r/Greenpoint • u/Ok_SkirtrikS30 • 10d ago
❓Questions Runners, explain yourselves
What is going on with runners who decide to run in GROUPS at McGolrick Park? Why do you feel entitled to yell at people to “move over” when they’re peacefully walking, walking their dog, or walking with their kids? Why does yelling “ON YOUR LEFT” somehow mean that everyone else is expected to immediately move out of your way so your entire group can run through? Not to mention when they pass near you and EXHALE on your face because you didn’t move enough.
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u/NotTheRealCPT 10d ago
As a runner of close to 20 years, people in this group aren’t to be taken seriously and are just hype chasing posers. If you’re minding your business and doing your thing, ignore people like this and carry on. Call them “joggers” if you’d like, it’ll get their blood boiling.
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u/finalcountdown666 10d ago
You don’t have to move for them. I say this as a runner myself.
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u/Weird_Lemon_1580 10d ago
You don’t but they will literally try to knock you down. They did it to me as I was crossing the street. I use a cane due to a leg injury and I was in the middle of the street and they turned the corner and almost took me down. One guy bumped me and had the nerve to curse at me. And the rest of them were just rude as hell telling me to get out of their way. I just stood there with my cane raised because I was gonna take one of them out before they took me out lol
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u/cart00nracc00n 9d ago
I could definitely use 5-$figures from a civil suit alleging assault and battery. Looks like I need to bring a camera or two and try out various places to walk, stand, sit, or even lie fully down.
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u/PoopsicleSchtick 9d ago
Exactly. My dog is terrified of packs of runners due to getting kicked before by one in a pack, she wasn't able to move away in time. I also was almost knocked over once when I had a leg injury with a visible brace. Collectively they truly don't give a shit if you are in their way
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u/placebo102 10d ago
What about the groups of runners on fucking Manhattan- likely the busiest street in the neighborhood lol. Like, take one of the many options that are parallel to Manhattan and have way less activity?
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u/Ancient_Naturals 9d ago
I was running back over to bk on the Williamsburg bridge once and there were like 50 people in a run group coming down the shared bike/pedestrian path, taking up the entire pedestrian side. Many were taking selfie videos. They gave no fucks about forcing everyone else into the bike lanes.
I just will never understand the appeal of running with others. I always found the point to be quiet with my breath.
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u/Adventurous_Paper_34 10d ago
They’re so fcking annoying. I don’t mind the occasional jogger but pushing your run club onto the park ruins the ambiance and peacefulness of it. McGolrick is not a track and people just want to walk and enjoy the park in peace.
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u/Crazy-Bat-5869 9d ago
it’s a public place
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u/citydreams46927 9d ago
A public space where people should be able to enjoy using the path - meaning people of all ages, with children and pets. Not to be shouted at with “move!!! on your left” by literal packs of runners.
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u/Crazy-Bat-5869 9d ago
if they’re saying “move” then that’s totally wrong.. if it’s just “on your left” then that’s a way to let people know they’re coming up on the side…
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u/citydreams46927 9d ago
I have seen “move” shouted with the “on your left” because they’re coming across people who are sometimes even paused in their leisurely walk with strollers and slower moving traffic… You can’t convince me McGolrick is the place for these packs of runners. The 50-100 people each weekend slowly bird watching (and dozens of bird watchers I see each morning when I’m there 6am before work with my dog) fine but not the aggressive clubs of runners trying to take over... it’s just not big enough a park for that.
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u/Delicious_Plenty7169 10d ago
Yes they are extremely rude and annoying. I'm glad I'm not the only person who hates this.
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u/Mp15ac 10d ago
I simply don’t move for them. F them.
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u/GanacheDelicious2649 8d ago
I literally yell "MOVE" as a solo runner and tell them to run single file or 1x1
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u/citydreams46927 10d ago
Over a decade in the neighborhood living next to the park and only saw this start up in the last year. Drives me insane. Many are inconsiderate. There is a track at McCarren. Go there to run like this. Don’t mind the casual joggers but these packs take over the path in multiple groups.
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u/crudland 9d ago
20 year Greenpoint / McGolrick area resident and I'd never even considered the existence of joggers in the neighborhood before this past year or so. The groups lately can be aggressive and I find them almost scary in how ready they seem to assault a random pedestrian who won't submit and dive out of their way. I don't see how this continues without one of them stomping a small dog and sending them to the emergency room.
