Running is a great way to keep fit, and it’s also an excellent opportunity to socialise and meet like-minded people in your area. Joining a running club can help you to get to know new friends and become part of a community, and there are usually several running clubs in your local area, even if you haven’t discovered them yet!
Many running clubs meet for a weekly run and take part in fun and competitive events locally, and it’s a good idea to try a few different clubs to find the right fit for you. Some running clubs are fairly serious and look out for opportunities to compete all over the country, while others offer social interaction and a chance to chat over a cuppa or pint afterwards.
Let’s take a look at the running clubs in and around Cork, and see if we can tempt you to give it a go!
Finding the Running Club for You
Here in Cork, there are plenty of running clubs to get stuck into, and runners are sure to find a good fit for their lifestyle and running goals. Here are just a few of the most popular running clubs in the area:
EveryRun Club Cork. Very active on Instagram, the EveryRun Club Cork is a thriving community for runners of all fitness levels and is focused on fun and social connection, as well as staying safe while you are running. The group meets on Wednesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 9.30am, and usually includes a 5km run. You’ll find all information and route maps on Instagram, and you can sign up to become part of the WhatsApp community, too.
Runday. If you’re looking for a weekly social running club, you’ll love Runday, which offers a popular run/walk every Sunday morning from the Marina Market in Cork City. The group is free and open to all, with options for every fitness level and special offers such as discounted coffees or smoothies and even monthly singles Run Days.
Butter. Butter Running Club is a social running club in Cork for all running levels. The group meets on Sunday mornings, Tuesday evenings and occasionally on Friday mornings for a pre-work run. The group enjoys varied runs and encourages participation in local sporting events.
Sole Sisters. Sole Sisters is a female running club that offers social opportunities and safety as you run. With two pacing groups to account for every running style, this is a space where all women can find the support and encouragement they need to get out there and run!
Frontrunners. Frontrunners & Briskwalkers Cork offers an inclusive and welcoming club where LGBTQIA+ runners and walkers can join together to enjoy a safe and supportive exercise community. The focus is on welcoming individuals of all abilities and backgrounds, and the Cork group is part of a network of LGBT running clubs all over the world.
Rise & Run. Rise & Run West Cork is a fun, friendly running club based in Bandon, and all levels are welcome here. With regular meets at Bfit Bandon on Saturday mornings at 9.30am, the group aims to combine running and socialising and offers 2-5km running routes for different paces to ensure that there is something for everyone. Motivation comes in the form of coffee and treats nearby afterwards, which provides a great chance to meet new people!
Cool Runnings Skibb. Cool Runnings in Skibbereen can be found on Instagram at @coolrunningsskibb and aims to bring people in West Cork together to develop healthy habits and meet new friends. Runners of all abilities are welcome, including those with infants in buggies, and there are regular 5km run/walk events to join in with.
There are also several Park Runs in the area, which offer a community running space in public parks, often on weekend mornings.
Joining Your Local Running Club
In our experience, running clubs are very welcoming places indeed, and you’re sure to meet people who share the same interests as you. The hardest bit is turning up for the first time, especially if you have to do it alone. Walking into any new place is tricky, even as an adult, so don’t be hard on yourself if you’ve been putting it off for a long time.
Once you’ve found a group you’d like to try, give yourself the best chances of success by doing your research and connecting with the group beforehand. Take a look at Instagram or Facebook and find out what others are talking about and what they’re wearing so that you are fully prepared. Try to rope in a friend for company, or motivate yourself with the promise of a reward for your efforts.
Many of the running clubs in Cork have social events afterwards, including coffee meetings, so you can take advantage of the opportunity to chat after your run. It’s worth trying a group a few times before deciding it’s not for you, as it may vary from week to week. However, if after a few weeks you are not enjoying the experience, stop and try a different group – they all have a unique feel and set up. The first step is to get yourself through the door – we’re sure you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Focus on Your Fitness
If you’re feeling out of shape or worried that you may not keep up with the crowd at a running club, rest assured that most of the other people at running club events are probably feeling the same way! There’s never going to be a better time to begin than right now – even if you wish you had started years ago – so give yourself a break!
If you’re already an experienced runner, you’ll want to find a running club that suits your current habits or your goals. If you want to enjoy running socially but you are just starting out, you might want to find a group that offers shorter runs to ease yourself in, and if you’re dreaming of running a marathon, you might find a group that enables you to meet others on the same path and share your training journey.
Cork is a great place to focus on your fitness, with plenty of running clubs and other sports groups to meet other people while you work out. This is an excellent way to meet new friends and build networks, especially if you’re new to the area. Boosting your health and wellbeing, as well as your social life, is easier than ever with so many great options to choose from!
Running Clothing at The Edge, Ireland
At The Edge, we have a great selection of running clothing and running shoes for runners of all levels. We stock a variety of high-quality brands, and we can help you to find reflective running clothing and waterproof running jackets to ensure you can enjoy a run in all weather here in Ireland.
We also have a variety of gear for all of your outdoor adventures, including triathlon kit, cycling gear and swimming essentials. Our friendly team will be happy to help you find all of the kit and equipment you need, and we would love to hear about your adventures! Visit us in store or browse our full range on our website.
