Running in a group can give you the push you need to keep running consistently, as well as the confidence to trust your abilities and commit to taking running more seriously.
Whether you’re an experienced runner or a complete beginner, groups can be a great way to take your passion for running to the next level.
If you’re not sure where to start looking, we’ve put together this handy guide to help you find your dream running group or club.
Get ready to find your tribe, and share the joy of running with like-minded people!
List Your Expectations
Before you begin your search, you’ll need to have a firm idea of what exactly you’re looking for.
To help you understand your expectations, consider the following questions:
How often do you want to meet your group?
How big do you want the running group to be?
Do you want to run with people of the same ability or a mixture?
Do you want to run for fun or run to compete?
What sort of environment do you want to run in? (e.g., indoors, a dedicated outdoor track, or a local park?)
Find Running Clubs or Groups Online
One of the best ways to find a local running club or group is to search online.
There are many websites and apps built for this purpose, so to make things easier, we’ve compiled a shortlist of the most rated resources below.
Running Websites
Let’s take a look at the most highly rated websites for finding running groups and clubs near you.
Meetup.com
Meetup.com is a platform that helps users meet people with similar interests.
You can use meetup.com to find support, grow a small business, learn some new skills, and in this case, find running clubs!
There are hundreds of running groups and clubs advertised on the website, with plenty to choose from in each state.
It’s never been easier to find the right group for you.
Road Runners Club Of America
The Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) was founded in 1958. It’s the largest and oldest running organization in the U.S.
The organization supports community running clubs and local events and connects runners of all ages and abilities to their ideal match.
The RRCA has its own ‘find a running club’ section on its website, so you can search for groups and clubs by state and find the right one for you.
This app was designed to help people organize and find players for sports events and games.
With Find a Player, you can search for running clubs looking to recruit new members and sign up to participate in local running events.
In just a few clicks, you can be ready to go!
ENDALGO
ENDALGO is an app made for people looking for outdoor activities and sports clubs nearby.
With ENDALGO, you can also take matters into your own hands and build your own club, sourcing other runners through the app!
OuiRun
If you want an app where you can find running buddies and groups, OuiRun is the app for you.
With OuiRun, you can find a small group of friends to go running with, or if you want to find a larger group, you can look for running sessions and local groups nearby.
Book your place through the app, and get started in just a few clicks!
Finding Running Clubs And Groups For Kids
If your kids are desperate to get stuck into running, there are plenty of ways you can find the right running club or group for them.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular resources below.
ACTIVEKids
ACTIVEKids is the largest activity site on the web. It’s an excellent way to find running groups and clubs (and other sports clubs!) for your kids to get involved in.
Whether you’re looking for a one-off event to keep them occupied or a long-term club to improve their abilities, there’s something for everyone.
School Clubs
If your child is apprehensive about meeting new people, why not enroll them in a club or group through school?
Many schools offer their own after-school running clubs – some are held on-site, others involve outings to separate tracks or gyms.
However, your child is likely to be surrounded by familiar faces. This is great if they need a confidence boost to hit the ground running (literally!).
Signup For Local Races
If finding a club online isn’t for you, why not signup for some local races?
Most cities host their own 5k or 10k fun runs on a regular basis, and anyone can sign up!
These are frequently advertised online, in local shops and newspapers, or sometimes on flyers delivered directly to your door.
This can also be the perfect way to get started with a running group – many members run local races in their free time, and if you talk to the right people, it’s quite possible you’ll be allowed to tag along to a club meeting.
Check Noticeboards
As technology continues to take the world by storm, notice boards are no longer the ‘go-to’ resource for finding local events.
However, many people still advertise their services and events on boards in local shops, cafes, or restaurants.
Next time you take a visit, check out their business noticeboard for any relevant advertisements.
Many running clubs and groups like to attract local talent, so this can be a great way to find a smaller group that’s closer to home.
You may even see a few familiar faces!
Visit Your Local Gym
On your quest to find a new club, don’t forget to visit your local gym!
What better way to find running events than at a place full of fitness fanatics?
Gyms are a gold mine of advertisements and club representatives. You’ll often find clubs advertised on gym notice boards and windows.
If not, ask a member of staff, and they’ll put you in touch with any club or group representatives affiliated with the gym.
Running is one of the most popular sports in the world.
With the help of technology and an ever-growing love for the sport, it’s easier than ever to find a place to call home.
Whether you’re an amateur running for fun, or an experienced sprinter looking to get more competitive, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for.
There’s a world of opportunity out there, so lycra pants at the ready – we’re going running!
Hi, my name is Matt Williams and I have been competing in races all over the world for almost a decade. My love for running began when I was a child, always alongside my parents as they trained for their own triathlons.
I now chase the race all over the world, mixing my two passions - sightseeing and racing. I have been through 10 countries and countless cities, and I’m only getting started.
If you want to experience the high of finishing your first race, please enjoy my website full of advice and personal experience. Who knows - maybe I’ll see you on the track one day!
