Training
The 10 best running clubs in london
Jordan Foster
06/09/2023
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Thinking about joining a running group? A list of Running Clubs in London
Trying to find running groups near you can be daunting at first. But once you make the first step and attend a training session, it becomes clear what a brilliant community it is and you start to ask yourself why you didn’t join earlier!
Being part of a team has psychological and social benefits which may contribute to improved overall health and well-being (Way, 2012). They can also introduce us to lifelong friend and open the door the amazing experiences.
Why join a Running Club?
Runners join running clubs for many different reasons. Some may join for the social benefits clubs provide us with. For example, when you move to a new town or country and want to meet like-minded people, joining a local running club is a great way to do this (Dowling, 2021).
Another reason to join would be if you are struggling with your training or just want a few compliments and well dones after a great run then a running club is the place for you. Your fellow runners will be there cheering you on and running beside you for that extra bit of motivation (Luff, 2020).
When you are out on a tough run with your fellow running buddies, you always manage to push yourself that bit more (Runnersneed, 2021). When we run alone, we can sometimes get caught up in our own thoughts, whereas when we are in a group we can focus more on the task at hand.
Personally, I enjoy running with others for all the reasons above but also running in a group makes me feel safer. Running alone can sometimes be quite unsettling, especially when in a new neighborhood or when it is dark. When running with a group, I forget about my worrying thoughts which lets me focus on the time together and the run itself.
On the other hand, there are runners who prefer to run alone but they still want to be part of a social running community. This is due to issues with pacing, and some just prefer to run alone which is good too (Knaving, 2015). Coopah provides the runner with personalised training plans specific to their training needs and a running community they can interact with via chats and social meet ups (who doesn’t like a curry night with great people?). And if they do ever feel like joining for an easy run with their fellow club runners IRL, the opportunity is there for them.
Running Groups in London
So you want to join a club in London but not sure which one yet?
Here is a list of running clubs you can show up to:
1. Run Dem Crew
“Over five hundred strong and growing daily, the RDC is a collective of creative heads with a passion for running and the exchange of ideas. We meet to run and explore the streets of London and other cities around the world.”
How to join: Email info@rundemcrew.com
When and where: Tuesdays 7pm, be sure to check @run.dem.crew in advance for location confirmation.
Cost: £12 per month (gym included)
For more: Visit their website.
2. Midnight Runners
Midnight Runners began when a couple of friends went for a late-night run with a small speaker. A year later, 100+ people were gathering every week. We added exercise stops to keep everyone together and up the sweat. And as our legs got faster, the speakers got louder and the friendships got stronger.
Cost: free
How to join: Information provided on their website.
3. TrackMafia
Track Mafia, a group of runners who consider themselves family rather than club mates, a driven yet relaxed group of young, diverse and talented runners who congregate at Paddington Rec in West London every Thursday to catch up, build friendships and train hard.
How to join: Email info@trackmafia.co.uk or turn up ready to run at Paddington Recreation Ground at 6:30pm for 7pm.
For more: Search them on instagram.
4. WMNRUN
“WMN RUN was born out of an idea to get more women into endurance running and has grown into a community that aims to inspire women, those who identify as women, to aim higher than the boundaries set, in all aspects of life. We aim to be as inclusive as possible and create an encouraging, welcome space for all.”
Cost: Free to run with them, Paid memberships options available.
How to join: Click here to become a member.
5. Lazy Girl Running
Lazy Girl Running was founded by coach Laura Fountain through a belief that running can be fun even for complete beginners. Since 2013, Lazy Girl Running has helped hundreds of women start and return to running.
Cost: Prices available on the website
How to join: Sign up to their running groups.
6. London City Runners
Today, London City Runners is a huge, multi-award winning club. We have one aim: to help as many people as possible to enjoy the thrill and rewards of running in London. Over the years, we’ve helped 10,000+ runners achieve their individual goals.
The club has become a strong force for good in the local area and is a social hub in the heart of the incredible city of London. Our social focus is as thriving as ever and we’ve had at least 9 marriages, 11 babies and countless friendships develop between people who’ve met through the club.
When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Cost: Free option available
How to join: Sign up on their website or email londoncityrunners@gmail.com.
7. Bromley Veterans Athletics Club
“Bromley Veterans Athletics Club, founded in 1989, is a small & friendly club based at The Parklangley Club in Beckenham. We welcome people aged 30 years and over of ALL abilities, from beginners and slower runners to faster paced and seasoned athletes.”
(Bromley Veterans Athletics Club, 2016)
Cost: Annual fee
For more: Head to their website.
8. Parkrun UK
“parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world.
Saturday morning events are 5k and take place in parks and open spaces. On Sunday mornings, there are 2k junior parkruns for children aged four to 14.
parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.”
Cost: Free
When: Every Saturday at 9am.
Where: Find your nearest Parkrun using this link.
Distance: 2km & 5km (walk, jog or run)
9. Coopah
“We know that training with others is key to achieving your goals, so our training groups are built to keep you motivated and make sure that together you can all achieve your goals.”
Where: Anywhere
When: Anytime
How to join: Download the app today!
Coopah offers runners the ability to engage with other runners via chats where you can motivate each other. Runners can also organise to meet up with each other and join Coopah at a few of their social meet ups. For more information head to Coopah’s website.
Coopah is also available for all running clubs to join and move their club on to our community app. So your club is now all in one place.
Get in touch if your club wants to join or you can download the app today.
References
Coopah Running. 2022. Coopah Running | Your Digital Run Coach. [online] Available at: <https://coopah.com/> [Accessed 25 April 2022].
Fitzmaurice, R., 2022. 9 best running clubs in London. [online] Evening Standard. Available at: <https://www.standard.co.uk/escapist/best-run-clubs-in-london-a4160271.html> [Accessed 25 April 2022].
Knaving,K., Wozniak, P., Fjeld, M., Bjork, S., 2015. Flow is Not Enough: Understanding the Needs of Advanced Amateur Runners to Design Motivation Technology. [online]. In: CHI 2015, Crossing, Seoul, South Korea, 18-23 April 2015.
Luff, C., 2020. Everything You Need to Know About Group Running. [online] Verywell Fit. Available at: <https://www.verywellfit.com/benefits-of-group-running-2911231> [Accessed 25 April 2022].
Parkrun. 2022. events | parkrun UK. [online] Available at: <https://www.parkrun.org.uk/events/events/#geo=3.5/53.92/-1.58> [Accessed 25 April 2022].
Things To Do Editors, 2020. 10 Really Great Running Groups, Clubs and Communities in London. [online] Time Out London. Available at: <https://www.timeout.com/london/sport-and-fitness/running-groups-in-london> [Accessed 25 April 2022].
Way, D., 2012. In it for the Long Run :an Ethnography of Psychological and Social Benefits of Distance Running.. Master of Science Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences. University of Toronto.