Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders (LMJS) was founded in 1977 by a small group of regulars training at Lake Merritt near downtown Oakland. The tradition of the monthly Fourth Sunday Run began then; it remains emblematic of our commitment to provide regular races over a fast certified course at low cost. We consider ourselves a community resource, and are recognized as such by the City of Oakland and the Oakland Parks and Recreation Department.

Ten of the Fourth Sunday Runs consist of concurrent 5K (1 lap), 10K (2 lap) and 15K (3 lap) races around Lake Merritt. The February run is the Couples Relay; one female, then one male, each running one 5K lap. The July run is the Time Is On Your Side Run in which the winners in the 5K and 10K runs are those that most accurately predict their times; no watches or pacing allowed.

Additionally, on the morning of the Bay-to-Breakers, LMJS presents an alternative race in the Berkeley Hills – the Tilden Tough Ten. This is the first race in the renowned Triple Crown Trail Championship.

The Club participates as a group in two major Northern California races. We field several seven-person teams at the Tahoe Relays in early June, and four-person teams at the Christmas Relays at Lake Merced in San Francisco in mid-December. Entry fees are subsidized by the Club. Very inexpensive housing is available at Lake Tahoe in two cabins which we rent every year.

LMJS issues six newsletters annually, each of which contains training tips, race results, members' achievements and articles (serious and otherwise) pertinent to running.

Three times a year club members and their guests share running stories and food at potluck dinners held at members' homes. Prominent guest speakers hold forth at these dinners. At our spring potluck, honored members receive Member of the Year awards; Total Time Competition certificates are issued to all members who have completed at least one race at each of the three Fourth Sunday Run distances in the previous calendar year, with 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place certificates given based on the sum of the best times achieved for each of the three distances. The summer potluck is a picnic held outdoors, usually in the Oakland Hills, preceded by an optional group run.

Another tradition, which even predates the Club, is the Tuesday evening "Woodminster Run" and barbecue. Appealing primarily, though not exclusively, to ultra-runners, who take pride in reliving grueling 100 milers, this very informal gathering takes place during the Daylight Saving Time period, April through October. One or more ad hoc training runs ranging from three to nine miles in Redwood Regional Park precede the meal.

Dues and fees have always been absurdly modest; members even get a discount on the Fourth Sunday Run reg fee. In addition, many local running stores give our members a 10% discount on most non-sale merchandise.

LMJS encourages active participation by all of its members. All those interested in running, whether beginning, walking, jogging or competitive racing are welcome. Volunteers at the races and those participating in the Club’s administration are rewarded and recognized by an annual dinner at a local restaurant.