Thinking of joining a Run Club?

You've probably seen them all over your social media feeds – and the roads too. People often say you shouldn't join the crowd, but if they're running, maybe you should! They’re the craze in every Australian city and for good reason. Here are some are the benefits of joining a social run club and how to find one that’s right for you.

Benefits of joining a run club

Increased safety - running in a group provides extra safety, especially during low-light conditions.

Welcoming environment - clubs embrace diversity, making everyone feel valued and included, regardless of your ability. They’re perfect if you’re starting as a beginner runner.

Community impact - many clubs participate in local charity events, promoting health and supporting community ties.

Exploration opportunities - if you’re new to a city, what better way to explore than by running through it?

Social group with community support - you’re all in it together! Running clubs encourage commitment to a running schedule.

How to find a run club near you

Virgin Active - it wouldn't be a Virgin Active blog without our own plug. We host a Run Club in Melbourne from our Collins St club. Every Saturday, 9.10am. Be sure to check the timetable for any changes and to book your spot.

Running directories - websites like Runner's Tribe make it easy to find local options.

Social media platforms - many run clubs promote their activities on social media. Search for local running groups or check community pages for announcements and events.

Local running stores - take it from those who work in the industry. Visit your nearest running store, as they often have information about local clubs and may even sponsor their own running groups.

Parkrun events - Parkrun is a worldwide community run by volunteers! These free, 5 km runs through a park take place every Saturday morning from multiple locations across Australia and are great way to find community run clubs.

Strava running groups - Strava allows you to find local running clubs in the groups section of the app. Groups will promote events and allow you join via the app.

Our favourite Melbourne run clubs and why

Love the Run (Clifton Hill) – a running community

All are welcome at Love the Run. Every Tuesday, there is a longer distance endurance run around Merri Creek. Thursdays are built for speed with a tracked session, where you work on speed and race performance. This is organised by run lovers, who offer structured training sessions and help you improve and gain more confidence. The first 3 sessions are free, then only $5 after that.

Tanaka running club (Carlton) – for adventurers and coffee lovers

Based out of incredible local café Fenton Farmhouse, Tanaka kicks off every Wednesday morning from 6.30 am and a slower pace long-distance run on Sundays at 7.30 am. Boasting a different type of run every week, pace and run routes are shared from their Instagram, as well as other activities like social events. That morning coffee never tasted so good.

Virgin Active - Coffee and Cardio Community with Collins St 

Saving our personal favourite for last, of course! With your very own Collins St fitness professionals, join your local Virgin Active community for a run around the beautiful streets of Melbourne's CBD. Run with your favourite gym buddies, with no additional cost. It's a great way to start your weekend. Be sure to book in via mylocker.

Our favourite Sydney run clubs and why

Unofficial Run Club (Milsons Point) – the scenic route

Talk about taking the scenic route! Every Friday from 6am, the Unofficial Run Club takes you for a guided run across the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This is an inclusive running club that boasts more than 1,000 members. You’ll be glad to be up early for this one.

Chinatown Run Club (Chinatown) – for the flexible types

The Chinatown Run Club is a cultural running experience in Sydney’s Chinatown district. There are no fixed run times, with schedules uploaded to Instagram and WhatsApp prior to each run.

Now, you see what the rave is all about. Run clubs are more than just a club, they’re a community group, where you can meet people and have great experiences together - all while getting in a workout. We think they’re great, but it’s important remember to maintain a regular exercise regime as well. Let’s help you with that.