Hit the tarmac with a group. It's a great way to keep motivated and socialise while keeping fit. It's also a safer way to navigate busy roads and longer runs that might see you running in the dark. Joburg has several running clubs that host weekly time trials (usually 5km to 8km runs) that are open to non-members.
To make it easy, join a Park Run or a regular running group. Also, look out for locally organised social running clubs like Soweto-based groups Dope Run Cru, which starts at the Virgin Active at Jabulani Mall, and Thesis Run Cru, which departs from the Eyethu Lifestyle Centre in Mofolo. Alexandra-based running club Alex Run starts its long-distance runs around the township from the Altrec Sports Centre. We've heard good things about the Natural Running Co who host runs at Delta Park and in Blairgowrie as well as the Run Zone Athletics Club in the Randburg area and the Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club in Bedfordview.
If you're not familiar with the city or suburban roads, you can easily find running buddies using websites like Runner's World or the magazine's Twitter/X account.
Here's our list of running clubs we think you should join.
BENCHWARMERS RUNNERS CLUB
BRAAMFIE RUNNERS
Braamfie Runners is still in the business of welcoming everyone in and outside Braamfontein as no sign-up is needed. Weekly runs happen on Tue and Thu at 18:00; Sat at 07:00. All runs start from 153 Smit Street and continue into surrounding areas such as Auckland Park, Westcliff, and Milkpark.
Meet at 153 Smit Service Road, Braamfontein.
PARKRUN
ParkRun turns 20 this year, bringing hundreds of runners to Joburg's parks to take part in their weekly 5km running events (usually held every Sat at 08:00). These events are free and a great opportunity to get out and about early in the morning. No matter your fitness level you'll usually find somebody going at your pace. Many people also choose to walk the ParkRun. Joburg parks and nature reserves that host ParkRun events include Modderfontein Nature Reserve and Delta Park.
Find your nearest ParkRun here.
#LETTHEPEOPLERUN
#Letthepeoplerun is a group of road and trail runners who take part in weekly 4km, 6km, 8km, and 10km jaunts on Tue and Thu at 17:25 from Starbucks at Rosebank Mall. For those in the Parkview area, Wed evening runs start in February. Follow @run_tell_that for updates and running tips.
Meet at Starbucks Rosebank, Corner Tyrwhitt and Cradock Avenues, Rosebank.
THE PACK
The Pack is a running club with women in mind that also takes off from Rosebank. The Pack dominates the streets of Joburg with their weekly mixed-group runs ( Tue, Wed and Thu at 17:30 ) and women-only runs at 06:30 on Sat . The Pack hopes to create a comfortable, safe, and empowering space for women while motivating each other along the way. Zama and Zonke Mthethwa, founders of The Pack, said in an interview for Superbalist's blog that the club is about "creating connections and friendships, all through this simple act of running”. Follow @thepackrunning for updates on runs as well as safety and health tips.
Meet at the Nike Store at The Zone @ Rosebank.
PIRATES ROAD RUNNING
The long-standing Pirates Road Running Club forms part of the Pirates Club, located between Parkhurst and Greenside. Time trials, which are 5km to 8km, happen every Tue at 17:45 and leave from the Pirates Bowling Club car park, opposite the entrance. Alternatively, take part in their Homerun series on Thu at 17:45 and Sun at 07:00. Non-members are welcome to join the run (wear bright, reflective clothing). Entries are open for their annual 21km run on Sun, Feb 18. Dubbed 'Over The Mountain', it's described as the toughest 21km run in Joburg (you have been warned!).
Meet at 25 Braeside Street, Greenside.
SHELFLIFE RUNNING CLUB
Lace up your sneakers and join the fun with a 5km or 10km run at Shelflife Running Club on Wed at 17:30 and Sat at 06:30 , with the starting points at different Joburg locations but usually at meeting up the Shelflife store at Rosebank Mall . For all the latest run info, be sure to follow them on Instagram .Meet at Shelflife store Shop 280 & 308A, Rosebank Mall, Rosebank.
THE WANDERERS RUNNING CLUB
The Wanderers Running Club sets off for a 5km or 8km weekly time trial through the Melrose suburbs every Thu at 17:45, starting from the bottom cricket oval. Join them on the first Thur of each month for a braai after your exertions, and a raffle to win a pair of shoes. They also accept donations of old running shoes (just leave your old running shoes under the clock).
Meet at 21 North Street, Illovo.
THE SOCIAL RUNNERS
Never miss a Wednesday run with The Social Runners. They meet every Wed outside Central Square Gold's Gym Sandton at 17:20 and take to the Sandton streets by 17:30 for 5km to 6km runs with any pace welcome.
