A trend has started and it is picking up pace. Here’s everything you need to know about Dublin run clubs …
Welcome to a new dawn of major health and fitness awareness, where the people of Dublin are lacing up their Hokas, activating their Strava apps and heading out for a run. Dublin run clubs are breaking new ground.
There is a huge community feel to running in Dublin now. Runners of all levels are coming together via social media and joining run clubs, often posting their run times and scenic routes on Instagram. Not a day goes by when I don’t go on a virtual jog with someone I follow and it is truly amazing how accomplished I feel after running 10km from the comfort from my sofa – I wonder how they must feel. Not only this but there has been a huge surge of people signing up for various marathons or half-marathons all over the world. London saw a record number of applicants sign up for the 2025 marathon at 840,000 people (up from 578,000 in 2024). This running epidemic is global and it has spread to Dublin.
Why is it spreading? Well, there is a multitude of health benefits to running, both mental and physical. Feeling fit and clear-minded might also explain why running is so addictive. Once you break through ‘the wall’ that all runners speak of it is hard to stop chasing that high. But what has caught many newcomers is the social benefits of joining a run club.
The benefits of run clubs
Running has stopped being a solitary experience. There are running clubs popping up all over the city and they are gathering hordes of runners at all levels. This community feeling is palpable via Instagram and TikTok pages as large groups meet up to run 5km or 10km and finish up with a coffee, pastry and a chat to get to know one another. As far as socialising goes, this is certainly a healthier choice than heading to the pub…
Joining a club also does wonders for your mental health. The act of doing something together out in nature and being part of a community is proven to help you feel safer, happier and will help you to make connections more easily. This connection is what we crave as humans. Not only this but running in a group increases motivation (who knew), it will help to keep you focused and accountable and means you can beat your PBs before you know it. The social aspect of the club distracts from the toughness of the movement (or even the toughness of the week you’ve had). It would surprise you the benefits that you could get out of joining a run club.
Here are some Dublin run clubs to try out:
Many of these Dublin run clubs also welcome spectators, wheelchair users or anyone who wants to come along for the coffee after – plus pooches!
Happy Feet, a run club founded by two friends Kate Flynn and Ciara McNulty who love to run, has grown from strength to strength. They meet every weekend at 9.30am usually in the Blackrock/Dun Laoghaire area, head for an invigorating run and finish up with a coffee and a chat or whatever goodies they have lined up for that week. @happyfeetdublin
Sole Mates, is the perfect club for beginners, slow runners and everyone in between. Founded by Aoibhinn Raleigh, this club is suitable for any level of runner with her motto ‘Your Pace Or Mine’. Sole Mates meets at 9.30am on Saturday mornings in various locations around Dublin. @solematesdublin
Mild Activity is a social run club based in and around Dublin City Centre. The club started in 2020 and has continued to grow into a large supportive, social community. Mild Activity defines its ‘social run club’ as one that offers approachable paces, puts a real emphasis on making friends and not on running performance. The club hosts social events, sports days and weekly runs which change month to month, you can find the calendar on the Mild Activity Instagram page or ask to join the dedicated WhatsApp group. The club hosts two to three runs per week and often organises them in paced groups. One to watch is the Wednesday social evening 6km run which starts at 6pm on Fenian Street and ends at Bambino. If you ever needed some running motivation, this pizza slice will do it. @mildactivity
Run Club Social gathers crowds every Tuesday evening and Sunday morning for a run around Dublin, just at the times of the week when you need the motivation. Run Club Social meets at The Storyteller Pub on Tuesdays and in Clontarf on Sundays. It promises to be a fun-filled meet up. @runclub__social
Inner City Running was set up by Dwayne Edgar in 2020 and has grown exponentially. Voted 98FM’s Best of Dublin 2024 – Best Dublin Sports Club, Inner City Running Club has had a major positive impact on members and coaches alike since the club’s genesis. Hosting running events for people of all ages, levels and paces this club is all about motivation and positive reinforcement. See the Instagram page for updates. @innercityrunning
Run Talk Run club is based in Dublin and Limerick and began as one woman’s quest for a safe space to work through her mental health challenges. It is guaranteed to be a social 5km gentle jog that supports talk of mental health. The club meets at Sams of Goatstown coffee shop every Sunday at 9.15am. @runtalkrundublin
Dublin Front Runners is a club for members of the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. The inclusive and welcoming club was founded in 2005 and since then it has been committed to providing a safe and supportive space for runners of all abilities and backgrounds. The organisers will tailor the workouts and warm ups to suit each member’s needs. Check the Instagram for timetable updates, the current summer schedule includes a run on Monday and Wednesday evenings and a run on Saturday morning. @dublinfrontrunners
Parkrun Ireland hosts park runs all over the country and is a free, community event where you can walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate. The park run is 5km and takes place every Saturday morning in parks around the country. Find a location near you here: www.parkrun.ie. @parkrunie
Sanctuary Runners is a group formed by Graham Clifford, on the basis of solidarity, friendship and respect. It has been bringing together Irish residents, asylum seekers and refugees in a social running forum since 2018. Starting in Cork, the club now has 40 groups around Ireland. This group is all about community integration and nurturing a safe space. Notably, the club will now be expanding overseas having recently acquired charity status. @sanctuaryrunners