As the country’s running scene continues to evolve, a notable trend has emerged: more women are lacing up their shoes and hitting the pavement. For women joining running clubs in South Africa, it goes beyond hitting a PB; it’s a testament to the power of community and empowerment that running clubs offer. With the rise of trail running and the enduring appeal of marathons like the Comrades, Two Oceans and Otter Trail Run, South Africa’s running landscape is more vibrant than ever. To prove it, we graze the surface with some of the most popular running clubs in South Africa right now. What’s stopping you?
Nation-Wide Running Clubs In South Africa
Burnt Run Club
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A welcoming space for women runners of all levels. Burnt Club meets every Saturday morning throughout the summer season (October through March) and has chapters throughout 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
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adidas Runners
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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
Catch Me If You Can
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Calling themselves South Africa’s largest all-women running club, this crew has helped many women run together, connect and build lasting friendships. All levels, shapes and ages are welcome; activities include running, walking, hiking and trail running.
- Location: Gauteng, Cape Town
- Days they meet: Various
- Time: Various
- Distances: Various
Run For Coffee
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An all-female running collective offering weekly runs all over the country. Every run starts at a coffee shop, where everyone gathers after to chat. They also host events regularly.
- Location: Nationwide
- Days they meet: Various
- Time: Various
- Distances: Various
Running Clubs In Johannesburg
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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 30kmkm
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Running Clubs In Cape Town
Chicks Who Trail
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Like the name suggests, this crew hits the trails together – safety in numbers! Stemming from a need for a community for women to learn and challenge each other, the group meets every Thursday eve and grabs a beer after.
- Location: Atlantic Seaboard
- Days they meet: Thursdays
- Time: Evenings
Running Late Club
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Born from the idea that you can start running at any time, any age, this supportive club offers “a place to belong”, per the website. They have a community on Strava, TikTok and Instagram.
- Location: Atlantic Seaboard
- Days they meet: Wednesdays
- Time: Evenings
- Distances: 5km & 7km
Couch Potato Run Club
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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