The 12 best running clubs in Melbourne

We had to start this list with Parkrun – arguably the most famous running club in the community. This free, weekly 5km run takes place on Saturday mornings in parks and open spaces across Melbourne. It’s all about creating a positive, inclusive and welcoming environment, so there’s no time limit and no one finishes last. Walkers, joggers and spectators are also welcome, while young runners can try the Sunday morning 2km junior parkrun for kids aged 4 to 14.

When: Weekly, Saturdays at 8am
Where: various locations across Melbourne

This supportive running club caters for a range of abilities and a variety of distances. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just trying to finish the course non-stop, runners will benefit from the in-group coach, post-run cool down and social environment. Don’t forget a ‘Love The Run’ t-shirt or cap to really prove your allegiance. The first three sessions are free and then cost $5 each.

When: Weekly on Tuesdays at 6pm and Fridays at 5.30am 
Where: Clifton Hill locations

With a 100-year history, this well-established community running club has a wide offering for beginners to the more experienced (and competitive) runners. Newbies are encouraged to join the weekly Wednesday run, before branching out to the distance or interval groups.

When: Weekly on Wednesdays at 6pm
Where: Corner of Gleadell Street and Highett Street, Richmond

This next club may be considered disturbing to some of our readers. Disturbingly awesome. The dedicated members of this group meet at 12.30pm every day on the lunch break of their city jobs for group training, ranging from marathons, sprints, steps and scenic park runs. For a yearly fee of $20, city workers really can’t go wrong with this group.

When: Weekdays at 12.30pm
Where: The 'Pillars of Wisdom' at the Tan Running Track

This South Melbourne club claims to be “Melbourne’s most social running group” – and with each run followed by a sponsored drink from the Limerick Arms Hotel, it’s easy to see why. All abilities are welcome to join the 3.5km or 5km timed circuit around Albert Park Lake. The first run is free and then costs $5.

When: Weekly on Tuesdays from 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start
Where: Limerick Arms Hotel in South Melbourne

This uber-cool inner-city running club has a focus on the hospitality industry, aiming to provide a safe and healthy release from the everyday grind. The 25-30 minute run involves two laps of Carlton Gardens at a sociable six-minute per kilometre pace, which is completed as a unit so that no one gets left behind. A post-run coffee is provided from some of Melbourne’s best roasters.

When: Fortnightly on Wednesdays at 7am
Where: Maap LAB in Collingwood

Promoting inclusion in athletics, Achilles Melbourne is the city’s premier running club for people with a disability. Regular sessions are held at the iconic Tan running track, with volunteer runners guiding athletes with vision impairment and physical disabilities to run or walk at their pace and achieve their individual fitness goals. A yearly payment of $30 is required, which includes a running t-shirt.

When: Weekly on Sundays at 8.30am
Where: Janet Lady Clarke Rotunda at the Tan Running Track

Runners at this club get access to a full-time Olympic-level coach, who is available around the clock to help all abilities, from those working on getting to their first 1km non-stop to those wanting to finish quicker at the pointy end of a race. Most sessions include a warm-up, stretching, drills, strides, speed work and a cool-down.

When: Weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9.30am and 5pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 8am
Where: Various locations across Edithvale

This community running club operates in a similar way to your mum’s book club – it’s all about the chat and the coffee. The non-competitive group departs bright and early from Carlton, before settling in for a post-run coffee. Regular social gatherings and challenges are also scheduled throughout the year.

When: Weekly on Wednesdays at 6.30am
Where: 140 Rathdowne St, Carlton

This inclusive running and walking club brings together members of the LGBTIQ+ community and allies and is open to everyone regardless of ability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. Runs take place across Melbourne’s most iconic locations, including the Tan, Albert Park Lake, Princes Park and Footscray Wharf, with post-run coffees and monthly dinners available after some sessions.

When: Weekly on Tuesdays at 6.30am, Wednesdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays and Sundays at 8.30am 
Locations: Various across Melbourne

Runners of all abilities are welcome at this middle-distance and endurance running group, which includes interval work, drills and the local parkland hills. The friendly and inclusive club counts Olympic medal winners, Australian record holders and Commonwealth Games representatives among its alumni.

When: Weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm
Where: Harold Stevens Athletic Track, Coburg North

If Melbourne’s unpredictable weather has made you question leaving the house to go for a run, then you’ll love Run Club. With a variety of structured indoor running classes on offer, you can build your speed, strength, endurance and overall health and fitness without worrying about the weather forecast. Classes are friendly, supportive and suitable for all running levels. An introductory offer of 5 classes for $49 is available for newbies.

When: Daily, various times
Where: 98-100 Chestnut Street, Cremorne