Get your trainers on
With well over a million people applying for a ballot place for this year’s London Marathon (and organisers looking at making the 2027 event a two-day affair to accommodate more people), it’s clear that running has never been more popular. Run clubs have a big part to play in that. As well as being places where people can exercise in a group setting and train for specific goals, like a marathon, run clubs have also become massive community hubs.
In a big city like London where it’s easy to feel lonely, run clubs provide safe spaces for connection and offer a way for people to socialise that doesn’t involve spending loads of money or drinking alcohol. From collectives designed for female and queer runners to clubs that run to bakeries and pubs, these are our fave run clubs in London.
RUNNPAC
RUNNPAC does two weekly sessions – Track Club on Thursdays, with varied interval-based programmes, and Runn Club on Sundays, where the 5km run is split into three pace groups.
Your Friendly Runners
One of East London’s most popular run clubs, Your Friendly Runners started with social 10km runs on Saturdays but has now grown to multiple meet-ups a week, and even boasts its own Hackney clubhouse Knees Up.
Run Dem Crew
Set up Charlie Dark back in 2007, Run Dem Crew has grown into a massive running community for creative people, where inclusivity, mentorship and positivity is just as important as the pace.
Midnight Runners
Volunteer-led running community Midnight Runners specialises in social workouts like bootcamp runs and party runs, with loud music and high energy. Founded in London, Midnight Runners now hosts runs in 17 other major cities worldwide.
These Girls Run
These Girls Run is the UK’s leading all-female running and wellness club, with runs in 10 locations across the UK. It’s a safe and supportive space for all running abilities.
Sunnie Runners
Sunnie Runners does a variety of different distances and routes around London for its Lace Up Club runs, and also regularly partners with brands like Gail’s for post-run treats.
The Say Yes Club
Created by Esmée Gummer, The Say Yes Club is a movement community that’s all about giving people the confidence to get moving rather than worrying about pace. The weekly 5km runs finish at a Hackney pub.
Runlimited
Runlimited is a hub for all things running. As well as running apparel, footwear and clothing, and offering gait analysis in store, it connects runners to run clubs across London and hosts events of its own.
Hot Boys
A tongue-in-cheek reference to some of the men on the running scene, Hot Boys is a tight-knit women-only running collective where members can train competitively and socialise too.
Queer Running Club
This run club provides a safe and friendly space for queer and trans people to run together, with coached sessions and socials afterwards. QRC hosts different runs across East and South London, including runs for beginners and track sessions.
Run Dusty
Like running and beer? Run Dusty is the club for you. The crew does weekly 5- 8 km social runs that finish with a beer at some of London’s best local, independent breweries and bars.
MindxSole
MindxSole looks to combine movement and mindfulness, and hosts a range of events for its community. There are weekly track sessions at Tooting Bec Athletics Track and then fortnightly Run & Social events in Battersea, which include food, music and games.
Rep Runners
With a motto of “For the people, by the people, because of the people”, you can tell that community is big for Rep Runners. Expect good energy at the weekly runs and big support at major races.
Bridge to Bean Run Club
Based out of Hammersmith, this run club is all about friendly community runs where everyone – including dogs – is welcome. There are 6.5km and 9.5km routes with coffees and bakes at the end.
Grove Lane
Founded as a way to celebrate the simplicity and benefits of physical movement, South East London-based run club Grove Lane does Sunday runs and Monday track sessions.
Run the Boroughs
Whether you’re looking to stretch your distance, up your speed or recover, Run the Boroughs has you covered. They do weekly 10km runs, track sessions and yoga for runners.
Tempo
If music is a big part of your life – and your workout – check out Tempo. It’s a community of musicians and DJs who run, and its Move & Mix sessions include a 3km run and a DJ workshop.
Les Run
Les Run is all about empowering queer women and trans and non-binary people through fitness and community. That includes social runs, track sessions, pilates and more.
