When it comes to fitness, we all run our own race. Perhaps you’re familiar with the elusive runners high, or maybe you only rise to a slow jog when your wheelie bin is nearly too late for the curb. No matter your skill level, experience or interest, the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country has a run club with your number on it.
Whether you’re a newbie, fresh goal setter or seasoned swoosher—that’s the fast sound runners make, according to much faster runners than us—the Gold Coast is brimming with supportive run clubs ready for you to pound the pavement. Here’s our Urban List picks for the best run clubs on the Gold Coast in 2024.
The Megarun
Tallebudgera Creek Park
If you’re an absolute newbie, the thought of your first 10km run might seem like an impossible feat. But the epic crew at Megarun are all about proving that you are capable of more than you think, and you can challenge yourself by running any distance at your own pace, up to 10km.
Every Sunday at 5:30am, the crew meets opposite Custard Canteen, so you can consider it the perfect prize after your sesh. Read: a celebratory piping hot cuppa or Portuguese custard tart. Megarun’s Facebook community has well over an impressive 3,000 members, so you’ll be sure to blend right in no matter where your skill level is at.
Unfit Run Club
Various Southern Gold Coast locations
Image Credit: Unfit Run Club | Instagram
With a tagline of ‘Beer. Coffee. Running.’ we’re naming this one the best Gold Coast run club for fun-seeking larrikins who like to move their bodies. The premise is simple. Round up your mates and get moving as you venture between cafes and breweries. The community-focused crew have impressively spent $500k+ supporting local businesses since their inception in 2020.
Unfit Run Club kicks off Saturday mornings with a 1-5km run and coffee, or on Thursdays for a cheeky 1-3km run and beers at a brewery, completely at your own pace. Keep an eye on their Instagram to stay in the loop about locales and their next move (also be sure to register for your first run in advance).
Gold Coast Run Co.
Main Beach, Burleigh Heads & Miami
Quit running around in circles and make a beeline for Gold Coast Run Co. With running groups for all abilities and ages, this supportive group hit the pavement on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings, as well as most Saturdays. We love that you’ll be surrounded by knowledgeable runners who can coach you on running technique, drills and form.
With four dedicated run squads, groups range from primary school students through to elite level runners. All newcomers receive four free runs before signing up, with annual membership costing $40.
445 Run Club
The Salt Mill, Currumbin
This free Gold Coast run club meets every Friday at 4:45am (hence the name) and hits the pavement at 5am, for a 40 minute run at your own pace. They're all about showing up and getting it done—whether that's walking, running or jogging.
Enjoy a post-run ocean swim, coffee and chats with a like minded crew. Rain, hail or shine you'll find the dedicated 445 Run Club gang getting it done in Currumbin every Friday.
The Salt Social
The Salt Mill, Currumbin
Image Credit: The Salt Social | Instagram
Tighten the laces. Loosen the hammies. Raise and stretch the arms in an ‘I mean business’ fashion. This supportive run club has absolutely got you. The Salt Social are on a mission to disarm the connotation of exclusivity when it comes to the term ‘club’. Plus, to make runners feel welcomed no matter their abilities.
Take your run beachfront from 5:15am every Tuesday. Not a fan of the race to the finish line? Too easy. Turn back at any time and your new mates will meet for a coffee and swim afterwards. If you’re game, head along from 5:10am on Thursdays for speed sessions designed to build speed, strength and confidence.
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Hedges Run Club
Rafiki Cafe, Hedges Avenue, Mermaid Beach
Set the alarm for 5am every Wednesday, where you can join the Hedges Run Club crew at Mermaid's Rafiki cafe. This close-knit run club are all about prioritising mental and physical health and we can almost guarantee you'll be feeling stellar after this feel-good 5km run.
Move your body then dip in the ocean before your post-run coffee at Rafiki and you'll be sure to come away with a few new friends.
Good Times Running Club
Tallebudgera Creek Park
Self-confessed as ‘being in it for the long run’, Good Times Running Club is made up of competitive and social runners alike. Tuesdays are dedicated to speed, Thursdays are for hills and Tallebudgera Creek Park is where it all kicks off from 5am.
And with a backdrop like our iconic glimmering creek, it’d be rude not to have a post-run dip. Saturdays mix things up with long runs across various Gold Coast locales. Run like the wind, your new running community awaits.
Sana Days
Tallebudgera Creek
Driven by a strong mission of 'promoting physical activity to manage mental health', Sana Days holds a free running group every Tuesday at 5:15am at Tallebudgera Creek (near the park), with runners completing any distance up t0 10km.
Your run (or walk!) will finish with a dip in the ocean and a coffee. The team says the main goal is not running, it's about showing up and enjoying a morning of movement and connection. Much more than a run club, Sana Days is a registered charity and is heavily involved in local events, challenges and initiatives, all contribuing to towards the mental health space and suicide prevention.
Gold Coast Runners Club
Burleigh Heads, West Burleigh & Miami
Week and year ‘round running is where it's at for this community of speedsters. From 5am, Burleigh’s own Justins Park hosts mixed sessions on Tuesdays, then trail and road sessions on Thursdays.
The Gold Coast Runners Club also meet every Sunday morning at Justins Park at 6am from December through February, and 6:30am from March through November for a social run club suitable for all levels of ability. If that wasn’t enough already, you can opt for speed sessions Fridays at Miami’s Pizzey Park or long runs from 10km to 30km on Saturdays at Martin Sheils Park in West Burleigh. Locals, visitors, social and competitive runners alike are invited to join.
Good Good Running
Burleigh Heads
Image Credit: Good Good Running | Instagram
Brew loops are a thing and we are absolutely here for it, as are the Good Good Running gang. You'll find the crew running from Burleigh Brewing every second Friday at 5:15pm.
Check dates via their Instagram, where they're all about (and we're quoting here) "a few kms, a few sips and a few high fives.' If this sounds up your alley, you know where to find them. The run itself is a 25-30 minute jog but you know we're really just there for the post-jog brews.
Parkrun
Various Gold Coast locations
Like the idea of at-your-own-pace running in different locales? Parkrun hosts weekly events for runners, joggers, walkers, spectators and volunteers right across the Gold Coast. Spanning from Coomera and Paradise Point to Tamborine Mountain and Main Beach, all the way through to Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Mudgeeraba, Varsity Lakes and Kirra.
Each 5km run is completely free and all you need to do is register ahead of time. Join in Saturdays from 7am and if you’re keen to bring the little tackers along, a dedicated 4-14 year old 2km run takes place every Sunday morning.
Be a Runner
Marine Parade and Burrows Street, Biggera Waters
Fancy a midweek run with experienced coaches? Be A Runner (or BAR for short) ‘on your marks, get set, go’ every Thursday from 5:45am to 6:45am at the corner of Marine Parade and Burrows Street in Biggera Waters. At $5 a run for members and $15 for non-members, take part in a warm up, main set and cool down.
This Gold Coast run club offers online, group and private training options for every runner. And even time for a cheeky cuppa after your morning jaunt on the north side.
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Main image credit: The Salt Social | Instagram
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