Join The Club!

Get fit for free and make new friends at a local running session

- Gabrielle Nathan

Looking to start or progress your running? In need of some running buddies? Or want to get or stay fit? Make a beeline for your nearest free running club, where you’ll be able to run regularly, under the supervision of coaches, without opening your wallet. It’s the perfect, affordable way to kick off your new-year training.

While running clubs that don’t charge participants are not a new phenomenon – some of the first were established 1971 by Chris Brasher, co-founder of the London Marathon, and affiliated to his Sweatshop stores – they have certainly grown in popularity. Now sports stores and organisations across the UK host clubs for runners of all levels, from complete novices to seasoned intermediates, and cater to everyone from pavement pounders to off-road racers.

Many of them are headed by professional athletes and coaches, and are supported by passionate runners. And while some clubs attract tens of runners at each session, other more established running clubs have hundreds of people turning up for a run.

‘Free running clubs offer considerable benefits, including flexibility, camaraderie, competition and support,’ says Tim Starkie, manager at Sweatshop Teddington, the brand’s flagship store, which offers thrice-weekly running clubs aimed at a range of running levels, all totally free of charge.