Bangkok’s top 9 run clubs

What is it? A fitness community with a refreshingly honest motto: ‘we run a little and socialise a lot.’ What started as a local crew has grown into one of the world’s largest social run clubs. 

How it all started: Three friends who hated running took on their shared dislike together. Organiser Steve Lim told us, ‘We thought, if we could bring enough people together to do something we all disliked, maybe we’d start to enjoy it. And we did.’ While racking up kilometres, they aimed to change Bangkok’s image. Beyond the usual chaos and traffic, they wanted to show the city as a space where movement, community and true well-being come alive. Then there’s the chili logo. An elephant almost made the cut but the spicy chili won out. ‘We wanted something playful that feels familiar and represents Thailand.’

What's the energy now? Always positive, warm and wholesome. Their crowd reads like a beautiful Bangkok melting pot – 65 percent Thai locals mixing with 35 percent international faces, from long-term expats to wide-eyed travellers. Sabai Sunday morning runs pull around 400 runners while their legendary Friday night sessions explode to over 1,000. Runs clock in at just 18-30 minutes sometimes. People literally fly in just to join.

How to join? Tap in on their Instagram. They wanted us to tell you to just rock up and ‘Run Sabai, it’s the only way to do it.’

What is it? Meet the punk-spirited crew shaking up Bangkok’s running scene. Ugly Running Training Club – URT for short – is less about lap times, more about theatre in motion. At Benjakitti Park, they trade performance metrics for eyeliner, loud playlists and chipped polish. It’s gritty, messy, oddly stylish – part run, part runway. Where others bring neon Lycra and polite nods, URT shows up with sequins and safety pins, turning each stride into a statement.

How it all started: As one of the original members, Pu Wongwaiwit tells us, it started with a loose circle of friends who laced up around the same time and ran simply because they felt like it. Once or twice a week, no pressure, no plan. What set them apart wasn’t distance or discipline, but a shared instinct for mischief – styling themselves somewhere between early-2000s indie band and post-party stragglers. The name stuck because it fit. Ugly wasn’t about looking rough. It was about rejecting the polished, protein shake version of running. 

What’s the energy now? There’s the faint echo of a subculture here – part music, part running crew, part found family. They’re not interested in conformity or curated lifestyles. What binds them is shared pace and politics: a refusal to separate style from sport or softness from strength. Arrive at Benjakitti on a URT day and you’ll find bodies moving in imperfect unison, matching each other beat for beat, not to win but to witness. There’s no hierarchy, no coach, no one yelling about hydration. Just movement and quite a bit of fun.

How to join? There’s no onboarding, no membership tier, no awkward icebreakers. If you fancy a run, just turn up – most mornings around 6.30am, Gate 3, Benjakitti Park, by the stretching zone. No one will ask your pace or your PB. There are occasional events too – equal parts chaos and charm – announced via cryptic Instagram posts at @ugly_running_training_club. Just lace up and show up.

What is it? Self-proclaimed ‘Daydrinker & Runner Club’ – because why choose? This is basically a found-family for Chiang Mai kids living in Bangkok who realised they could miss home a little less if they ran together and drank together.

How it all started: Some friends from up north who ended up in Bangkok for work or school, feeling a bit homesick, figuring out Bangkok life together. They'd meet up, run once or twice a week when they felt like it, no big deal. Then they went to a running event at theCOMMONS Sala Daeng and had this lightbulb moment: ‘Oh, this is a thing people do.’ So they made it official. 

What's the energy now? It's just good vibes and real connections, and no, you don’t need to be from Chiang Mai to join (although it helps with the banter). They went from a few friends to 30+ runners in six months. The core crew – Palm, Doljai, Top, Poom, Cindy, Mok, Lek – they've nailed this balance between actually running and actually having fun (their ‘Hidden Agenda,’ if you will). They team up with theCOMMONS for 5K-10K-15K challenges and everyone's welcome whether you're chasing PRs or just chasing the post-run hangout. 

How to join? Hit them up on Instagram @cnx_bkk.brotherhood. Slide into the DMs, ask when they're running next. You don't have to be from Chiang Mai – they're not gatekeeping. Just show up ready to move and probably grab drinks after.

What is it? Cruise Control Run Club breaks the mould of typical running groups, being a streetwear culture within a running community. It’s a reflection of who the founders are: gear heads and sneaker enthusiasts who’ve always believed performance wear should look as good as it feels.

How it all started: A casual run led to the start of another great community. ‘My wife and I went for a run exploring Bangkok’s streets on foot for the first time,’  reveals founder Kantapong Angsuphant. ‘It felt like a fresh way to see the city. Then we invited friends to join, took photos and reels and suddenly people were asking when the next run was. From there, it naturally grew into something more.’

What’s the energy now? The energy welcomes everyone from first-time runners to seasoned marathoners and ultra runners alike. What makes their approach so authentic is that the creators say they aren’t coaches or experts either and that's exactly their strength. 

How to join? Connect with them through Cruise Control Run Club and just show up. If you’re second-guessing your ability to run, here’s their take: ‘We’re not coaches or experts. If you’re doubting yourself or thinking you can’t run, just try. The hardest part is getting up for that first run. It takes courage and consistency, but once you start, you’ll be surprised how far you can go. Just take that first step.’

