Running groups in London

Run Dem Crew likes to run, travel, party and repeat, which probably explains why there are hundreds of members and counting. Plus, the founder is Charlie Dark, a renowned DJ, poet and writer who launched RDC in 2007 with a plan to roll music culture, running, youth mentoring and community all into one awesome movement. So far, so good – and the crew has now gone from a Tuesday night run in Shoreditch to being based out of the lululemon store in Spitalfields.

How to join: Just show up – check the FAQs on the RDC website for all the details.

If you dream of clocking up faster splits, you might like TrackMafia – a free weekly session led by a group of fun-loving speedsters every Thursday at Paddington Recreation Ground. The aim of the game is to stick to a four-week training cycle to whittle down your pace. Don’t be put off if you can’t commit to that, though – you’ll still be able to benefit from whatever sessions you can make.

How to join: Email info@trackmafia.co.uk or turn up ready to Paddington Recreation Ground at 6.30pm for 7pm. 

The Outrunners is a running group based in Hackney that allows you to improve your stride and give back to the community. As well as an adult running club, the organisation is also a youth charity that runs social mentoring and youth leadership programmes. Once you become a member following some trial sessions, you’ll be able to grow your running community and help out at their sports youth clubs, career events and more.

How to join: Take part in a trial session first – find the details on their website.

This fun community of city fitties might have a nocturnal name, but don’t be alarmed – they won’t be expecting you to lace up in the middle of the night. Instead, they tear through town at more respectful evening hours, armed with music systems so they can party on the move. But it's not just their big choons that's the draw. The Midnight Runners do a free music-fuelled 'bootcamp run' in Central London, and once in a while, they get together for a weekend run followed by an after-party at 1am. Because, why not?

How to join: You'll need to download the Heylo app to find their events – all the details are on their website.

The Finsbury Flyers team were formerly run leaders at Lazy Girl Running and are committed to continuing the ethos of that club – namely, fostering a safe space for women to get their run on in a judgement-free, low-pressure environment. They promise that you won’t get left alone or behind while being encouraged to run at a pace that’s comfortable for you.

How to join: Find their runs on the Finsbury Flyers website – sign up online.

This kick-arse community aims to get more women involved in endurance racing, and they’re doing a brilliant job so far. After becoming the female winner in the 2014 Race to the Stones ultra-marathon, founder Sorrell Walsh changed the male-to-female ratio of participants in the 2015 race from 80:20 to 61:39. WMNRUN sessions in London take place once a month and are always free to join.

How to join: Visit their website for a list of their upcoming runs or join the private Facebook group for more info. 

This women-only group aims to help its members not only make the daunting move from thinking about running to actually doing it but also build up their skills and stamina as they go. Run With Hart meets every Tuesday evening in Fordham Park and welcomes runners of all abilities.

How to join: Find their schedule on the website – runs cost £7.

This running club welcomes LGBT+ and gay-friendly people from across the spectrum. London Frontrunners hit the streets four times a week for routes ranging from a (relatively) leisurely two miles to a hamstrung-taxing 8.5 miles. All their routes begin in central locations like Hyde Park and the South Bank – and they enjoy fun as much as runs. Last one to Old Compton Street buys the first round...

How to join: Visit the website for full details – you can join the runs for one month without being a member, but they ask you sign up for membership beyond that.

Looking to roll a little volunteering in with your run? Kill two birds with one stone by meeting like-minded people and doing something for your neighbourhood with a GoodGym event. They match social and environmental odd-jobs up with comfortable 5Ks, with an emphasis on keeping things sociable rather than competitive. 

How to join: There are groups already started for boroughs all over London – just register on their site and they'll put you in touch with your local club.

London is full of beautiful parks, but how often do you actually get to go and enjoy them? Serpentine Running Club will help you up that park time while getting your exercise for the week in, with group runs in Hyde Park (Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings) and Richmond Park (Sunday mornings). Looking for something a bit steeper? Join a hill training session at Hampstead Heath, Primrose Hill or Greenwich Hills instead.

How to join: You’ll need to sign up for their membership, which costs £45 a year.

Your Friendly Runners meet four times a week, no matter what the weather is, to pound the pavements (or track). Based in east London, the group is hugely popular, attracting over 100 people on weekends. Choose from trail runs, track-based meets or 5 and 10K routes, safe in the knowledge you’ll have plenty of company to keep you motivated.

How to join them: Find their monthly schedules on their Instagram.

Queer Running Club was set up to give queer and trans people a safe space to run where they could be free from judgement and fear. The ever-growing group offers three opportunities a week to get your comfiest workout clothes on and join the welcoming crew for a run, with sessions varying from long runs, track training and drills.

How to join them: See their website for their schedule and book in advance via BEND.