10 best free run clubs in Sydney

Whether you’re warming up to the Sydney Marathon or have caught the running bug while visiting, these are the best run clubs to join—and they’re free too!

Running season is in full stride in Sydney, and with City2Surf now behind us and the Sydney Marathon fast approaching, the city is buzzing with running fever. If you’ve been inspired to lace up your running shoes and give it a go, or you just want to meet some new people and better your PB, we’ve found the best free run clubs in Sydney for you to get started.

Whether you’re after beachside runs in the Eastern Suburbs, early morning starts to spot sunrises or simply casual running and lots of socialising, there’s a club for everyone. The best part? All of these run clubs are completely free to join.

1. Unofficial Run Club

Unofficial Run Club has become a true Sydney institution, evolving from a running group into a social community with merch, events and a 57.8k following on Instagram. The run club meets at 5:45am under the Harbour Bridge in Kirribilli every Friday before running the 6.5km route. For those who aren’t quite up for that distance, shortcuts are encouraged, or you can simply run the Harbour Bridge and walk back to the finish, which equates to roughly 2.5km. Coffee, pastries and socialising are encouraged post-run.

Meet point: Burton Street, Kirribilli (under the Harbour Bridge).
When: 5:45am every Friday.

2. Coogee Run Club

If you want to make friends, go on a low-pressure run and start your morning with a post-run ocean dip, Coogee Run Club have you covered. They welcome people of all speeds, emphasising that they’re a “run club for everyone”, whether you’re training for the marathon or just want to get some morning exercise in. Their schedule is full throughout the week, with a variety of runs in different locations on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Meet points: Tuesday: White Steps, Coogee Beach. Wednesday: Baronga Avenue, Queens Park. Thursday & Sunday: Old Coogee Pier, Coogee Beach.
When: Tuesday: 6:30pm, Wednesday: 6:30am, Thursday: 6:15am, Sunday: 8am.

3. The 440

Founded in June 2016, the name “440” refers to the 440 metre loop that the runners take on, which features a challenging (but rewarding) incline. Meeting at 5am on Saturday, more than 200 friends and strangers meet at Bronte Beach, in the dark, to walk, run or sprint laps of the loop. After the run, participants will go for a dip in the ocean or convene at a café for coffee and a catch-up. Although the 5am meet might not be for everyone, if you’re a morning person who loves a sunrise, the 440 is a great option.

Meeting point: Bronte Beach.
When: 5am every Saturday.

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4. SSS Run Club

SSS Run Club is a women-only social running group, perfect if you’re new to Sydney and looking to expand your circle, or simply keen to kickstart your running journey with like-minded girls. Welcoming all paces, from beginner to downright speedy, their schedule changes monthly, though it usually revolves around Wild Wednesdays and Social Saturdays. Wednesdays are for interval running, while Saturdays focus on 4km-6km “cruisy runs”.

Meeting Point: Wild Wednesday will meet up at Greenhouse Cafe in Centennial Park for the rest of August. Saturday’s run typically starts at an Eastern Suburbs beach. You can check out the schedule on their Instagram.
When: Wednesdays at 6:15am, Saturdays at 7:30am.

5. The Sydney Run Club

Good news for those located in Southern Sydney — Sydney Run Club meets every Wednesday at Ramsgate Beach House for a 5:30am start. They also host a weekly Friday run club at 5:30am from the Promenade on Bondi Beach. Their runs range from 5km to 10km, with updates sent through their Instagram of that week’s planned route. They also host plenty of special events to keep you motivated, from post-marathon parties to collaborations with local businesses.

Meeting Point: Wednesday: Ramsgate Beach House, Friday: Promenade, Bondi Beach.
When: Wednesdays at 5:30am, Fridays at 5:30am.

6. Kings Cross Track Club

For those inner-city dwellers who don’t want to trek to the Eastern Suburbs, Kings Cross Run Club invites runners of all abilities to join the fun. They host a Social Tuesdays run, which meets next to the Coke sign in Kings Cross and involves a 7km route that changes regularly. Favourite running tracks include through the Botanic Gardens to the Opera House or Harbour Bridge, or around Rushcutters Bay Park.

Their Thursday sessions include a $6 entry fee to ES Marks Track and focus on intervals, while their Social Tuesday and Saturday Morning Long Run, which also starts at the Coke sign, are completely free.

Meeting Point: Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Kings Cross Coke sign. Thursday at ES Marks Track.
When: Tuesday: 6:30pm, Thursday: 6:45pm, Saturday: 7:30am.

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7. One Run Club

Sleek Sydney gym franchise One Playground is behind the One Run Club, which is open to members and non-members alike. Their Darling Harbour run kicks off at 6am every Wednesday, featuring a 5km course from Darling Harbour to Pyrmont, which turns into 10km on the last Wednesday of the month. They also host a Newtown run club every Monday, which features a 5km loop around Sydney Park, and is open to casual rookies and seasoned runners.

Meeting Point: Darling Harbour: Cafe Alma, 1 Harbour Street, Sydney. Newtown: Sydney Park, across from St. Peters station.
When: Darling Harbour: every Wednesday at 6am, Newtown: every Monday at 6am.

8. Felons Run Club

Felons Brewery in Manly is not just known for their new seafood restaurant and perfectly chilled lager — they also have a run club. Every Wednesday evening, they meet at the brewery for a 6:30pm start and run the 5km loop. A free refreshment at Felons post-run will motivate any runner, as will health and fitness expert Pat Curtin, who leads the pack. If you’re based in Manly and looking for a solid mid-week workout, Felons is the place to be.

Meeting Point: Felons Manly
When: Every Wednesday, meet 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start.

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9. Western Sydney Run Club

Another Run Club that has its own line of funky merchandise, the Western Sydney Run Club meets every Monday at the Yard Gym in Edensor Park, and every Friday at Willowdale Shopping Centre in Leppington. Both runs are open to all fitness levels, with the Monday sessions kicking off at 5:30pm and the Friday run tailored for early risers at 5:45pm. Their runs range from around 2km to 10km, with participants encouraged to do the distance that they feel the most comfortable with.

Meeting Point: Mondays: The Yard Gym Edensor Park, Fridays: Willowdale Shopping Centre in Leppington.
When: Mondays at 5:30pm, Fridays at 5:45am.

10. Chinatown Run Club

Chinatown Run Club differentiates itself by having no set days, distances or routes. If you’re a type B person who loves to go running on a whim, simply follow them on Instagram and look out for posts that detail their next run. Their routes tend to be around 6km-7km, and people are welcome to walk, jog or sprint — whatever the heart desires. Chinatown Run Club also aim to schedule their runs on days where the weather looks nice, and usually attracts between 40-60 runners.

Meeting Point: Varies course to course, but always in Haymarket.
When: Run details are posted on Instagram.