Crisp morning air, the iconic cityscape of London as a backdrop and a band of passionate runners by your side- if that’s not a mood-lifter, we don’t know what is. Running isn’t just an exercise, it’s a social activity that brings together people from all walks of life. In the dynamic hive of London, running clubs have taken this to heart, inspiring communities to lace up their sneakers for some healthy fun. For both marathon aspirants or casual pavement pounders, here is the ultimate guide to the top 10 social running clubs in London curated with precision just for you. Get ready to transform your routine jog into an adventure across London’s most scenic routes while making friends along the way. Get set, ready, stride!
Our article highlights the top 10 social running clubs in London, including Run Dem Crew, Goodgym, Midnight Runners, Advent Running Club, The Dashing Whippets Running Team London, Serpentine Running Club, Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets AC, Clapham Chasers, Ealing Eagles Running Club, and Mornington Chasers. These clubs offer a range of activities, from regular group runs to training sessions and social events. Each club has its own unique vibe and focus, catering to runners of all levels and providing a supportive and enjoyable environment for improving fitness while meeting like-minded individuals.
Table of Contents
- Top 10 Social Running Clubs in London
- Comparison: Features and Benefits of Each Club
- How to Join Your Chosen Club
- Tips for First-Time Club Runners
Top 10 Social Running Clubs in London
If you’re a runner in London looking to add some excitement to your cardio routine, look no further than these top ten social running clubs. These groups offer an alternative to solo running, providing a sense of community while keeping runners engaged and motivated. Whether you’re a total novice or an experienced athlete, there’s something for everyone!
London City Runners
Founded in 2012, the London City Runners are one of the largest and most popular running clubs in the city. With over 5,500 members, they organize weekly runs as well as various distance training programs and challenges throughout the year.
The club is open to all levels of runners, from beginners to seasoned veterans. They offer two different membership options: social and affiliated. Social membership is free and allows you to join the club on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. You simply need to create a profile on their website. The Wednesday night track session costs £5 as it covers the track hire fee.
For those seeking additional benefits like discounted races or access to sponsored events, affiliated membership costs £35/year. Affiliated members also participate in award schemes internally within competitive racing across race series. Membership is valid from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024. By joining the club’s Facebook group, one can interact with other members and stay updated on the latest news, events, and socials.
Here’s a quick summary of what London City Runners have on offer:
| Features | Social Membership | Affiliated Membership |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Runs | Yes | Yes |
| Distance Training Programs | Yes | Yes |
| Challenges | Yes | Yes |
| Facebook Group | Yes | Yes |
| Discounted Races | No | Yes |
| Award Schemes | No | Yes |
Whether you’re a Londoner or just visiting, joining the London City Runners is an excellent way to explore the city and meet like-minded people. Don’t let the cost of private student loans burden you; put on your running shoes, research these inclusive groups mentioned in this article and use running as an escape with dozens of others enjoying it as much as you are!
- The London City Runners is a popular running club in the city, offering various benefits and programs for runners of all levels. They have over 5,500 members and organize weekly runs, distance training programs, and challenges throughout the year. The club offers two membership options: social (free) and affiliated (£35/year). Social membership allows you to join the club on specific days, while affiliated membership includes additional benefits like discounted races and access to sponsored events. By joining their Facebook group, members can stay updated on news, events, and socials. Joining the London City Runners is a great way to explore the city and meet other runners.
GoodGym
GoodGym isn’t just your average running club. It’s a community of runners using their passion for good causes. Their mission is to increase physical activity and reduce loneliness in older adults by linking them to isolated members of their communities who can benefit from any assistance they offer. At the core of their identity is their belief that doing good physical work makes us feel better, even if it’s just running an errand or gardening.
GoodGym Race Team selects a few races each year for the GoodGym community to attend together. Events for 2024 include:
- The Wuthering Heights Wander in Haworth, West Yorkshire on May 26th
- Cheltenham Running Festival in Cheltenham on June 16th
- The Summer Ready Run in Peterborough on July 7th
- The Love Luton RunFest in October (date to be confirmed)
Each event offers different distance options, making them suitable for runners at all levels of fitness. Registration of interest for each event is available through the GoodGym website, and shared transport and accommodation options will be discussed closer to the event dates.
Run Dem Crew
Run Dem Crew has rapidly grown into one of London’s most diverse and creative running groups since its inception in 2007, with over 500 members today. On Tuesdays at 6:30 pm, they meet up outside the lululemon store in Spitalfields market for training runs which involve exploring different neighborhoods of London while performing bodyweight exercises along the way.
Their positive energy and therapeutic atmosphere are part of what makes them unique among other running groups. With multiple projects and collaborations underway, RDC is more than just running together with like-minded individuals; it’s about tapping into the local creative scene while boosting fitness levels.
The club encourages participation in events like the London Marathon and many others like it, alongside organizing activities such as yoga, sign making, and shake-out runs. RDC is a tight-knit community that provides motivation and support for one another when it’s needed most.
Think of Run Dem Crew like the ultimate running family where members share a strong bond through regular meetups, social gatherings, and serious running. It’s a place where like-minded individuals come together to achieve fitness goals while pushing each other beyond their limits.
