There’s no denying it—hot girl walks are out and run clubs are in, with every man and his dog currently in their running era. And judging by the hordes of runners crowding Brisbane/Meanjin’s footpaths of a morning, there’s plenty of run clubs that meet all over town, ready to help you hit the pavement if you’re keen to join them.
Whether you’re chasing a familiar runner’s high, need some motivation to get you going or have heard that run clubs are the new dating apps, run clubs are welcoming to anyone who likes moving their body in some sort of forward motion. And to be honest, for most run clubs you don’t even have to like running, you just have to like sweaty, post-run chats and treats. Whatever your reason is for running, we asked Urban List readers to tell us the best run clubs in Brisbane, and here’s what they said.
Unfit Run Club
Various Locations
With a tagline of ‘Beer. Coffee. Running.’, you know Unfit Run Club has their priorities right. The concept is simple—you run, then you treat yourself at a local business. Plus you get to meet new people, or run with your friends, kids and even doggo. They don’t even care if you hate running—just don your activewear and come for the beer or coffee.
The group meets up to four times per week and usually runs anywhere between 3km-5km, which you can complete at your own pace. Keep an eye on their Instagram or website to stay in the loop about locales and their next move (also be sure to register in advance).
Soso’s Run Club
Newstead And South Brisbane
Another Brisbane run club that’s as much about the chat and treats as it is about the running, Soso’s was only founded in February 2023 but already has hundreds of regular attendees. Meeting at Waterfront Park in Newstead every Saturday morning at 6am and every second Wednesday in Fish Lane, South Brisbane at 6pm, there’s a coffee afterwards in it for the weekend runners and a Fishbowl feed for the Wednesday nighters. Whether you are a runner, walker or just there for the coffee and chats afterwards, everyone is welcome.
Run Society
West End
Alright, if you want to get serious about your running, but still appreciate a good chat, West End’s Run Society heads out for two free casual running sessions a week that are run by experienced coaches—but are still open to all abilities. Every Monday afternoon and Friday morning session is planned and curated, using interval training to improve your speed, technique and endurance. Then, on the last Sunday morning of every month you can join them for a long run and slowly see your progress improve week by week. It’s not all heavy breathing and sweat though, they still enjoy a good coffee and yarn on Friday mornings.
Club KT
Newstead
Image credit: Club KT | Instagram
Tie your laces and stretch your hammies, because coach Katie Dall from Club KT is here to help you lean into to your love of running. Every Friday morning, Monday afternoon and the last Sunday morning of every month, you’ll find this Brisbane run club snaking their way along the Newstead riverwalk before enjoying post-exercise snacks at Fishbowl, Fruitbowl or Woolshed. While the vibe is fun, friendly and casual, Coach Katie happens to be a qualified personal trainer and running coach with over 15 years of running experience—so she’s full of advice and tips to help you improve your stride.
Intraining
Various Locations
If you’re just here for the dating opps, scroll on down, because Intraining is one for those more focused on improving their running than their romantic life. Run by professional coaches, your first session is free, and then $8 per session for club members and $14 for casual attendance. With meeting spots all over Brisbane, no matter what your goal is, there’s a group for you, from beginners or those getting back into it after an injury to the serious sorts who are putting in the long yards in training for a full marathon (we don’t understand you at all, but you do you).
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Fitaz Run Club
Kangaroo Point
FitazFK has made waves for being one of the best gyms in Brisbane, so of course they’ve got their own Brisbane run club—and you don’t need to be a gym member to join them. Every Thursday morning, enjoy the city views as you weave through Kangaroo Point, whether that's by walking, running or jogging. We have to be honest, the 5.30am start is a hard no for us, but if you can get yourself out of bed to show up and get it done, we salute you. Managed by expert coaches, their outdoor run program is designed to improve your speed, build strength and boost your endurance—they’re even the official run club for the Brisbane Marathon if that’s on your 2024 bingo card.
Fearlss Walk And Run Club
South Bank
Every Saturday morning at 5.50am you’ll find South Bank awash with the runners of the Fearlss Walk And Run Club, who walk or run between 1km-5km around the parklands and then reward themselves with breakfast at Newports Cafe. Welcoming of all and committed to sharing wins big and small, this group is for anyone who wants to be motivated and kept accountable. There’s even a weekly prize for the most improved or best team player, so lace up.
Got The Runs
Various Locations
Image credit: Got The Runs | Instagram
It’s pretty clear Got The Runs has a great sense of humour and this energy translates to their weekly runs, which they switch up at different locations every month—keep an eye out on their Instagram to see where they’re heading next. For those who are in it for more than just the baked goods, they also operate a rotating four-week-long run program led by Coach Jamie Hunter RVP. All abilities are welcome for this one, and you can still get that sweet caffeine hit afterwards, but definitely be prepared to work up a sweat.
Brisbane Girls Run Club
Kangaroo Point And Newstead
Sorry guys, this one is exclusively for the girlies. With Brisbane Girls Run Club you can get in a 30 minute run every Wednesday morning at 6am in Newstead and Sunday morning at 6am in Kangaroo Point—and do it just with girls (and maybe a few doggos). Whether you’re in it to make some new friends or just avoid sweaty, shirtless bodies, join them for a friendly jog and then stay for a coffee and a post-run chat at a local cafe afterwards.
Galeforce Running Squad
Various Locations
Galeforce Running Squad puts on a jam-packed schedule of running groups all over town, so there’s guaranteed to be one you can squeeze into your weekly routine. Run by qualified coaches with a wealth of experience, the paid session options include interval training, track, sprint, trails and long slow runs, so whatever your goal, they can help you get there.
Watts Athletica
Milton
If the ‘atheltica’ in their name hasn’t already scared you off, you must be pretty into running—so Watts’ weekly group sessions could be for you. The creation of Shiloh Watts, a legend in the Brisbane running scene, Watts Athletica’s running coaches include an actual Olympian, so you know you’re in good hands. For the beginners and those just looking for some running company, their free run club departs Suncorp Stadium every Wednesday night at 6pm, while for those keen to work for every kilometre and hit a new PB with every session, their Intermediate/Advanced sessions cost $20 per week and run every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 5.15am.
If you're looking for more ways to get active, head here:
Image credit: Unfit Run Club | Instagram
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