RunPackGuides · 4 min read
How to start a running club at work
Start a workplace running club: finding the first runners, lunchtime vs after-work runs, routes from the office, mixed paces, and keeping it going.
A workplace running club is one of the easiest groups to start: everyone is already in the same place at the same time. All you need is a slot, a route and a couple of people willing to go first.
Find the first few runners
Post in the office chat: “Anyone up for an easy 5 km at lunch on Wednesday? All paces.” Three people is enough to start. Say clearly that beginners are welcome; that’s what most people worry about.
Lunchtime or after work?
- Lunchtime: nobody has to stay late, but you need somewhere to change and ideally a shower.
- After work: more time, but evening plans compete with it.
- Before work: the most reliable for the people who come; the hardest for everyone else.
Routes from the office
Plan one or two loops straight from the door, short enough to fit in a lunch break with time to change. A loop lets faster runners add a lap. More in how to plan a running route.
Make all paces welcome
Run at the pace of the slowest person, regroup often, and have someone at the back. See how to lead a group run.
Keep it going
- Same day, same time, every week.
- Rotate who leads so it doesn’t depend on one person.
- Enter a local race together once or twice a year.
- Keep it optional and friendly: no pressure on people who miss a week.
Ask about support
Some employers will help with a club: shower access, a race entry, or matching charity donations. It’s worth asking once the club is running.
How RunPack helps
With RunPack, the club gets a private feed of everyone’s runs, including the ones people do on their own between club runs. Free for up to 4 people; one person with RunPack Plus covers a club of up to 30. Read more about RunPack as a running club app.