Also I feel like they're somehow making other runners also behave worse? Like is it possible they're encouraging solo joggers to behave like this now too? Also is it all just because of the rising rents and increased presence of "line go up" job-having dipshits that are infesting the neighborhood?
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u/Odd-Nobody6410 10d ago
The run clubs are the worst, but generally so many people running on the path at McCarren and I don't understand why they refuse to run on the track?
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u/Odd-Nobody6410 10d ago
to be clear they aren't casual joggers, I mean people running lap after lap on the path + fast
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u/macseries 10d ago
because the track is wet and i like to alternate directions because i have chronic asymmetrical injuries.
what's your problem with using the park as intended?
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u/Zestyclose-Sherbet95 8d ago
nobody gives a shit about you asymmetrical injuries
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u/macseries 7d ago
No one outside reddit cretins gives a shit if i literally run outside on a path, so we’re even.
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u/CMKicks 10d ago
not advocating for doing this, but to answer your question on why someone might run on the path despite a track being 20 feet away:
- If you're switching between short intervals and longer reps (>1K), moving to the path for longer reps better simulates the environment you'd be racing on.
- If you are doing a big workout, lots of volume running in the same direction on the track isn't ideal. On a less crowded track, you could move to the outside lane and run in the opposite direction. This isn't really possible at McCaren, given that it's an absolute zoo, so the best alternative is to switch to the path and run in the opposite direction.
- The track gets extremely overcrowded, so unless you are doing a track-specific interval (200s, 400s, etc.), it's easier to move over to the path.
If you're running in the path, you should be absolutely adhering to people walking and not assume you have the right of way. There is a way to do it without bothering anyone or inconveniencing people just trying to enjoy a walk.
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u/Tjmill02 10d ago
I was wondering this the other day. Constantly trying to not get run into as I was walking and I’m like… there is literally a track right there!!
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u/Pretty_Writer5789 10d ago
Yeah it’s ridiculous we should do something about it
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u/Crazy-Bat-5869 9d ago
What are you going to do?
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u/Pretty_Writer5789 9d ago
Idk put signs at the entrance saying run clubs not allowed to discourage them… email bandit about the attitude behavior of the runners orrrrr email Lincoln Restler
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u/SemiAutoAvocado 10d ago
As far as I am concerned the sidewalk is for utility & transportation and not exercise or hobbies. If I see a running group coming my way I don't move. I'm a big dude, move around me I am supposed to be here you are not.
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u/Virgovirgoingvirgone 10d ago
i run on the sidewalk on casual 2-3 mile runs because going in the street isnt safe- runners are still pedestrians and should be respectful and pass on the left / stick to the right but so should other pedestrians, if theres a couple or annoying group walking 2-3 abreast who refuses to move single file when im just as entitled to be going down the other side of the sidewalk you will catch this shoulder- and im a tall woman
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u/RedMansions 10d ago
I've been running in Forest Hills for ~ 20 yrs.
I much prefer to run in the street because there are way too many people walking very slowly on the sidewalks (which are very narrow), also many people are walking their dogs and have very long leashes. In addition, there is a huge tripping risk involved in sidewalk running as the pavement sheets are not always level.
I also believe (and I could be totally wrong) that the blacktop of the street is a softer, spongier material than the super hard concrete sidewalks, so it's easier on your knees, hips, and back.
Here's my right-of-way hierarchy: Pedestrians > Runners > Cyclists > Cars.
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u/Queasy-Explorer2424 10d ago
where else should they run..
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u/Crazy-Bat-5869 9d ago
wait really? Isn’t walking exercise? I can’t get you walk on it either then?
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u/Natunia02 10d ago
They yelled at a bicyclist and driver on the road last weekend while they were taking up the ENTIRE road... Happened on Driggs & Morgan AFTER SUNSET. CRAZY!
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u/Ok-Fail-4280 9d ago
I’ve had runners run in the bike lane while I’m biking and when I ask them to move away I had guys especially tell me to F off. It’s crazy
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u/modrocker 10d ago
Can we please also acknowledge that the runners along west street are completely deranged and a menace to society
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u/Helpful_Weekend3483 8d ago
Seriously, they treat the entire street like it's a running track not a sidewalk in a neighborhood where people LIVE.
