BeltLine Run Club at Monday Night Garage: Your Guide to Social Running on Atlanta’s Westside

If you’re looking for a friendly, low-pressure way to get moving on the Atlanta BeltLine, the run club at Monday Night Garage is one of the most popular weekly meetups on the Westside. It combines casual running or walking with the social energy of a local brewery and the scenery of the BeltLine’s Westside Trail.

This guide walks through what to expect, how it works, what to bring, and how to make the most of it if you live in Atlanta or are just visiting.

What Is the BeltLine Run Club at Monday Night Garage?

The BeltLine Run Club at Monday Night Garage is a free, community-focused running (and walking) meetup that usually starts and ends at:

Monday Night Garage
933 Lee St SW
Atlanta, GA 30310

It uses the nearby Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail, a paved multi-use path that runs through West End, Adair Park, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Key points:

• Open to most fitness levels – many participants run, some jog, and some walk.
• Social and low-pressure – the focus is on moving, meeting people, and enjoying the area.
• Group-based – routes are usually done together or in loose pace groups.
• Regular schedule – typically held on a recurring weekday evening (commonly mid-week), though exact days and times can change.

Because details can shift seasonally or with special events, it’s helpful to double-check the current schedule before you go by checking Monday Night Garage’s most recent event listings or social updates.

Who Is This Run Club Best For?

This BeltLine run club tends to work well if you:

• Live nearby in neighborhoods like West End, Adair Park, Capitol View, or Oakland City and want an easy after-work workout.
• Work in the city and want a group run not far from Downtown or Midtown.
• Visit Atlanta and want to experience the BeltLine in a structured, social setting.
• Prefer paved, lit paths over trail running.
• Like mixing fitness + social time in a single outing.

You don’t have to be “a runner.” Many first-timers are:

• Getting back into exercise
• New to Atlanta and looking for community
• Training for a local 5K, 10K, or half marathon and wanting one social run per week

When and Where It Happens

While specifics can evolve, here’s the general pattern for the BeltLine Run Club at Monday Night Garage in Atlanta:

Typical Setup

• Meeting location: Inside or just outside Monday Night Garage
• Area: Westside Trail segment of the Atlanta BeltLine
• Parking:
  • On-site or nearby surface parking lots around Monday Night Garage
  • Street parking on adjacent roads (Lee St SW and nearby streets), depending on posted signs
• Transit options:
  • MARTA’s West End Station is usually the closest rail stop. From there, many people use rideshare, bike, or e-scooter to reach the brewery area.
  • Bus routes serving the West End and Adair Park area may also be options, depending on your starting point.

Because this is an ongoing community event, checking the day-of start time before you leave home is wise, especially in winter when daylight changes and routes may adjust.

What the Run Is Like: Distance, Pace, and Vibe

Common Distances

Most BeltLine-based run clubs around Monday Night Garage offer short, manageable routes, such as:

• Around 2–3 miles for walkers and newer runners
• Around 3–4+ miles for more experienced or comfortable runners

Routes usually:

• Start and end at Monday Night Garage
• Use the multi-use BeltLine path with minimal street crossings
• Are mostly flat with gentle inclines

Pace and Group Structure

The feel tends to be:

• No official race pace – people spread out into natural clusters
• Talk-friendly running – participants often chat as they go
• Walkers welcome – some groups or individuals walk part or all of the route

If you are nervous about your pace:

• Let an organizer or group lead know you’re new and what you’re comfortable with.
• Start in a slower or middle group; you can always speed up next time.

What to Bring and How to Prepare

You don’t need special gear to join, but a little preparation helps you enjoy the run and stay safe.

Essentials ✅

• Comfortable running or walking shoes
  Supportive footwear is important on paved surfaces like the BeltLine.
• Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics in Atlanta’s warmer months
  • Layers or a light jacket in cooler seasons
• Water
  A small handheld bottle or belt can help, especially in humid weather.
• Lights and visibility (for evening runs):
  • Small headlamp or handheld light
  • Reflective vest or bright clothing

Nice-to-Haves

• Running belt or armband for keys and phone
• Towel or change of shirt for after the run
• Transit card or payment method if you’re taking MARTA or rideshare

👟 Tip: Atlanta can stay hot and humid even in the evening. Hydrate beforehand and consider slowing your pace if you’re not used to the conditions.

