How to Find a Running Club Near You
Running with others makes the miles easier and the weeks more fun. Here is how to find a club that fits your pace and your schedule.
What to look for
Clubs differ more than you'd think. Check these before you turn up:
- Pace groups: most social clubs run several, so no one gets left behind
- Day, time and start point: pick one you can keep
- Beginner or couch-to-5k sessions
- Free trial sessions before you pay for membership
Your first night
Arrive ten minutes early and tell the leader it is your first time. They will put you with a group of similar pace. You don't need special kit beyond comfortable trainers; a light layer and a head torch help in winter.
Parkrun and beyond
Free weekly timed runs, such as parkrun, are a friendly entry point, and many clubs run social sessions around them. Once you're comfortable, look at local 10k and half marathon events to give your training a goal.