Any given morning, Brisbane’s major parks are flooded by flocks of runners – some seasoned, some span-new. The rise of run clubs marks a wholesome new fixture of Brisbane life, with the growing roster offering you the chance to connect with new people and, of course, seize that healthy hit of endorphins as well. Feeling tempted to join a run club? Here’s a guide to five of Brisbane’s finest.
SoSos Run Club, Newstead
SoSos Run Club was launched by best friend duo, Sofie and Sophie, in early 2023 as an attempt to get fit with friends but it has quickly grown into one of Brisbane’s most prominent run clubs. SoSos meets every Saturday at 6:00 am for a 5-km run or walk followed by a coffee catch up at one of Newstead’s many coveted cafes. On Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm, SoSos holds its evening run in South Brisbane with $10 dinner at Fish Bowl together after. Be sure to check out SoSos’ what’s on guide each month for all of the details on its social events (boozy park hangs courtesy of Fellr, anyone?), collabs and member perks. With a fun-first approach, SoSos is sure to bring a fresh source of energy to your weekend or afternoons.
Scossies Run Club, Kangaroo Point
Started by Scottish expat Eildah, Scossies has been organised with the social side of things in mind, first and foremost. Described as a “super-chill-paced run club”, Scossies runs are all beginner friendly. Expect flat routes that are measured by time so no matter your pace, the whole club ends up back at the same place at the same time. On Mondays, Scossies invites you to outrun the new-week blues with a 6:00 am run starting from Joey’s Brisbane in Kangaroo Point. Midweek, Scossies hosts an evening run at 6:30 pm from Story Bridge Hotel and then closes out the week with a 6:00 am run on Fridays from Nectar Espresso. With plenty of Scots, local Brisbanites, inter-staters and expats in attendance, Scossies is a must-do for Brisbane new arrivals.
Sparrows Run Co., New Farm
This New Farm-based run club is held weekly on Fridays from Howard Smith Wharves’ Gigi’s Cafe. Led by the slogan “early bird gets the worm”, Sparrows has been named after the bird that’s best known for flying in flocks – a pretty apt description of the Sparrows Run Co. scene. Founded in the depths of the pandemic, Sparrows puts a major emphasis on community. Each month, the club hosts an array of events (open to all ages and all abilities) from the classic run loops to relay races and shoe try-on sessions provided by brands like Saucony and Hoka. The club is also currently giving away its merch upon proof of donation to the Leukaemia Foundation or Strength 2 Give as well.
You might like
Run Society, West End
For those who aren’t just hitting up a run club for the chats and the coffee – and wouldn’t mind working on their stride – meet Run Society. Based in West End, Run Society is a friendly neighbourhood run club that’s led by the slogan “better together.” The R.S. team has crafted a 12-week program with each session structured around intervals to help you boost your endurance and speed. The interval structure also gives you the flexibility to adjust and attune to meet your personal fitness needs. Each session also crowns a MVR (most valued runner) with Run Society also hosting a regular Testing Week to track your progress and set new PBs. The club hosts runs on Monday afternoon from 5:30 pm and Friday morning at 6:00 am – all from Davies Park.
UNFIT RUNNING, various locations
This Brisbane-born run club is guided by three founding pillars: beer, coffee and running. First hitting the pavement in 2020, Unfit Run Club has grown into a multi-city venture with clubs in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Sydney. Unfit Running holds three runs a week, each at differing lengths and all centred around that oh-so-sweet post-run reward. On weekday afternoons, Unfit Running hosts its hour-long Gelato Run and its Beer Run, and on Saturdays, it hosts its Coffee Run. Designed to help support local businesses, Unfit Running patrons a wide range of venues across Brisbane with locations announced each week – so keep an eye on socials.
Honourable mentions: Fortunately for our runners (aspiring or expert), Brisbane’s list of run clubs is only growing. We’d be amiss not to mention: Mum Run, Brisbane Girls Run Club, Hucking Miles and Talk Me Into It.