Comparison: Features and Benefits of Each Club
When it comes to finding a running club in London, you’ll be spoiled for choice. However, each club has unique features that cater to different preferences and requirements. It’s essential to compare the benefits of each club before choosing one that suits your needs best.
LDN Brunch Club is perfect for social runners who enjoy group runs around different locations in the city before ending with a delicious brunch. On the other hand, London City Runners is ideal for those looking for flexible options with various pace groups available on different days throughout the week.
Another great option is Project Awesome, known for its enthusiastic morning workouts at iconic locations like Tower Bridge, offering an energy boost to start the day right. Meanwhile, Midnight Runners offers exciting evening runs passing by famous landmarks accompanied by music boot camps.
Lastly, Run Dem Crew focuses on supporting communities by running hard while making a positive impact on London’s young people. And MyCrew is an app that helps connect active Londoners and organize events at similar ability levels.
| Club | Type Of Runner | Day/Time/Location | Membership Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDN Brunch Club | Social runners | Sundays at 10 am (varies) | £7 per session or membership options available |
| London City Runners | Flexible runners | Various times and days (across Tower Bridge) | No fees except race entries |
| Project Awesome | High-energy enthusiasts | Monday & Wednesday mornings (Tower Bridge) or Tuesday & Thursday mornings (Primrose Hill) | Free |
| Midnight Runners | Night owls & music lovers | Different evenings with varied themes across various locations like Soho and Shoreditch | £5-£10 per session or membership options available. |
| Run Dem Crew | Community-first focus with running hard implications | Thursdays at 7 pm (Kings Cross) | Membership options available. |
| MyCrew | Active Londoners | Various times and days across different locations based on user-generated events | Free, additional charges may apply for specific events. |
Now that we have compared the features and benefits of each club, let’s explore how to join your chosen club.
How to Join Your Chosen Club
Joining a running club in London is relatively easy but varies between clubs. Many clubs have a website or social media presence with information on membership options, dates, venues, and how to sign up. Some clubs require you to attend ‘taster’ sessions before committing to membership.
LDN Brunch Club has an event page on Facebook with booking links available for their Sunday brunch runs. London City Runners allow runners to drop in on any session without prior booking except their Monday Brick Lane run. For first-timers or those new to running, they offer a “Couch to 5k” program.
Project Awesome requires no prior sign-up and allows anyone to show up at either location for their high-energy morning workouts. Midnight Runners permits online booking via their website for each scheduled run two weeks before the actual date.
Run Dem Crew offers four different levels of membership based on finish time ability. Members can bring friends along every fourth run. MyCrew functions as an app so it’s simple to download and register for free, then explore the various events created by other active users.
Remember always to inform yourself about the guidelines and requirements before signing up to join any running club.
Once you’ve decided on your preferred choice of club, don’t be deterred by being new or inexperienced as most clubs welcome all runners regardless of experience level. Embrace the opportunity to learn from different runners and gain new insights into running techniques, nutrition tips and even make new friends.
With this understanding of each club’s joining process, let’s now delve into tips for first-time club runners.
Tips for First-Time Club Runners
Joining a running club can be an intimidating experience, especially if you’re new to the sport or don’t know anyone in the group. However, with a little preparation and an open mindset, the rewards are bountiful. Here are some tips that can help first-time club runners smoothly integrate into their new social circles.
Firstly, research clubs that align with your goals and abilities and are convenient to access. Most clubs will have websites or social media pages where you can learn more about them. The chosen club should have members who fit your pace, training needs, and personality.
For instance, perhaps the club regularly runs in areas you’re keen to explore and affords its runners opportunities to participate in races or socialize after sessions. Joining a club whose primary focus is on racing might not be suitable if you wish to train casually or prefer a slower pace.
Next, arrive early on your first day at the club. This will give you ample time to meet others and get acclimated to your surroundings. Many clubs have designated coaches who provide orientation sessions and answer questions from new members.
Don’t forget to introduce yourself to as many people as possible; they’re likely eager to meet newcomers and share stories about their experiences with the club. Remember that joining a running club is about building connections and camaraderie while doing what you love.
Another tip is to be honest about your goals and fitness level when sharing information with potential training partners or coaches. While it might seem tempting to embellish your abilities or downplay insecurities initially, being truthful allows others to support, understand, and guide your progress realistically.
Suppose you’re struggling with an injury or haven’t run in a long time; this information could significantly impact the advice provided by other experienced runners. This information helps safeguard against burnout or participating in activities that might be too advanced for your current level.
Lastly, try to participate in club events beyond running routines. Events could consist of charities, cross-training sessions, or social gatherings such as dinners and parties. Being an active participant helps promote community involvement and is a way to make lasting friendships outside of running.
For instance, perhaps the club is organizing a volunteering event at a local fundraiser. By participating and getting to know your fellow runners outside of training sessions can help build meaningful relationships and create a more inviting atmosphere when you return for subsequent runs.
By following these tips, first-time club runners will be ready to embark on their running journey with newfound confidence, ready to explore new areas of London while making life-long friendships along the way.
Keith Rumjahn is CEO and founder of Dustland. He is an expert on fitness and a speaker on move to earn at multiple conferences.