Best Running Clubs in London for Beginners

Why Join a Running Club?

Running is free, accessible, and one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. But running alone can feel isolating, and it's easy to lose motivation when it's just you and a dark January evening.

That's where running clubs in London come in. A good running group gives you accountability, social connection, and structure — whether you're training for your first 5K or just want to move more. And the best part? Most of them are completely free.

If you're a beginner searching for running clubs in London, here are the best places to start.

1. parkrun — Multiple Locations Across London

When: Every Saturday at 9:00am

Cost: Completely free

Locations: 40+ locations across London including Hackney Marshes, Burgess Park, Finsbury Park, Bushy Park, and many more

parkrun is the single best entry point into running in London. It's a free, timed 5K event held every Saturday morning in parks across the city (and the world). You register once online, print a barcode, and show up. That's it.

Why it's great for beginners:

Zero pressure — walk, jog, or run. Nobody cares about your pace.
Incredibly welcoming community of all ages and abilities
You get a personal time each week, so you can track your progress
Volunteers cheer you on at every event
Many locations offer "Couch to 5K" groups that run alongside parkrun

How to join: Register at parkrun.org.uk, print your barcode, and turn up at your nearest event. No booking required.

Pro tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for the briefing. First-timers are always acknowledged and welcomed. If you're nervous, mention it's your first time — someone will happily run with you.

2. The Outrunners — Hackney / East London

When: Regular weekly sessions (check their social media for schedules)

Cost: Free

Location: Based in East London, primarily Hackney

The Outrunners are one of London's most vibrant and inclusive running crews. Founded with a mission to make running more diverse and accessible, they've built an incredible community that goes far beyond just putting one foot in front of the other. Expect good vibes, great people, and a genuine sense of belonging.

Why it's great for beginners:

All paces welcome — they mean it
Strong focus on community, diversity, and inclusion
Social events alongside running
Supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere
Regular group runs with different distance options

How to join: Follow them on Instagram and turn up to a session. No sign-up or commitment needed.

3. London City Runners — Central London

When: Multiple sessions per week

Cost: Free or low-cost depending on the session

Location: Central London, various meeting points

London City Runners cater to a broad range of abilities, from total beginners to marathon runners. They organise structured sessions that often include warm-ups, drills, and cool-downs — so you get more than just a run. The central London locations make them easy to fit around work.

Why it's great for beginners:

Structured sessions with proper warm-ups and cool-downs
Multiple pace groups so you won't be left behind
Weekday evening sessions that fit around office hours
Friendly, sociable group with regular post-run socials
Good stepping stone if you're thinking about training for a race

How to join: Check their website or social media for session times and meeting points. Most sessions are drop-in.

4. Your Local parkrun — Find One in Your Borough

Beyond the big-name parkruns, almost every London borough has at least one parkrun event. Here are some popular ones:

Hackney Marshes parkrun — flat, fast course along the River Lea
Burgess Park parkrun — Southwark's community-focused event
Finsbury Park parkrun — hilly but beautiful in North London
Bushy Park parkrun — the original parkrun, in Richmond
Victoria Park parkrun — Tower Hamlets' scenic option
Dulwich Park parkrun — a friendly South London favourite

Each parkrun has its own character and community. Try a few to find your favourite.

Tips for Joining Your First Running Group

1. Just show up

The hardest part is turning up. Every running group in London is used to welcoming nervous newcomers. You won't be the slowest, and even if you are, nobody cares.

2. Don't worry about kit

You don't need expensive gear to start running. A pair of trainers with decent support, comfortable clothes, and you're good. Upgrade later if you stick with it.

3. Start with run/walk intervals

Most beginners can't (and shouldn't) run continuously for 30 minutes on day one. Run for 2 minutes, walk for 1 minute, and repeat. Gradually increase the running intervals over weeks.

4. Go at your own pace

Running groups always say "all paces welcome" and they mean it. Don't try to keep up with faster runners. Find someone running at a comfortable conversational pace and stick with them.

5. Be consistent, not intense

Running twice a week for 20 minutes beats one brutal hour-long session. Build the habit first, then the distance and speed.

6. Stay for the social

The post-run coffee, the pub trip, the WhatsApp banter — this is where friendships form. Don't just run and leave. The community is half the point.

Find Running Groups Near You

London has running groups in virtually every borough. Whether you're in Hackney, Lambeth, Ealing, or Croydon, there's almost certainly a free group within a short journey of your home.

Browse all running groups on London Sports Community to find one near you. And if you run with a group we haven't listed, submit it here so others can find it too.

Running changed a lot of lives in London. It might change yours.