“Run + Something”: How Nameless Is Redefining Run Clubs for a New Generation
Friday, November 7, 2025
Guest: Drew, founder of Nameless Running | Recorded for the Maybe Running Will Help podcast
If you’ve ever wished a run club felt less like “show up, sprint, leave” and more like a full-on experience, meet Nameless—a fitness-first, community-obsessed movement that’s stitching together miles, recovery, competition, and actual social connection.
I first heard about Nameless through my daughter, a College Park student who ran into their crew in the DC/Baltimore orbit. A month later I’m on the mic with Drew, the 23-year-old software-engineer-turned-community-builder who’s scaling a multi-city ecosystem of runs, pop-ups, and “run + something” experiences. Think shakeout miles into Pilates, putt-putt, cold plunges, DJs, pool hangs, and recovery stations—without losing the plot on training.
Below is the story.
From Tight End to Tempo: Drew’s Pivot
Drew grew up in South Florida, played tight end at Johns Hopkins, and—after two ACL reconstructions—stepped away from football to take a software role at U.S. News. He also tried his hand at a startup (Fiesta Live), learned the hard truths of product-market fit, and eventually returned to the itch he couldn’t ignore: building community.
“I hated running. I was bad at it. Then I saw how social movement could be—and thought, ‘I can do this better.’”
He started running in earlier this year. In January he could barely hang for 3 miles. Months later, he ripped a 7:30/mi half marathon and stood on a podium. That “you can’t cheat running” feeling? It hooked him—and now it fuels how Nameless designs experiences.
Why “Nameless”?
The brand literally came from a group chat with no name. It stuck because it’s not about an influencer, city, or ego. It’s about the experience and the people who build it together.
- Scalable by design: “Nameless should live on without me.”
- No ceilings: “Nameless Running” leaves room for hiking, cycling, strength, and whatever active social life looks like next.
The Nameless Formula: Fitness First, Social Always
“Run + something” is the signature. A Saturday might look like:
- Miles that matter: Routes and pacing with purpose; you’ll see 4–8 miles, 10K mornings, and race-prep sessions.
- Competition & play: From rooftop 5Ks to the Nameless Combine (invite-only teams tackling sprints, lifts, mental tests, and more).
- Recover & learn: Cold plunges (8-person plungers!), saunas, NormaTec, PT, dry needling, education on breath, joints, and staying durable.
- Community time: Coffee hangs or a pool social after—two hours of life, not two a.m. at a bar.
Drew won’t demonize nightlife, but he’s building alternatives: “You can have fun without drinking—and you won’t be the only one not drinking.” Many events include optional single-drink tickets; the point is inclusion and moderation, not pressure.
Who Shows Up?
Mostly 23–35: recent grads, young pros, new-to-the-city runners, and “I-swore-I-hated-running” converts. But truly: everyone’s welcome. The vibe shifts by event—sunrise training for grinders, sunset socials for connectors, Saturday parties for the “let’s do everything” crowd.
“We’re known as the run club that hangs out outside of run club.”
Return rates are wild: roughly 80% of runners and 93% of partners come back. That happens because the events aren’t copy-paste: each one levels up the last.
Cities & Chapters
Drew still leads Fort Lauderdale, with teams now operating in:
Miami • Palm Beach • Tampa • New York • Baltimore • D.C. • Denver
More are in the pipeline. Chapters aren’t handed out like stickers—leaders must reach out and show they’re in it for the right reasons (ideally as a team of four). Nameless provides brand equity, systems, sponsor relationships, media chops, and playbooks; local crews bring heart, consistency, and that city’s flavor.
The Secret Engine: Media With a Mission
Every post is designed to reach new people. That’s by choice.
- Trendy, organic short-form to meet strangers where they scroll.
- Cinematic pins for sponsors to see the standard.
- DM outreach: Drew has personally sent 11k+ introductions (check your requests folder).
Word of mouth compounds: five cities hosting on one Saturday means the feed, the friends, and the FOMO do the inviting for next week.
For the Intimidated Newcomer
If you’ve stalked the page but haven’t shown up yet, Drew gets it.
“It’s normal to feel intimidated. Come find me—I’ll put you with the right pace group and introduce you around. Do something hard, get that post-run high, and let us handle the rest.”
You don’t have to be fast. You don’t have to know anyone. You do have to show up.
What’s Next
Expect more experience-first events: race-weekend takeovers, city cross-pollination, and bigger collaborations (they just fielded a sponsored team at the On Squad Race). The Nameless Combine debuts with sponsors covering tickets so athletes can spend a whole day competing, recovering, and connecting—no paywall to belonging.
“Life is long. Treat people well. Build the team. Then make unforgettable things together.”
Why This Works (and Why It Matters)
- You can’t cheat running. Which is exactly why people grow here.
- Active > passive. Conversation flows when your legs are moving and your guard is down.
- Belonging is built, not bought. It’s logistics, reps, and care—Drew’s team does the heavy lift so you can do yours.
- It’s a lifestyle, not a fad. Cold plunges and DJs are fun, but the real hook is consistent, fitness-first community.
Finish the Sentence
I always end with this: Maybe running will help…
Drew’s answer: “…me figure myself out.”
Same.
If you’re craving people who train hard, laugh loud, try new things, and still make their morning meeting—Nameless is your sign to lace up and find your people.
How to plug in
- Search Nameless Running on IG and find your city.
- Bring a friend (or don’t—you’ll leave with some).
- Show up once. Then decide.
