THE LEADERS

  • Ken - Club Captain & Founder

    An Auburn native with deep roots in running, Ken was a competitive college runner before diving into ultrarunning in 2008 a journey that took him all the way to the Western States 100 mile finish line. Before returning home, he co-founded Runaways Run Club in Maine and built his race directing skills by leading large scale events across New England. Back in Auburn, he channeled all of that experience into Bad Luck Run Club, creating wild events and unforgettable experiences in the Endurance Capital of the World. If you've joined a BLRC run, race, or beer mile, you're already friends with him!

  • Shannon - Race Mom & Founder

    The chief crew mom and cheerleader of Bad Luck Run Club, originally hails from Massachusetts but is now an Auburn staple and boasts an impressive 100-mile buckle collection to boot. After co-founding Runaways Run Club in Maine, she immersed herself in ultrarunning, consistently hitting her goals. Shannon is the glue of BLRC, always ready to provide whatever you need to succeed—from crewing to motivation, she’s got your back.

  • Rob - Speed Captain

    Rob is the heart and hustle behind Bad Luck Run Club's Sunday Morning Speed sessions, where he brings the energy, encouragement, and just enough friendly pressure to make you faster than you thought possible. Rob is a constant presence in everything that makes this community great. If you've run with us, chances are Rob has already made your experience better in ways you may not have even noticed. Check out his Travel Fitness Wellness training plans here.

  • Mike - Trails Captain

    Michael, a recent addition to Bad Luck Run Club, is an occasional leader of our social runs. Hailing from Sacramento, he’s dived into trail running, from 5Ks to ultras, with a hunger to crush PRs. You'll often find him behind the scenes, ensuring everyone’s having a great time and handing out those much-needed post-run Otter Pops.

  • Lisa - Club Photographer

    Lisa grew up in Placerville and ran track & field before discovering trail running in 2016. At BLRC she mostly shows up as a photographer who also runs sometimes. You’ll find her somewhere on course cheering, crouching in the dirt, or insisting “this one will be worth it.” She’s dedicated to documenting the grit, the relief, and the snack table aftermath. Check out her photography here.

  • Paige - Club Photographer

    Paige transplanted from Massachusetts originally and she found her passion for trails in 2019 after moving to Auburn with her husband. Paige ran her first trail race in 2021 and now enjoys long-distance weekend runs, including completing her first 100K at the Canyons Endurance Race. If you’ve run any BLRC race, you’ll see her behind the lens. Check out her photography here.

PRESS RELEASE

March 2025

Bad Luck Run Club Brings Social Running and Trail Races to Auburn

AUBURN, CA – Auburn’s reputation as the “Endurance Capital of the World” is well known, but a new wave of runners is shifting the local running culture. Bad Luck Run Club has quickly become the largest social running group in the region, attracting over 300 active members, and drawing between 30 and 70 runners to its weekly group runs.

In addition to its group runs, BLRC also hosts local trail races, providing more opportunities for runners of all levels to explore the trails and challenge themselves.

Founded by Ken Krogsrud, a 38-year-old Placer High graduate and ultrarunner, BLRC was created to be different from traditional running clubs. “Auburn has always been a runner’s town, but we wanted to create something different, a club where runners could show up and have a fun story to tell,” said Krogsrud.

“Our runs are about having unabated fun in the woods with your friends. It’s not about how accomplished you are or how fast you are” he added.

Weekly Runs for Every Level

BLRC offers three main group runs each week:

Wednesday Night Runs: 3.5 to 4.5 miles, meeting at The Station Publichouse at 6:15 p.m. A mix of road and trail, this run is best for first-timers and those looking for a casual pace.

Thursday Night Hills: 5+ miles, meeting at The Auburn Alehouse at 6:15 p.m. This challenging route takes runners down to the American River and back up.

Sunday Morning Speed: A focused training session at 8:00 a.m. from Shady Coffee in Roseville, designed to help runners improve their pace.

In addition to weekly runs, the club organizes a monthly long trail run ranging from 13 to 26 miles and welcomes runners looking for a challenge.

More Than Just Running

BLRC is about making running fun. Whether it’s a mid-run beer stop, an impromptu river swim, or a spontaneous route change, every run has the potential for something unexpected.

The club also hosts trail races throughout the year, drawing runners from all over Northern California. A significant portion of race proceeds goes to local nonprofits, reinforcing the club’s commitment to supporting the Auburn community.

With a laid-back approach and a focus on fun over competition, BLRC offers a fresh alternative to traditional running groups in Sacramento, Roseville, and Rocklin. There’s no need to sign up, just show up and run. And after five runs, participants get a free BLRC shirt.

For more information and updates on runs and races, follow BLRC on Instagram: @badluckrunners or Facebook: @badluckrunclub.


Monday March 31, 2025
Website: www.badluckrunclub.com