What began as a small group of strangers running to a brewery has grown into one of Eugene’s more inclusive weekly gatherings. The Silenus Run Club, founded by Eugene resident Mike Pagalan in 2023, now draws roughly 60 people for its organized runs and social events, hosting participants whose ages range from infants in strollers to people in their 60s.
From six people to a community of 60
Pagalan said the club’s growth has been largely organic. When he started the club in 2023, he estimated there were only six to 10 regulars. Over three and a half years, that number has swelled to around 60 participants, creating a loose but steady community around weekly routes and social moments that follow the runs.
- Founding: 2023
- Typical attendance: about 60
- Social media followers: 2,523 on Instagram
- Age range of participants: babies to people in their 60s
Originally, the group ran to and from the Ninkasi tasting room in south Eugene. When that tasting room temporarily closed in 2023, Pagalan adapted, scouting new start and end points and settling on a rotating set of locations. The club currently cycles among a park, a track and other meeting spots for its Tuesday and Thursday runs.
Inclusive pace, social focus
The Silenus Run Club emphasizes an easygoing, inclusive atmosphere that accommodates a wide range of paces and motivations. Some members run the route; others come for the camaraderie and the chance to gather afterward — sometimes at local establishments that host the group. Pagalan said that approach has helped participants form long-term friendships.
"This is a super chill, inclusive run club. Some people don't even have to run. They'll come here just for the beer."
He recalled not knowing the names of many of the people who showed up at the club’s earliest runs, and watching those acquaintances transition into familiar faces over time. The social element is central: Pagalan manages the club’s Instagram, which has grown to 2,523 followers and posts multiple times a week, featuring photos and videos of the group.
Events, partnerships and charity work
Beyond weekly runs, Pagalan has organized themed and holiday events that give the club a local cultural flavor, including a "red run" for Lunar New Year and other seasonal gatherings. He has also pursued partnerships with national and local sportswear brands by asking for product access, and said companies such as Sketchers and Nike have sometimes responded positively.
The club has used its platform to support local causes. Members have participated in fundraisers for the Oregon Cancer Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House through connections with the Eugene Marathon. Those efforts underscore how the running group has become a conduit for community giving and local engagement.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated founding attendance | 6–10 people |
| Typical attendance (2026) | ~60 people |
| Instagram followers | 2,523 |
Pagalan also handles the club’s social channels despite having had no prior experience in that role. His willingness to reach out to brands, organize events and adapt meeting points has helped the club stay resilient through changes such as the temporary closure of Ninkasi’s tasting room in 2023.
For many residents, the Silenus Run Club represents more than a workout; it is an accessible neighborhood hub where people of different ages and abilities can meet, exercise and support causes connected to Eugene. As the club continues to evolve, its model — informal, social and community-minded — offers one example of how local initiatives can knit people together in a city long known for its running culture.
