Are you a runner in the Illawarra looking for a community? New to the area and want to meet people? Or are you looking to add something fun and social to your fitness regime? Well, you’re in luck! Because the running scene in the Illawarra is thriving.
With many social running groups to join there is sure to be one that matches your vibe, from slow and steady by the beach to hitting it out on the track, we’ve put together a guide to help you find your people.
Never Lazy Run Club
Never Lazy describe themselves as a run club for “all faces and paces”. If you’re looking for something more social with an emphasis on promoting healthy choices and fostering community, Never Lazy might be for you. Never Lazy gets together three times per week for a 5km jog on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with most runs starting at the North Beach Kiosk. If you want to run, chat, and have fun, check out this run club.
Coast to Mountain
This is a fortnightly social run hosted by Coast to Mountain in Port Kembla. A good option for those who want to get together with some like-minded people for an all pace run but can’t commit to mornings, or multiple runs per week. Meeting at 5:45pm every second Wednesday, the Coast to Mountain crew head out on a 6km loop – with an option for less. Coast to Mountain is a great option for those interested in the latest running gear with opportunities to test out shoes from the Coast to Mountain range.
Good Energy Run Club
This one’s for the girls! Meeting for sunrise at 5:50am on Fridays for a 3-5km loop, Good Energy is a female only social run club for all paces, that strives to ’empower women, foster connection, and promote holistic wellbeing’. If you like your running with a side of yoga, ocean dips and coffee sips, or if you’re looking to make new female friendships, Good Energy is worth a look. This one takes place weekly from North Wollongong Beach.
Just Another Run Club
And another one for the gals! Just Another Run Club kicked off in January this year for the girls ready to make 2024 their running era whoo! This run club is largely for people to form connections with like minded girls, for girls who are keen to socialise and exercise together and also if you’re keen to hit a running PB, the crew is there to support you every step of the way! Head to the Lagoon Cafe every Sunday at 8am to join Just Another Run Club.
Kembla Joggers
Kembla Joggers are your traditional running club. By that we mean they are a mainstay in the Wollongong region, with their origins dating back to the 1970’s. KJ’s are a family orientated club for all ages, with many organised events throughout the year and ample opportunity to race. Kembla Joggers is also a NSW Athletics affiliated club, meaning membership allows you to compete in NSW Athletics meets under their banner. Perfect for those who might want to get their kids involved in the running community as well as have a hit out themselves.
The 440 Run Club
This one is for the early risers. With multiple locations across Australia and internationally, the 440 Club pride themselves on getting the run done before most people are even out of bed. Meeting in the Steamers carpark at 5:30am on Saturdays, this group cuts up to 10 laps around Wollongong’s most famous landmark, the Lighthouse. All are welcome to run, jog or walk their laps.
Wollongong Track Club
Not for the faint of heart, Wollongong Track Club boasts some of the most talented runners in the area. The club focuses on bridging the gap between social and competitive running with a focus on training culture and track competition. This group is goal orientated, so if you enjoy pushing yourself, clocking up the kilometres and racing regularly, WTC is a welcoming and supportive way of taking your running to the next level.
Seacliff Coasters
If trail running is more your style, then get in contact with the Seacliff Coasters. Located in Northern Illawarra, the Coasters regularly organise group runs on the region’s most scenic trails including Brokers Nose, Sublime Point, Wodi Wodi, Mt Keira, the Royal National Park and beyond. Members compete in trail and Ultramarathon races, with a range of paces and abilities.
Savvy Runner
If you’re new to running, have recently made a new goal or just feel like you want more guidance with your training, Savvy Runner offers training programs to get you performing at your best. A team of experienced run coaches, strength trainers and exercise physiologists are at your service with this paid membership, with the opportunity to meet up with others in the program once a week with their Saturday Run Club.
UOW Run Club
Not just limited to students at the University of Wollongong, this new run club offers social runs twice weekly, Monday 6pm at North Wollongong Beach and Wednesday 6:30am at Campus East. Those aged 18-25 will enjoy UOW Run Club.
Parkrun
When talking about running in the Illawarra we can’t forget Parkrun! A fun and inclusive 5km run with 3 locations to choose from. Parkrun is a great way to test your progress weekly with a timed 5km run. Every Saturday at 8:00am at Sandon Point, North Wollongong and Shellharbour.
Hello Sunshine Run Club
This one’s for the ladies. Whether you’re an experienced runner or just starting out, all paces are welcome. No experience needed. It’s all about having fun and enjoying the social side of exercise. Meeting points and routes may change, so check their recent posts or DM them for details.
