Whether you’ve recently taken up running or are a seasoned marathoner, running clubs are perfect for those looking to join a social, like-minded community which is also on hand to help you achieve new goals. Luckily for Londoners, there are plenty of clubs to choose from, ranging from those offering organised but relaxed jogs along the Thames to motivational, post-work runs dictated by a personalised training programme. However you like to take to the sport, here are the best running clubs in London to check out now.
Track Life LDN, Battersea
Image: Xiaoxuan Jerry Sun
Under the helpful guidance of expert coaches and elite athletes Rory Knight and Omar Mansour, runners at Track Life LDN are sure to receive the best tips and tricks in order to reach their goals. As well as training at the track at Battersea’s Millenium Stadium every Monday and Wednesday, the club also offers four tried-and-tested training plans which are backed by sports science and cater for different challenges, including faster 5kms, sub-four hour marathons, sub-3.30 marathons and sub-three hour marathons. We’re sure you’ll be hitting your PB in no time.
Visit tracklifeldn.com
London City Runners, Bermondsey
One of the largest free run clubs in the capital, London City Runners started in 2010 with founder Tim Navin-Jones getting a group of friends together to go running after work. Today, it has transformed into one of the biggest, award-winning sporting communities in London with hundreds of members on its books. Based in the heart of the Bermondsey Beer Mile, the route often begins at the clubhouse, a cafe-bar under an archway in Bermondsey, where you can also grab a post-run drink and socialise with fellow runners. There’s a heavy emphasis on the social aspect here – and the club prides itself on being responsible for at least 20 marriages and countless friendships across the capital.
Visit londoncityrunners.com
Black Girls Do Run, across London
Image: Jake Taplin
When founder Tasha Thompson started taking a keen interest in running in 1999, she soon noticed how few black female athletes were taking part in elite races. On a mission to change this, she founded Black Girls Do Run in 2019 and has since grown it into an England Athletics-affiliated, London-based running club to show that black women do and can run. With the goal of creating a community to help motivate more black women to run, the club has created a safe space that enhances the representation in running for enjoyment, friendship and boosting health. In the past, the club has taken part in group runs in Hyde Park and Fulham, as well as encouraging members at the Ealing half marathon, Harrow half marathon and Vitality races. To stay up to date with the club’s latest events, be sure to check out its website.
Visit blackgirlsdorun.co.uk
Onetrack Run Club, across London
Onetrack was founded in 2016 by Anthony Fletcher, formerly of Equinox Gym, to create a virtual and IRL community of runners to support one another, and it has now evolved into a club offering studio services, run clubs and an app. In-person sessions take place every week at Orchard Place in Westminster and Chelsea’s Duke of York Square, while daily virtual sessions allow you to dial in and be coached via headphones from wherever you are in the world. Plus, members are also privy to bespoke training plans, personal training and biomechanics assessments at Onetrack’s Soho and Liverpool Street studios. This is definitely more than your average run club.
Visit onetrack.club
Run Dem Crew, Spitalfields
Image: Simon R Photography
If there’s one thing you need to know about Run Dem Crew (RDC), it’s that it’s more than just a running club. Founded in 2007 by DJ, poet and writer Charlie Dark as an alternative to more traditional versions, RDC has grown from a casual run around the capital with friends to a multi-faceted organisation of creatives. Not only will you be able to join the fun 5km runs starting at the Lululemon store at Spitalfields Market every Tuesday evening (follow @run.dem.crew on Instagram for updates), RDC aims to uplift its members via mentoring and advice as well as hosting social events. The club accepts runners of all abilities, with members split into groups of similar level, and headphones are banned in order to help the group get to know each other. As the crew rules state: “If you only have time for yourself and your latest PB then please feel free to run elsewhere.” You heard it here first.
Visit rundemcrew.com
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