Get up, lace up and show up—running season is in full swing and we’ve got a bunch of clubs that take the slog out of the jog. Each week, groups of dedicated individuals link up to pound the pavement together across Perth/Boorloo, but you don’t need to be a ‘runner’ to join in on the fun and games.
Back-of-the-packers, Strava enthusiasts, regular runners and those just getting into it are all welcome, with most run clubs catering to all fitness levels. As long as you’ve got a pair of appropriate shoes and are willing to give it a go, you’ll be welcomed with open arms. So what are you waiting for?! At Urban List, we've rounded up Perth’s best run clubs to help get you moving this year.
The 440
Cottesloe
Image credit: The 440 Cottesloe | Instagram
Prioritising community and connection over speed and distance, 440 is the ‘running optional’ run club based in Cottesloe. Rain, hail or shine, this inclusive crew meet down at Indigo Oscar at 5.55 am on Saturday mornings to move their bodies together, whether that means walking, jogging, or leading the pack at a pace. At the 440, the most important thing is simply showing up, then what you do from there is completely up to you. After cruising along the coast, stay for a dip in the ocean and then catch up over a coffee with some of the friendliest people in Perth. Run/walk, dip, sip—not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.
Perth Run Collective
Trigg, Subiaco
Struggle to get up and running in the AM? Perth Run Collective offers a rare PM session for those night owls. Complimentary weekly sessions include Track Tuesdays, a Tuesday evening session on the track in Subi, and then Social Sundays for the early birds, the 7:30am weekend run from Clarko Reserve in Trigg with 6k and 8k pace groups on offer. Runners of all abilities are welcome at this supportive run club, with post-run coffees and plunges into the ocean encouraged.
Rise + Run
Cottesloe
Everyone is welcome at this relatively new run club, including pooches! Since April of last year, the Rise + Run team have been meeting every Friday morning at Il Lido in Cottesloe for a 20 minute run up the coast and back. That’s 40 minutes of movement at your own pace, with a hound or two always joining in on the fun. Hang around for a post-run swim at Cott, followed by a post-swim coffee at Il Lido.
Perth Frontrunners
West Perth
Image credit: Perth Frontrunners | Instagram (@shutterpupsinc)
For “strollers, rollers, runners and crap joggers”, Perth Frontrunners is Perth’s LGBTQ+ social club running and walking club welcoming all sexualities, gender identities, ages, backgrounds and fitness levels. There’re Frontrunners groups across the world, with Perth’s very own club meeting on Saturday mornings at 8am outside Zamia Cafe down the back of Kings Park. The friendly crew go above and beyond to make sure each and every person involved is feeling comfortable and confident, with coffees and chats pencilled in after each run/walk to get to know the community in a relaxed environment.
The Early Ones
Scarborough
Forget about a Sunday lie-in, at The Early Ones, Sundays are for runs along Perth’s pristine coastline. Since March 2022, this feel-good crew have been meeting at Scarborough beach every fortnight for a run, dip and sip. The runs typically go for 40 minutes, catering to all fitness levels with a mix of running, jogging and walking. Keep an eye on The Early Ones Instagram account for the exact dates, times and locations of the next run and then just show up, no sign up or registration necessary.
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Banana Bread Chasers
Mixed locations
Image credit: Banana Bread Chasers | Instagram
One of Perth’s newest run clubs, the Banana Bread Chasers don’t take themselves too seriously, but they do run for a reason. Starting in late October of last year, BBC’s first mission was to raise awareness for Movember, finishing the month clocking 2000kms and donating more than $3000. The weekly weekend runs are around 5-6km long, with the promise of baked treats and coffee at the end of as a reward for your efforts. Check out the Instagram for the details of the next run, and get ready for some miles, mates and morning bakes.
Dose Running
Multiple locations
Need a bit more of a push to get moving? Consider signing up for Dose Running’s comprehensive classes for recreational runners. If you’re lacking in technique, riddled with self-doubt, returning to running after a bit of a break or just don’t know where to start, Dose is here to help. The pace, intensity, distance, duration and terrain on Dose runs are constantly changing to ensure you don’t get bored. Take advantage of the intro offer and get two weeks of unlimited classes for $29.
Freo Running Club
Fremantle
Come for the mid-week run, stay for the post-run beer at Freo Running Club. Supported by Running With Thieves, the Freo Running Club ends their sessions with our favourite kind of recovery drink: an icy-cold, tap-poured brew off the wood. Starting at the South Freo-based brewery, this solid squad meet every Wednesday at 6pm, getting their heart rates up on a run before knocking back at a beverage at Running With Thieves.
Coastal Cadence
North Fremantle
This feel-good run club kicks off from Palette Fremantle every Tuesday and Friday at 5.45am (although times might change leading into winter), with the option to add on a cheeky swim and coffee afterwards if you're keen. They also have some gorg merch in the works and run the odd social pub-crawl too.
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