Running clubs are having a real moment in Sydney right now. And why wouldn’t they be? Many of them are free, they cater to all sorts of running abilities, and they’re a great way to get some fresh air and meet new people.
If you live in Sydney/Eora, chances are you’re not too far from an awesome running club waiting to welcome you with open arms (and a few post-run beers, too). So, if you’re working up the courage to lace up and get stuck in, here is Urban List's pick of the hottest run clubs to try.
Pace Yourself Run Club
Centennial Park
Image credit: Pace Yourself Run Club | Instagram
Want to run in a fun and no-pressure environment? This club meets every Saturday morning to run one lap of Centennial Park and grab a coffee afterwards. It’s that simple - just show up and run at your own pace. They also host occasional Pastry Yourself runs, finishing at a bakery for some cheeky post-run treats.
THE DETAILS
When: Saturday 8am for 8.15am start
Where: Homestead Cafe in Centennial Park
Cost: Free
How to join: Follow @paceyourselfrunclub for event updates
Unofficial Run Club
Milsons Point
Image credit: Unofficial Run Clun | Instagram
This group started as a handful of mates who couldn’t get over the Harbour Bridge without stopping. Now, it hosts over 2,000 runners. Some run super fast, others not so much. Some even walk—but nobody gets left behind. The 6.5km route heads to Circular Quay and back. Many run shorter versions or just join for the post-run brekkie.
THE DETAILS
When: Friday 6am
Where: Bradfield Park, Milsons Point
Cost: Free
How to join: Head to the Unofficial Run Club website or follow @unofficialrunclub for updates
Kings Cross Track Club (KXTC)
Kings Cross
Image credit: Kings Cross Track Club | Instagram
With three sessions a week, there’s something to suit all abilities and fitness goals here. Social runs on Tuesday evenings are great for new runners and Saturday mornings offer long runs of 15+ km—perfect for half-marathon training. There’s also interval training on Thursday nights if you’re into that kind of thing.
THE DETAILS
When: Tuesday 6.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm, Saturday 7.30am
Where: Coke Sign, Kings Cross and E.S. Marks Athletics Field, Centennial Park for intervals
Cost: Free (interval sessions cost $6 track entry fee)
How to join: Check out the KXTC training schedule or follow @kingscrosstrackclub for updates
Chinatown Run Club
Haymarket
Image credit: Chinatown Run Club | Instagram
This group do things a little differently. There’s no set time and no set route. They let runners know where and when to meet ahead of each run via their Instagram page and a Whatsapp chat. They welcome all paces and abilities and are all about connecting people for a social workout.
THE DETAILS
When: No set days
Where: Haymarket (details vary)
Cost: Free
How to join: Follow @chinatownrunclubsyd for updates and DM for a link to the Whatsapp group
440 Run Club
Bronte Beach
Image credit: 440 Run Club | Instagram
If you love a side of beach sunrise with your workout, you’ll love this challenging 10-lap run of a 440-metre hill (hence the name). It’s open to people of all abilities and is as much about mental health as it is about running. If Bronte is too far, there are also 440 clubs in North Parramatta and Canada Bay.
THE DETAILS
When: Saturday 5am
Where: Bronte Beach, corner of Calga Place & Bronte Road
Cost: Free
How to join: Sign the waiver on the 440 Run Club website and follow @the_440 for updates
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Coastal Run Co
South Bondi
This one is open to all paces and ability levels. It’s a 30-minute run along the coastal path and there’s always a coffee and a catch-up afterwards. If you’re feeling competitive, you can log your run on the Strava group. Or you can just show up and enjoy the view—it's up to you.
THE DETAILS
When: 6.30am
Where: South Bondi - meet at the water fountain by the beach
Cost: Free
How to join: Follow @coastalrun.co and click on the link to their Strava and WhatsApp groups
Concept Run Club
Sylvania Waters
This is a great running club for runners who want to improve their fitness. Whether you’re new to running or want to chase down a marathon PB, the community-based trainers here adapt the workouts to suit your ability. From intervals to tempo runs, you’ll get a solid workout.
THE DETAILS
When: Friday 4pm
Where: Sylvania Waters Athletics Track
Cost: Free
How to join: Follow @concept.runclub
Sydney Harbour Runners
Darling Harbour
This group meets once a week for an evening run. There are multiple pace options ranging from 4:30 to 6:15 min/km. They offer two distances—one short run ( 6k-8k) and one longer run (11-13k). They also have somewhere to leave your bag which can be a real game-changer - especially if you want to socialise afterwards.
THE DETAILS
When: Tuesday 6pm
Where: Cockle Bay Wharf, Darling Harbour
Cost: Free
How to join: Check out the Sydney Harbour Runners website or follow @shrunners for updates.
Coogee Run Club
Coogee Beach
Image credit: Coogee Run Club | Instagram
This club meets four times a week with different distances on each day and a speed session every Wednesday morning. All paces and abilities are welcome and there’s a big social side to the group too. No need to sign up or pay for membership—just show up for the sessions and get stuck in.
THE DETAILS
When: Tuesday 6.30pm, Wednesday 6.30am, Thursday 6.15am, Sunday 8am
Where: Coogee Beach and Queens Park for speed sessions
Cost: Free
How to join: Details on the Coogee Run Club website and follow @thecoogeerunclub for updates
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Image credit: Image credit: 440 Run Club | Instagram
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