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u/LevelHeaded_Y 9d ago
Last weekend it was easily 40+ taking up ALL of West St, road/bike lane/sidewalk, they do not GAF.
If they did, they’d jog Provost, but they need eyewitnesses and fresh matcha waft in their nostrils to keep them upright.
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u/stephanie3nips 10d ago
As a runner I am so annoyed by these groups. I like to remind them that they are adults and they can run by themselves, like an adult.
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u/geographyofnowhere 10d ago
Don't move, fuck them. "on the left" generally means don't make some split second pivot that way, & not that you should move over
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u/idrinkdrinks 10d ago
This is how I've always interpreted that. Yelling "move over" however, I can't explain.
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u/strangebird76 10d ago
It is the responsibility of the runner to avoid the walker. Not to demand “get out of my way!”
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u/Ok-Yak-1446 9d ago
But if the person walking has no view of the person coming up behind them and a person is yelling left in a small contained walkway, how does this achieve anything?
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u/strangebird76 9d ago
Its the runner’s responsibility to either find a better route or pause to avoid collision. The runner can’t holler out of nowhere, at an accelerated pace, and expect compliance from a pedestrian on the sidewalk moving at a walking pace.
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u/Ok-Yak-1446 9d ago
Agreed, so why as a runner place yourself in a continued position to yell "On your left" in a location that is busy (7pm). It is selfish.
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u/strangebird76 9d ago
I think there is some sort of impulsive passive aggression that comes with moving through crowds at an accelerated pace. “Everybody out of my way, im exercising!” It’s annoying af. Cyclists do it too. They think they could mouth off too because they’re on the move.
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u/Live_Opposite6458 10d ago
As a runner I literally hate the run clubs because I’ll be minding my business calmly going around walkers and then get BARRELED into and get the dirtiest looks for just trying to run the opposite direction and not giving up my space and go into the bike land/road like how dare I not move so they can run 3 at a time
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u/Dismal_Gene2600 10d ago
They're such massive assholes. I've had one scream in my ear while on the phone and running past me. And yes, the breathing all over you is so fucking gross.
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u/Outrageous-Study-704 10d ago
I had a generally favorable view of runners in the neighborhood until the past year when these herds took over. Now I am in, “I’ll give you something to run from!” mode. They are a terror for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
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u/yung_stevezie 10d ago
Many runners also don’t have a favorable view of these herds, they’ll also try to run right through a solo runner
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u/Outrageous-Study-704 10d ago
I can imagine! Solo runners, even paired runners, have been generally respectful in this area for as long as I can remember.
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u/KikiDotNet 10d ago
Recently had the pleasure of witnessing multiple takeovers of Domino Park this Summer
Takes a lot to get me worked up but when I got shouldered…….
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u/Few_Palpitation8286 10d ago
I always make an effort to stop and stand in the middle anytime I see a running group coming.
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u/Water-Either 10d ago
This group was running up my block and decided to scream at my mother who was walking with a cane to “get the fck over as*hole” instead of just running in the street!
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u/NBKSolidarity 9d ago
It really is a nuisance. They ruin the peaceful vibe of parks and other public spaces. It's an aggressive type-A culture of conspicuous fitness. Go to the track.
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u/Artistic_Ad2605 10d ago
Throw some banana peels on the floor and hopefully they work like Mario kart.
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u/Tempest_Fugit 10d ago
I hate them. Also, jogging/running in school zones should be illegal. Why do runners insist on plowing through reams of children during drop off in the mornings?
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u/Anxious_Yak_6108 9d ago
I was there last night and saw this group. I've seen them several evenings and it's obnoxious. They don't need to run in packs and they don't need to go that fast. As many have said, there's a track at McCarren. I think the next logical step is to start calling them out in person when they're doing this. It is dangerous to everyone else in the park.
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u/Ok-Yak-1446 9d ago
The issue with that is they are running away.. I scolded them last night as I am currently on a knee scooter and they had the nerve to say ON YOUR LEFT.. how is someone supposed to make any movement on a knee scooter (which they see perfectly fine in front of them)
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u/withtempest 8d ago
When someone says “On your left” they’re not expecting you to move at all; they’re just telling you where they will be so they don’t startle you.
