From post-run pints to hilly intervals, South London is home to plenty of social, beginner-friendly and free run clubs – perfect for building fitness and meeting like-minded locals.
Peckham Pacers (Peckham, SE15):
On Wednesdays, Peckham Pacers enjoy a beer at Eko Brewery after a 7km loop around SE15. Alternatively, swap the beer for coffee on Saturday with a more challenging 10km route finishing at Crank Gym. All abilities are welcome.
When: 7pm Wednesday or 10am Saturday
Where: Eko Brewery in Copeland Park on Wednesday or Crank Gym in Copeland Park on Saturday (SE15 3SN)
Distance: 7km on Wednesday, 10km on Saturday
Pace: Three pace groups available with run leaders at front and back
TEMPO (Peckham, SE15):
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Established in 2018 by Radio 1 DJ Martha, who grew up in Peckham, TEMPO is a female-focused group combining fitness and music. The club began as a way for fellow DJs and ravers to exercise and has blossomed into a monthly meet up at The Carpet Shop nightclub near Rye Lane. The unique morning combines a short and chilled run with a two hour DJ workshop.
When: One Saturday per month. Next sessions are 28th March and 18th April at 10am
Where: The Carpet Shop, Arch 164, 115 Rye Ln, London SE15 4ST
Distance: 3k
Pace 8min/km
Tom’s Run Club (Walworth, SE5):
Started by two friends, Tom’s Run Club began as a way for Tom Payne to get his flatmate, Shubho Hassan, out of bed in the morning.
Now, three years on, the pair have kept the tradition going. Meeting in Burgess Park for a chilled 5km run each morning, the group welcomes new faces every day.
When: 7am every day
Where: Burgess Park, SE5 0AL (meet at the entrance to the park opposite Thurlow Street)
Distance: 30 minutes of running (around 5km)
Pace: Around 6min/km
https://www.instagram.com/tomsrunclub/?hl=en
Melbourne Grovers (Dulwich, SE22):
Melbourne Grovers lead a sociable 5km run starting and ending at Nido Cafe on Melbourne Grove. The group finishes with a post-run coffee at Nido, and a bag drop is available at the café for commuters
When: 7am Wednesday
Where: Start and end at Nido Cafe (11 Melbourne Grove, London SE22 8RG)
Distance: 4-5km
Pace: All paces welcome
https://www.instagram.com/melbournegrovers
Bermondsey Street Runners (Bermondsey, SE1):
Bermondsey Street Runners is a community-led club with a team of leaders, pacers and volunteers.
The group regularly collaborates with local businesses and also offers non-running activities, such as yoga. The pace is described as a ‘social jog’, giving residents and visitors the chance to explore SE1 on foot.
When: 7pm Wednesday, 7:30am Friday and 8:30am Sunday
Where: Chapter 72 on Friday and Sunday (72 Bermondsey St, London SE1 3UD), Crol and Co on Wednesday (66 A Newcomen St, London SE1 1YT)
Distance: 5km on Wednesday and Friday, 10-20km long run on Sunday
Pace: Ranging from 5:30 to 7:30min/km
www.bermondseystreetrunners.com
London City Runners (Bermondsey, SE1):
London City Runners, founded in 2010 by Tim Navin-Jones, is tucked into the Bermondsey arches and equipped with its own café and bar venue, making it the only running-themed pub in the world.
The club has witnessed 27 marriages between runners and has remained free since it began in Tim’s flat more than fifteen years ago.
When: 6:15pm Tuesday, 6:30pm Thursday, or 10:15am Sunday
Where: London City Runners HQ, 130 Druid St, London SE1 2HH
Distance: 6.5km, 8km or 11km on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 6.5km, 10km or 18km on Sundays.
Pace: All paces welcome, newcomers will be paired with a similar pace at the start
Stride Run Club (Canada Water, SE16):
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lacing up for the first time, Stride Run Club is relaxed and welcoming. Meet at Corner Corner to warm up before heading out on a 5km loop around Canada Water at a social pace, finishing with 50 per cent off beers (non-alcoholic options available).
A bag drop is available.
When: 6pm Tuesday
Where: Maritime Street, Canada Water, London, SE16 7LL
Distance: 5km
Pace: Various ‘conversational’ paces
www.cornercorner.com/event/stride-run-club/
Brixton Run Club (Brixton, SW9):
Brixton Run Club, also known as BRX!, was founded by James Battershill and Benji Miller last summer. The group meets for a 5km community run, finishing at the Duke of Edinburgh pub for a post-run pint. They have also partnered with local charity Building Young Brixton to raise money for vital youth services in the area.
When: 7pm Tuesday
Where: Meet at Stockwell Skate Park (Stockwell Rd, London SW9 0XZ) and finish at The Duke of Edinburgh Pub ( 204 Ferndale Road, London, SW9 8AG)
Distance: 5km
Pace: 6min/km
Telegraph Hill Run Club (Telegraph Hill, SE14):
Founded in 2015 by a group of local runners, Telegraph Hill Run Club is ideal for those looking to improve their overall fitness. Sessions vary each week, but most focus on hilly intervals, making it best suited to runners seeking a physically demanding workout.
When: 7:15pm Tuesday
Where: Meet at the bottom of Telegraph Hill Park on the corner of Arbuthnot and Erlanger Roads (SE14)
Distance: 5k
Pace: Best suited for anyone who can comfortably run a 5k in under 30 minutes
www.telegraphhillrunninggroup.com
Queer Running Club (Peckham, SE15):
Peckham and Nunhead’s Queer Running Club caters for trans and non-binary beginner runners on Monday evenings and all running abilities and queer identifying folk on Tuesdays.
The club has roots in Hackney, starting back in 2019, and expanded to Peckham eighteen months ago. Their Monday night sessions are supported by MisFits and Not A Phase. They pride themselves on being an inclusive running club for all abilities.
When: 7pm Monday and Tuesday
Where: Monday at The Old Nun’s Head, 15 Nunhead Grn, London SE15 3QQ. Tuesday at John the Unicorn, 157-159 Rye Lane, SE15 4TL.
Distance: They don’t do longer runs, choosing to stay in the park and focus on the ‘skill of running’
Pace: Best suited for anyone who can comfortably run a 5k in under 30 minutes
Park Run:
Every Saturday at 9am, there are numerous volunteer-run Park Runs across South London, providing a no-pressure 5km loop around a local park. Visit their website to see a full list of participating areas.
Southwark: Peckham Rye, Southwark Park, Burgess Park, Dulwich Common
Lambeth: Brockwell Park
Wandsworth: Clapham Common, Battersea Park, Tooting Common
Greenwich: Greenwich Peninsula, Thames Path Woolwich, Charlton Park, Avery Hill Park
Lewisham: Hilly Fields, Mountsfield Park