What is it? SarDine is a Bangkok-born run crew that’s become more than just a weekly fitness meetup. It’s a rotating Saturday run club that attracts a mix of regulars and new faces, plus city-based pop-up events. Free, unpretentious and driven by pure love for the run.

How it all started: ‘It started with a few of us,’ tells one of the founding members, Krittin Yoopongpitak.  Quiet at first – just a group of friends running for the joy of it – but word spread fast and now it’s on our list. Crews from across the city began reaching out and suddenly SarDine turned into a city-wide running spectacle. A simple jog snowballed into the kind of movement that builds itself when the vibe is right.

What’s the energy now? It’s never just about pace. People come for the endorphins, stay for the chats and leave with new friends. Whether you’re sprinting or strolling, the common thread is that everyone here actually likes running. And that shared mindset makes all the difference. 

How to join? There’s no signup and you’ve got two ways in: show up for the Saturday runs rotating between Suan Rot Fai, Lumpini and Benjakitti or join their buzzy city events.

What is it? A community-focused running club that's all about making fitness accessible and fun. They've built a reputation as one of Bangkok's most welcoming crews, hosting runs that cater to all fitness levels with no pressure to keep up.

How it all started: MMRC emerged from Bangkok's growing run club culture, positioning itself as a laid-back alternative to more intense training groups. The club found its rhythm by partnering with venues like theCOMMONS for bi-monthly morning sessions, creating a consistent meetup space where runners could connect. They've collaborated on special events including Pride Month runs, demonstrating their commitment to inclusivity and community building.

What's the energy now? The vibe is inclusive and pressure-free. Morning sessions typically start around 7am with a brief briefing, followed by runs that accommodate different paces. What sets MMRC apart is the post-run hangout culture – coffee, snacks and socializing are as important as the run itself. The club attracts a mix of avid runners, casual joggers and first-timers looking to ease into fitness without intimidation.

How to join? Check their Instagram @meepmeeprunclub for upcoming runs. Walk-ins are welcome at most events, though some special city routes require pre-booking. Show up 15 minutes early for the briefing.

What is it? An exclusive running community that lives by the motto ‘Sip, Stride and Socialise.’ Part of the Brew Yoga Thailand family, this club combines performance running with post-workout indulgence.

How it all started: Founded by Brew Yoga Thailand, the club began as casual jogs among friends before evolving into a more structured community focused on creating memorable experiences. They have since collaborated with brands like Ichitan on vertical fun runs and hosted themed events, including Squid Game inspired meetups featuring paddle tennis challenges.

What's the energy now? Brew Run Club brings together over 16,000 Instagram followers who appreciate the blend of performance and pleasure. The atmosphere is upbeat and social, with runs followed by curated beverage experiences (coffee, tea, cocktails or smoothies). They organise everything from standard park runs to creative events like vertical building runs. It's about the journey and the celebration afterwards, where ‘every step and sip brings us closer.’

How to join? Follow @brewrunclub_ on Instagram. Many events require pre-registration through platforms like Ticketmelon. They host regular sessions and special events throughout the year, often with brand collaborations.

What is it? A crew that wears their whole vibe in their name: 'just fabulous, we don't mean any other fab.' RNFL brings the personality – and the looks – to Bangkok's running scene.

How it all started: It started with a simple idea: running should be as fabulous as you are. So they carved out their own lane, refusing to take it all too seriously while still genuinely loving the sport. Along the way, they've built their identity through creative collabs – like their partnership with Secret Sealing Bag (SCSL) for custom gear with playful parody designs and reflective details.

What's the energy now? Nearly 4,000 people follow along on Instagram and for good reason. RNFL's all about performance meeting personality. They do everything from regular runs to trail camps, always with that signature fabulous twist. You'll find them at major events like the Amazing Thailand Marathon, plus they're constantly cooking up brand collabs and venue partnerships. Their motto says it all: they're serious about running, but even more serious about enjoying every step with style and good company.

How to join? Tap into @runnowfablater for run announcements and special events. Watch for merch drops too – wearing their gear is basically your membership card.

What is it? Beer and running in harmony. Part of a global movement with over 100 chapters worldwide.

How it all started: The whole thing kicked off over 10 years ago in Copenhagen when brewery founder Mikkel Borg Bjergsø and his mates decided they needed to lose their 'beer weight.' Bangkok jumped in early – one of the first international chapters, even before Tokyo. The philosophy's refreshingly honest: 'Don't be too serious about your sports, but don't forget to do your exercise.' 

What's the energy now? First Saturday of every month, 5.30pm sharp at Mikkeller Bangkok in Ekkamai. The crew tackles a regular 5.6km route around the neighborhood – nothing brutal, just enough to work up a proper thirst. Cross the finish line and you've earned yourself a complimentary house beer. Want in on the global action? Grab an official MRC shirt at the bar and you're a lifetime member with access to run at any chapter worldwide, plus 10% off at all Mikkeller spots. They also throw casual Wednesday runs at Lumpini Park if the monthly session doesn't fit your schedule.

How to join? Rock up to Mikkeller Bangkok (26 Ekkamai 10 Alley) at 5.30pm on the first Saturday of the month. No sign-up. Buying the official shirt unlocks the global membership perks. First-timer? Perfect. Beginners are more than welcome. That cold one waiting at the end makes everything worth it.