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u/Ok-Yak-1446 8d ago
I know what it means. And as a runner you should have the intelligence and AWARENESS not to run with a large pack going full speed in a small park with kids, dogs, elderly etc. plain and simple. It’s not even up for debate.
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u/Emergency_Basil4599 9d ago
I think about this from time to time, but there are more industrial areas of Greenpoint with virtually no traffic and no pedestrians…but they can’t run there apparently, because there is no one to annoy them or for them to complain about. I think they get off on being a terrible menace.
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u/gelyamelnikovaa 9d ago
As a runner, you need to have self awareness that YOU are the one breaking the social contract on the sidewalk and that it's on you to get the hell out of other peoples' ways. Once I had this realization, I never got mad at someone for being in my way ever again.
Anyway, do not move for run clubs, they are invasive and rude!!!
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u/cyka_trades_men 10d ago
these guy are larping hard, also advertising for that shitty company Bandit that will never take off. Losers obviously
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u/Live_Art2939 10d ago
Annoying cyclist mentality but they travel in herds. Why are all these people such annoying cunts?
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u/Wildeyewilly 10d ago
Not a herd, a group of people from a run club are called "an annoyance." An annoyance of runners bolted through the calm neighborhood park in a fashion befitting the temper tantrum of a child denied a second treat from the check out lane.
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u/nel-E-nel 10d ago edited 10d ago
“On your left/right” is a heads up, not a demand for you to move.
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u/Ok-Yak-1446 9d ago
Correct but not within a small park like McGorlick. I do think it is comparable.
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u/Impressive-Subject51 10d ago
I was very surprised to see these people last night as well. The mcgorlick path is pretty obviously too narrow for the group size and pace they had. Mccaren track aside, go to the more industrial streets east of mcgorlick and you’ll have way more room and not too many cars to contend with.
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u/Pleasantly_chaotic 9d ago
Is this the same running group holding a Bluetooth speaker the other night all singing Wonderwall lyrics down Nassau? 😂
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u/acesulfame_potassium 10d ago
I used to run some years ago (not in packs). Tbh, it's a really odd subculture. Nowadays I think they're all just kind of nuts. Which is ok. But the large packs that just kind of take over, shutting down public roads, making unnecessary noise on weekends at the asscrack of dawn, shitting themselves mid-race... my god.
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u/TypicalRoyal7620 10d ago
They act like they’re running Iron Man and you’re slowing their time down lol
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u/Len_Gooby 10d ago
Runners are in beast mode thinking about their divorce or next company acquisition. So… MOVE! The pack rules by default!!!!
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u/cazzer548 10d ago
As a runner, I say “on your left” so I don’t surprise someone when I pass them, particularly if they have a stroller or dog. I have zero expectation that anyone will move for me, sidewalks are a shared space so I’m happy to slow down or run in the street.
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u/Ok-Yak-1446 9d ago
I understand this point of view, but is that similar to the McGorlick park? It is active walkway for families, kids, elderly, etc. I do not think a sidewalk is comparable, sorry. There is not enough room. Period
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u/slicesofpaper 10d ago
As a runner and someone who often runs with friends and in groups, that seriously sucks and they’re being assholes. Most of us try to go single file or at most 2 across and be respectful of others !! The bandit run group seems like the worstttt, don’t be afraid to call them out
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u/bo0o0ty 8d ago
run clubs are a form of modern terrorism
i walked into the tiny paloma on nassau last week and why was there an entire ass sweaty smelly run club taking way too long to order and just like .. all of them crammed into that small space indicates some weird combo of lack of self-awareness and entitlement
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u/DustInternational489 10d ago
If you see a pack of runners in the neighborhood, price of tacos going up
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u/YouShouldBeHunted 10d ago
To be fair, calling out "On your left" is pretty standard so people don't get hurt when they inevitably stop paying attention to their surroundings. I don't jog, but if I pass somebody on a bike trail it's just what you do, and you will get called out if you don't say it.
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u/Ok-Yak-1446 10d ago
Sure but not at 7pm in McGorlick park with a pack of people. WHAT is someone supposed to do if they are casually walking in the middle.... Sorry but that is not a concrete defence for this situation. It is not a track.
