RunPackGuides · 5 min read
How to find a running crew or club near you
Where to find a running group near you: run shops, free weekly events, local clubs and apps. What to ask before your first run, and what to do if nothing fits.
Most towns have more running groups than you’d guess. They just don’t advertise much. The quickest places to look are your local running shop, free weekly timed events, and the clubs that meet in your nearest park. Here’s how to find one that fits.
1. Ask at a running shop
Many independent running shops host a free weekly group run from the store, often on a weekday evening. Even if they don’t, the staff usually know every group in town and which ones suit beginners. Check the shop’s website or ask at the counter.
2. Try a free weekly timed run
In many countries there are free, volunteer-run 5 km events every weekend in local parks, open to every pace including walkers. They aren’t crews, but they’re full of people who run regularly, and plenty of crews started as “shall we do this together next week?”.
3. Look up local clubs
Search “running club” plus your town. Traditional clubs usually have coached sessions, pace groups and a small yearly fee. Their websites tend to say which sessions are beginner-friendly. If you’re not sure whether you want a club or something looser, here’s the difference between a running club and a running crew.
4. Check social apps and local groups
Strava clubs, Meetup, Facebook groups and Instagram accounts for your city are where newer crews tend to post their runs. Search your city name with “run club” or “run crew”.
5. Ask people you already know
Colleagues, gym friends, parents at the school gate: someone usually runs and would welcome company. Two people with a regular time is already a crew.
What to ask before your first run
- What pace does the group run? Ask whether anyone gets left behind. A good group says it waits or loops back.
- How far, and where does it start? Knowing the route makes the first run far less stressful.
- Is it a social run or a training session? Intervals on a track feel very different from a chatty 5 km.
- Do I need to sign up or pay? Most crews are free. Clubs may ask you to join after a few trial sessions.
Your first group run
Arrive a few minutes early, tell whoever’s leading that it’s your first time, and run at the back if you’re unsure. Nobody minds. Most groups were built by people who once turned up alone.
If nothing fits, start your own
It takes two people and a regular time. Our guide on how to start a running group covers the rest. If you want somewhere for the crew to share runs between meetups, RunPack gives a small group a private feed, free for up to 4 people on iPhone.