A New Year Doesn’t Change Your Results. Your Habits Do
January 4, 2026
Frank Bucco runs past a group of spectators
Orlando City Run Club Launches Downtown on Jan 8th
Orlando City Run Club, a new running group, is getting ready to launch in downtown Orlando on January 8th. The run is being hosted by Frank Bucco, a familiar face in Orlando’s running community through his work hosting and co-hosting other local run clubs.
Run clubs have become a sought-after space for many locals looking to step away from the demands of work and constant digital noise while connecting with others who value health and wellness. For Frank, that shift happens because running removes the pressure of competing against others and refocuses the effort inward.
“Running is one of the few spaces where you’re really just competing with yourself,” he told the Orlando Life. “It creates an environment where people are supportive, welcoming, and genuinely happy to see each other show up.”
Orlando City Run Club officially debuts at À La Cart City on Thursday, January 8th. Runners will meet at 6:45pm, announcements will kick off at 6:55pm, and the run starts promptly at 7pm. The route centers around Lake Eola, with options for one lap or multiple laps depending on how far runners want to go. When everyone returns, the night shifts into a social hang with raffles at 8pm, drinks, and an easygoing vibe. Street parking is available nearby, which is free downtown after 6pm, though arriving a little early is recommended as spots can fill up fast.
À La Cart has become a familiar gathering place for people around Orlando, with locations in the SoDo District, the Milk District, and now their newest spot in the City District downtown. Each location has its own personality, but they all share a community-centric feel that naturally pairs with run club culture.
The partnership between Frank and À La Cart has already proven successful through Monday Runday at the SoDo location, a relationship that continues to grow as the run clubs expand across the city.
“The SoDo Run Club, aka Monday Runday, is such a fun group,” said April Williams, co-owner of À La Cart. “Frank and the team do a great job collaborating with other local run clubs, health organizations, and brands to create demo nights, raffles, and giveaways. Their routes are designed for all types of runners, whether you’re looking to set a personal record or just want to get your body moving. The group is welcoming, encouraging, and it’s uplifting to watch them celebrate one another.”
Frank’s involvement as a host and co-host grew out of his own journey with running. He began running in 2019 after a significant weight loss journey and found that run clubs became a constant source of support, accountability and friendship when other parts of life shifted. As he became more involved, he wanted to give that same experience back to the community that had helped elevate him as a runner and as a person.
Today, Frank participates in and helps lead three different run clubs across the city:
- Ivanhoe Park Brewing Run Club, which takes place every Wednesday at Ivanhoe Park Brewing, with the first wave of runners starting at 6pm
- Monday Runday, hosted every Monday at À La Cart SoDo at 6:45pm
- Orlando City Run Club, launching Thursdays at À La Cart City at 6:45pm
Despite the different locations and nights, Frank sees a common thread across all of them. He describes Orlando’s run club culture as “heartwarming,” pointing out that runners of all levels show up for one another. “You’ll see people running 15 minute 5Ks and others running 40 minute 5Ks, and everyone’s cheering for each other,” he said. “That’s what makes these spaces special. We build each other up.”
That sense of connection is what keeps people coming back. Glenn Booker, an investment associate at 100Units.com and a regular at Ivanhoe Park Brewing Run Club, said run clubs create an easy entry point into the community. “It feels good to join a group of people who care about their health and know how to have fun doing it,” Booker said. “You build real relationships along the way.”
With many of us looking for new ways to kick off the new year, Orlando City Run Club could be a great experience to start with.