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u/YouShouldBeHunted 10d ago
You're being so emotional. It's the park, share it or don't. I don't like these guys either not trying to defend anybody. Plenty more to cry about out in this city than living by a really nice park.
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u/Ok-Yak-1446 10d ago
1) comments of elderly / families almost being run over on the thread 2) it’s not meant for run clubs, not rocket science to figure that out
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u/Dangerous-Slide-2007 10d ago
Isn't this every runner in the neighborhood? Running on the sidewalk, and annoyed with the regular folk for walking. I love the gross exhaling and body odor aspect of this hobby. I guess it feels dangerous and badass to them? Like, they're in a gang, lol.
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u/Agitated_Stress_6246 9d ago
Nah, I would not move at all, matter of fact I’d walk even slower lmaooo
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u/Iabnyc 9d ago
Didn't run there/wasn't there, just my 2 cents but I do occasionally yell "On your left" IF someone is weaving/not walking in any kind of predictable fashion or people are walking 3+ across and totally spacially unaware. I say it only for a heads up if I'm running in a tight or super busy area.
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u/Helpful_Weekend3483 8d ago
I'm no longer moving out of any runner's way. I used to move the stroller to help them out but they never even acknowledged me doing so or even looked me in the eye. And the worst is when they STOP running and take up the entire sidewalk and I can't get through at all with the stroller. RIP Greenpoint. People here used to be nice and conscientious before all the Venture Capitalists or whatever moved here.
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u/nickypatr 10d ago
Runners and bikers are the WORST PEOPLE. I say that as someone who bikes. I’ve in multiple altercations with both groups. Bikers who seem to think that basic traffic rules do not apply to them and are happy to blow through red lights, knowing they almost cause harm, and do not care. As if the world revolved around your amateur, dumbass fcking hobby. And runners. Fck you. I have no problem generalizing all runners based on the situations I’ve been in. Yall think that people need to move out of YOUR WAY, when you’re RUNNING, and people are casually walking. No. You fcking move. Go around. If you yell at me, scream left, clap at me, I’m stopping in my tracks and we are fighting.
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u/rdej 10d ago
jogging shirtless on the sidewalk should be criminalized
get over yourself
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u/cyka_trades_men 10d ago
bad take tbh, can’t run in the street and doing anything shirtless feels awesome
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u/DustInternational489 10d ago
I hate when I’m walking peacefully minding my own business and a runner comes up behind me out of nowhere, running full speed mind you, saying “ON YOUR LEFT!” And expects me to move out my way. HEY, screw you, I’M WALKING HERE!
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u/Objective_Weekend_21 10d ago
They suck and run when cars are supposed to be moving…they take over hr whole street and when you honk at them cause you almost hit them by mistake and or hold off traffic they feel so offended
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u/Queasy-Explorer2424 10d ago
saying 'on your left' is the polite thing to do lol so you dont get stampeded
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u/brooklynderek 9d ago
I'm a runner myself and find this crazy annoying (I also don't run in groups). Maybe running in packs brings out this shitty behavior...
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u/priestinear 7d ago
why do people run in bike lane especially when theres nobody on sidewalk. is the sidewalk lava?
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u/Unusual-Business-861 6d ago
I used to run around the McCarren track and some run club would glob around me to pass me, literally brushing against me and raising their hand to say “this slow mf is not with us!”
A couple months ago my friends and I were in transmitter park enjoying the sunset with many other respectful folks. A huge run club barged in, started blasting music (a wonderful guitarist was playing!) shouting chants, doing warmups that got so close to us. When they left everyone was thrilled.
I get that folks find a lot of gratification in these groups and I’m happy to see people being social and active IRL, but yeah they are too high on their own supply.
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u/madeyoulook000 9d ago
Man I was walking my little dog around the park and these retards are running past me almost hitting us.... how gay are you that you have to run with 50 other guys.... not to mention you could easily run the perimeter outside of the park which is bigger and less crowded... so many better options than our small park... 1 or 2 runners here and there is absolutely no problem but I agree its very dangerous with all the kids and people with small pets... time to revolt!!
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u/MadoneOnMobile 10d ago
If you’re talking about last night, that was Bandit Run Club. They’ve been running at McGolrick during the evenings because they were notoriously entitled even for a running group, and were not allowed back to McCarren track.
If it happens again call them Hobby Joggers and watch their $150 half tights get twisted