scene that was missing it.
It started at Emancipation Park
The first ZFT Houston run was held on Juneteenth weekend of 2017, in Historic Third Ward at Emancipation Park. That park is still the home location.
The club was created to make distance running interesting to the Black community and to bring some diversity to the Texas running scene. Running can be enjoyed by everyone, in the right environment, with the right people.
Run your own race
Running, jogging, walking, crawling. All of it counts and all of it gets cheered. Nobody here is going to leave you on a corner by yourself.
Belong first
You join by showing up. There is no application, no membership fee, and no qualifying time. Come once and you are part of the Zquad.
Miles, then fellowship
The run is the reason, the people are the point. Food, socials, race weekends and road trips are built into how this club works.
This Week
Three runs a week while we are training, two in the off-season. Flip the switch to see the current cadence.
Out There
Every year the Zquad runs the city as guests of other Houston clubs. Tap any frame to open it.
The Loop Is Ours
Meet-ups move between parks inside the 610 Loop. Pick a spot to see the route, the surface and where to park.
Emancipation Park
Find Your Zone
Drag to your current 5K pace. We will tell you which group to line up with, what the Houston air does to that pace today, and what your race times look like.
Not sure? Use the pace you could hold for three miles while still getting a sentence out.
Social Pace
| Distance | Finish | Pace |
|---|
Race projections assume even effort and a taper. The Houston adjustment is a rule of thumb runners use when the dew point climbs, not a measurement. Run by feel on the humid mornings.
Race Season
Races are optional. We run them to link up with the HTX running community and to collect finisher medals. Here is the year the Zquad usually works through.
Show Up Ready
There is nothing to sign and nothing to pay. Bring this list, find the group, say your name.
Day-one kit
Straight answers
Is there a membership fee?
No. ZFT Run Club is free. There are no dues and nothing to renew.
How do I join?
Show up to the next meet-up. That is the whole process. No registration required.
Can I walk or jog it?
Yes. Run your own race is the motto, so walking and run-walk intervals are welcome and cheered for.
Where do you meet?
Houston rotates between parks inside the 610 Loop. The Dallas chapter meets around parks in the Addison area near I-635.
How do I track my miles?
Most of the club uses the Adidas Running app, so your mileage shows up next to everyone else’s.
Do I have to run races?
No. Races are an option, not a requirement. Plenty of members never pin a bib.
Where do I get shoes?
Fleet Feet on Greenbriar Dr. is the go-to in Houston, with six locations across the metro.
See You
At The Park.
Real-time updates on time, park and distance go out on Instagram before every run.