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Runners, Lace Up: Find Your Tribe at the 13 Best London Run Clubs
Let's make some friends, shall we?
Joining one of London's run clubs can add a whole new dimension to your running training – it's no secret that committing to meet other people for a workout can help you keep accountable, and there may even be a coach or a veteran marathoner on hand to give you a few pointers on form and fuel. Bonus: you'll probably make some new friends too.
What to expect: well, it depends on the club. Choices range from track clubs to attend if you're looking to increase your speed, branded crews that head off from the same spots every week, plus, tribes that celebrate the end of their Sunday long runs with brunch. WH repeats: pancakes, avo toast and all things porridge. We're sold.
Some of these London run clubs are free, some require payment, but all have one thing in common: they'll help you level up your runs.
Onetrack Run Club
What? Run by Equinox Precision running coach Anthony 'Fletch' Fletcher, Onetrack’s free weekly track sessions are based on an interval format, aimed at building speed and endurance.
You’re likely to learn about the science of running – expect to start flinging around terms like ‘lactate thresholds’, ‘negative splits’ and ‘fartleks’ after hitting the track with Fletch. The free weekly sessions take place Monday at 6.45pm – 8pm, and are open to all levels.
Where? Duke of York Square in Chelsea.
How much? Free. Head to onetrack.club to register.
LDN Brunch Club
What? LDN Brunch Club are, as the name suggests, a running tribe that cherish pancake stacks as much as they do fitting in those sweet Sunday long runs. But you need to be quick off the mark. Applications to join the run crew open twice a year, so don't miss out.
Where? Runs kick off from Shoreditch every Sunday morning.
How much? £50.00 per season for new members, £40.00 for returning, with exclusive discounts to races and a free crew t shirt when you join. ldnbrunchclub.co.uk
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New Balance Run Club
What? If you're free on Monday or Thursday evenings, lace up at the New Balance Run Club, which brings a community of runners together and provides training every week, for free. Open to all abilities.
Where? Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 pm from the New Balance Oxford Street Flagship store. The club is open to all ability levels from novice to elite runners.
How much? Free. Head to newbalance.com.sg/en/run-club or the New Balance RC Facebook page .
REP Runners
What? If you're looking to up your speed or squeeze tempo runs in with a 7-minute mile pace group, head to REP. They're one of the only fast paced training groups that regularly run from central London, and the rules are simple: say hi, no judging, don't stop and, remember – have fun.
Where? Every Tuesday 6:30pm from 26 Rathbone Place W1.
How much? Free, head to the REP Runners Facebook page for more information.
If you're up for a challenge this year, check out our 15 Best Half Marathons in the UK
Run Dem Crew
What? Runner or non-runner, if you live in London you'll likely have heard of Run Dem Crew: they're one of the City's original running tribes, formed in 2007, which now has over 500 members and counting.
Where? Runs always start at 7pm, from various locations across the City. Check the Run Dem Crew Facebook page for weekly announcements.
How much? Prices vary, contact info@rundemcrew.com or head to rundemcrew.com for more information.
Track East
What? A brainchild of the Run Dem Crew team, if you live or work in East London and are on the hunt for a personal best, track work and, more specifically, Track East, is for you. Their sessions are open to everyone regardless of ability or experience.
Plus, if you're new to track and a little intimidated, they run beginner sessions throughout the year. All they ask is that you bring #CrewLove and #GoodVibesOnly.
Where? Every Thursday at Mile End Park Stadium starting at 6:45pm.
How much? £3.55 for stadium entry. Head to the Track East Facebook page for more.
Track Life LDN
What? Like the sound of fun-filled, motivation-building speed sessions guaranteed to take your running to a new level? Track Life LDN welcomes you. All founders Rory and Omar ask is that you bring energy and a positive attitude – they promise to do the rest to get you to any start line as a 'fitter, stronger, better version of yourself'.
Want to run with the crew but not looking to do speed work? They've also partnered with the Pullman London St Pancras to host free monthly run starting in Kings Cross, London.
Where? Battersea Park track
How much? £10.00 a session. For more information, head to tracklifeldn.com.
Track Mafia
What? One of London's more secretive running clubs, Track Mafia discourages members from posting on social media about their workouts, instead asking you to focus on enjoying your miles and interact with the new people you meet. Sounds good, right? Head to the track for speed drills, an unforgettable vibe and the occasional core workout.
Where? Every Thursday at Paddington Recreation Grounds.
How much? Free. Head to the Track Mafia Instagram for more.
WMN RN run club
What? In their own words, women – wild, brave and brazen, who want to explore, to seek a challenge, to push a limit and break it down. WMN RN aims to elevate, not segregate, and encourages men to come along for the miles, too. All paces welcome.
Where? Head along on Friday mornings from Origin Coffee Scoresby street for a 4.5 mile run or Saturday mornings from varying locations for 10 mile and up runs. Calendar on the website.
How much? Free. Check out the WMN Run Instagram or their website, wmnrun.com.
Lazy Girl Running Beginners Run Club
What? Put your best foot forward with the Lazy Girl Running crew. Designed for beginner runners, their aim is to take you from 0 to 5k and beyond. Head along if you like the idea of running but find it all a bit, well, painful. It can be fun and it can be something you can do.
Where? Finsbury Park
How much? Free, head to lazygirlrunning.com for more details.
Beginner runner? Here's a 10-week run/walk plan to help you ease in gently.
Midnight Runners
What? Don’t worry, you won’t actually have to run in the wee hours. Despite their name, Midnight Runners' sessions take place at more reasonable evening hours. This Reebok-sponsored club is all about the tunes, and speakers are carted along on runs to provide a beat to your pavement pounding.
Where? All over. Head over to their Facebook page for an events listing. Or just follow the bass.
How much? Free. Visit midnightrunners.com/london for deets.
Runner's Need JustRun Run Club
What? Whether you're aiming for 5K, 10K or just a little jog, JustRun encourages lacing-up, stepping out and just – well, running. Plus, you can collect stamps at their free weekly run club and in turn earn exclusive rewards. Bonus: after your first 3 runs you'll get an exclusive goody bag and a Just Run T-Shirt.
Where? Stores across the City, including Camden, Canary Wharf and Clapham Junction.
How much? Again, free of charge. Head to runnersneed.com for more information.
Adidas Runners
What? You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to runs on offer for this group. The club has at least 4 sessions every week – one south of the river, one in the north, and two women’s runs. Rumour has it Adidas’ world-famous athletes pop in for a visit every now and then too…
Where: Various locations throughout London. Join their Facebook group to keep your finger on the pulse.
How much? Free. Visit www.adidas.co.in/adidasrunners or their Facebook group to find out more.
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