Safety and BeltLine Etiquette

The BeltLine is a shared public space, and the Westside Trail is often busy with walkers, cyclists, scooters, and strollers. A few practices help keep things smooth and safe:

On the Path

• Stay to the right and pass on the left.
• Announce passes with a simple “On your left” if you’re overtaking someone.
• Run no more than two abreast in crowded areas so others can pass.
• Watch for bikes and scooters entering from side paths or driveways.

Personal Safety

• Keep headphone volume low so you can hear bikes, other users, and instructions.
• Consider using well-lit portions of the trail, especially after dark.
• If you’re new to the area, stay with the group on your first few visits.

The Atlanta BeltLine and City of Atlanta occasionally adjust lighting, patrols, and signage along the trail. Many locals find the group setting of a run club reassuring, especially on evening runs.

How to Join the BeltLine Run Club at Monday Night Garage

There’s usually no formal membership process for this type of community run club.

Typical steps to join:

1. Check the latest schedule
   Look up Monday Night Garage’s current run club information for:

   • Day of the week and start time
   • Meeting spot inside or outside the brewery
   • Any special event nights or theme runs

2. Arrive a bit early
   Getting there 10–15 minutes before start time lets you:

   • Find parking or secure your bike
   • Use the restroom if needed
   • Ask organizers which route or distance is right for you

3. Listen to the route briefing
   Organizers or group leads usually explain:

   • The route and turnaround points
   • Approximate distances
   • Any areas to use caution around

4. Pick your group and go
   Choose a pace or distance that feels comfortable. Many people adjust as they learn the route over time.

5. Hang out afterward if you want
   Many participants stay after the run to socialize. Monday Night Garage often has indoor and outdoor seating plus access to the BeltLine, so you can cool down, chat, and plan your next visit.

Parking, Transit, and Getting There

Driving and Parking

Around Monday Night Garage in Southwest Atlanta:

• Check posted signs for time limits and any towing zones.
• Many runners aim to arrive a bit early because parking can fill up on popular nights, especially when the weather is nice or when multiple events coincide in the area.

Transit and Alternatives

If you prefer not to drive:

• MARTA Rail:

  • Use the Red/Gold Line to West End Station.
  • From the station, many people walk, use bikes, e-scooters, or rideshare to reach Monday Night Garage and the nearby BeltLine.

• Biking:

  • The BeltLine itself is bike-friendly.
  • Some participants choose to bike to the run, lock up, then join the group on foot.

• Rideshare:

  • Common drop-off points are along Lee St SW or near the brewery entrance, depending on traffic and driver routing.

How This Run Club Fits Into Atlanta’s Outdoor Fitness Scene

Atlanta’s climate and the growth of the BeltLine trail network have made outdoor group fitness increasingly popular. The BeltLine Run Club at Monday Night Garage fits into a broader pattern of:

• Neighborhood-based social runs that highlight specific segments of the BeltLine (Eastside, Westside, Southside).
• After-work fitness options that combine exercise with local food and drink.
• Accessible, free or low-cost meetups that don’t require gym memberships or race registrations.

If you’re exploring other options, you may also find:

• Morning or weekend runs on different BeltLine sections
• Interval or hill workouts in places like Piedmont Park
• Walking groups and stroller-friendly meetups in various neighborhoods

The Monday Night Garage run is a good starting point if you want a casual, welcoming environment on the BeltLine’s Westside Trail specifically.

Tips for First-Timers and Visitors

If you’re new to Atlanta or just new to this run club:

• Plan extra time for traffic
  Evening traffic on I‑20, I‑75/85, and surface streets near West End can be slow. Leaving a little early can reduce stress.
• Start conservatively
  Choose the shorter route or slower group at first, especially if you’re adjusting to Atlanta’s heat or hills.
• Introduce yourself
  Many people attend solo. A quick “This is my first time here” often leads to recommendations on which group to run with.
• Check the weather
  Atlanta can shift from clear to stormy quickly, particularly in warmer months. Organizers may adjust start times or routes based on conditions.
• Have a backup plan home
  If you’re using MARTA or rideshare, make sure you know last train times or have an alternate way back.

Quick Reference: BeltLine Run Club at Monday Night Garage

If you’re in Atlanta and want a simple way to get active, explore the Westside Trail, and meet people in a relaxed environment, the BeltLine Run Club at Monday Night Garage is one of the most approachable options in the city. Checking the latest schedule, showing up a little early, and choosing a comfortable pace is usually all it takes to get started.