South Africa’s running culture is booming—and it’s more energising than ever. Whether you’re chasing a new PB or just looking for a solid reason to get outside more, joining a running club could be the push you need. The structure, camaraderie, and shared goals help turn solo jogs into consistent, results-driven sessions.
More South African men are trading the gym for the road and trail, using running clubs as a way to stay fit, focused, and connected. With the enduring popularity of races like the Comrades, Two Oceans, and Otter Trail Run, the local running scene has never looked better.
We’ve rounded up 17 of the most popular running clubs in South Africa—from coastal trail crews to early-morning road warriors. This list just grazes the surface, but it’s a great place to start your journey.
Nation-Wide Running Clubs In South Africa
Burnt Run Club
A welcoming space for runners of all levels. Burnt Club meets every Saturday morning during the summer season (October to March) and has chapters across the country—from Bloem and Potch to Ballito and Stellies.
- Location: Various nationwide
- Days they meet: Saturdays during summer
- Time: Mornings
Born2Run
This club offers a mix of socialising and expertise, including social runs, regular time trials and access to coaches. They meet every Wednesday evening. There’s also a branch in Pretoria, East London and CPT.
- Location: Johannesburg, Pretoria, East London, Cape Town
- Days they meet: Wednesdays
- Time: Evenings
- Distances: 5km & 8km
Nedbank Running Clubs
You’ll find a Nedbank Running Club almost anywhere in the country, with each running on a different schedule. A perk: at major races, visit the Nedbank gazebo and meet other club members from the country and stow your bag safely for free.
- Location: Nationwide
- Days they meet: Various
- Time: Various
- Distances: Various
READ MORE: 24 Best Running Shoes for Hyrox, Speed, Distance & Trail Runs
adidas Runners
Join weekly events in different locations around the country, including team relays, roving running locations and fun activations. Find them in Durban, JHB and CPT.
- Location: Nationwide
- Days they meet: Various
- Time: Various
- Distances: Various
Running Clubs In Johannesburg
Vault Strength Club
Vault Strength Club welcomes both walkers and runners of all levels. This community thrives on togetherness, offering everything from social weekend runs to structured Comrades training, time trials and more.
- Location: Melrose Arch (Grind Café)
- Days they meet: Saturday
- Time: 06:30
- Distances: 3km, 5km, 8km & 10km
Rockies Running Club
Welcoming walkers and runners alike, the club also has time trials, Comrades training and socials. They’re centrally located at Zoo Lake in Parkview.
- Location: Zoo Lake, Parkview
- Days they meet: Sundays
- Time: 06:00
- Distances: 16km & 40km, 5km time trial
Thesis Run Cru
Running for good vibes, this club meets up on the weekend to run and socialise. Something to love: they’re big on welcoming beginners, sharing expertise in nutrition and running.
- Location: Soweto
- Days they meet: Weekends
- Time: 06:00
- Distances: 5km – 25km
Braamfie Runners
This social crew meets on Saturday mornings and has grown into one of the largest crews in the country, catering to every level of runner. Big on socialising and running, there is no sign-up or fees required.
- Location: Braamfontein
- Days they meet: Saturdays
- Time: 06:30
- Distances: 10km
READ MORE: The Results Are In: Running Has Proven To Significantly Improve One’s Mood
Running Clubs In Gqeberha
Charlo Athletic Club
A family-focused club, Carlo offers a community for everyday runners. With 126 members, you’re bound to make a friend!
- Location: Italian Club, Harold Road
- Distances: 5km & 8km time trials
P-Easy Running Club
Running, but make it easy-peasy. Tuesday mornings, find these fun-loving runners in Gqeberha chasing the sunrise and sometimes playing padel, too.
- Location: Summerstrand
- Days they meet: Tuesdays
- Time: Mornings
- Distances: 5km, 7km & 8km
Crusaders Athletic Club
On Mondays and Thursdays, this group runs together. Routes vary, but all are welcome, including walkers. The route is between seven to 10km.
- Location: St Georges Park
- Days they meet: Mondays & Thursdays
- Time: Evenings
- Distances: Various
Running Clubs In Durban
Social Runners Club
Race-focused and fun, this club offers camaraderie in Durban and a fun, quirky presence on Insta.
- Location: Daily Dose coffee shop
- Days they meet: Fridays
- Time: Evenings
- Distances: 5km & 10km
Durban Athletic Club
Wanna be part of history? This is South Africa’s oldest athletic club, according to the website, founded in 1879. On a Thursday, the crew gather to run – there are three routes to choose from.
- Location: Kings Park Athletic Stadium
- Days they meet: Thursdays
- Time: Evenings
- Distances: Various
Regent Harriers
Originally founded as a training group for the Comrades Marathon, this crew attracts runners from all levels and meets every Tuesday and Friday in Durban North.
- Location: Durban North
- Days they meet: Tuesday and Friday
- Time: Evenings
- Distances: 10km to 30km
READ MORE: Here’s Exactly What You Should Do When Running Gets Boring
Running Clubs In Cape Town
Running Late Club
Couch Potato Run Club
This welcoming group aims to debunk the idea that running is a daunting experience. Instead, Couch Potato inspires and encourages members, especially beginners, and offers guidance from recovery, building fitness and confidence.
- Location: Citywide
- Days they meet: Various
- Time: Various
- Distances: 5km
Cool Runnings Recreational Club
Cool Runnings Recreational Club is a social run crew built for connection, personal growth, and all-round wellness. It’s a space where runners set goals, support each other, and enjoy the journey—whether that’s 5km or 100km, road or trail. True to its name, the vibe is laid-back and inclusive, with no pressure and no limitations.
- Location: Citywide
- Days they meet: Tuesdays: 05:45 at Point Virgin Active & Wednesdays: 17:30 at El Burro, Green Point
- Distances: 5km & 10km
How Do I Find Out More About Running?
Whether you’re new to running, chasing a PB, or gearing up for a marathon, our Running Special proves you can be both strong and speedy. This hybrid workout blends the best of strength and endurance training, helping you log miles and reps in equal measure—so you can sprint your way to swole.
Plus, we’ve tested the latest and greatest running shoes to bring you a footlocker of do-anything, run-faster trainers. 🚀
This article was originally published on Women’s Health SA – additional reporting and products added by the Men’s Health SA team.
