Join The Rah-Rah of A Running Club Near You In Durban

As the globe moves toward a more wellness-centric place in our evolution, more and more fitness brands and forms emerge. From Yoga to Silent Retreats and everything in between – One really doesn’t have an excuse. Whether it’s waking up an hour earlier to go for a morning jog, popping into the gym after work or developing a weekend routine – more and more people are beginning to invest in exercise.

For those of you looking for the most trusted, cost effective way to stay in shape – you’ll be happy to know that running as a sport has been happening since approximately 700 BC. Throughout time, people ran as messengers during war times. Even here in our very own Zulu Kingdom, the fittest and fastest were tasked with the responsibility of transferring information between neighbouring villages and tribes, all by the capacity of their mind and own two feet.

Now, we run for leisure. We run to keep fit, and if you’re like me – we run to up our endorphin levels and … dare we say, socialise. Over the last few years the culture of running has seen a resurgence post the dark ages of Covid 19 and Lockdown.

In our very own coastal haven, we see running social clubs sprouting all across the city of Durban – from KwaMashu to Berea, and of course the beachfront promenade. If you’re looking for a running club to join, we’ve highlighted three to check out. See below.

1. Park Run

There are a total of ten Park Runs in Kwa-Zulu Natal to choose, from which take place every Saturday kicking off at 8am. These include the following areas: Blue Lagoon(3km), Durban Point(3km), Westville(10.7km), Umhlanga(12.6km), Red Point Church(18.4km), Fig Tree(25.7km), Amanzimtoti(27.3km), Hazelmere Dam(27.4km), Shongweni(28.5km) and the most famous of these being the North Beach Park Run – where you witness hundreds of people running together against the backdrop of our beautiful beachfront.

Described as “free, fun, and friendly”, you can join in on this weekly 5k community walk/jog/run by simply registering before hand on this website: https://www.parkrun.co.za/durbanpoint/ . Participants meet for a post-run coffee and wind down at the Pirates Lifesaving Club, Battery Beach Road, Durban.

Also, if you’re a Discovery Vitality member – you’ll be happy to know the run is organised in partnership with the wellness programme.

2. The Adidas Running Club

The great thing about the Adidas Running Club is that there are multiple runs you can choose to participate in throughout the week. Starting times vary from 5am for morning runs and 5pm for evening runs, kicking off at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

By joining this running club, you’ll be part of one in over thirty Adidas Running Clubs globally, active in cities like Atlanta (U.S.A), Berlin (DE), London and our very own Joburg and Cape Town. Participating in this run to it’s fullest benefit will require you to download an app and map all running. Running points are said to accumulate, and eventually offer rewards in the form of discount off Adidas apparel. So be prepared to wear your phone or smart watch for this one.

3. HoliFit

Founded by General Njiniyela of the GNPS Podcast on the 2nd of November 2024, this is currently Durban’s hottest running club. If you’re into the likes of trendy sexy running clubs like The Nike Jozi Run or Vault Strength Club (Johannesburg), you definitely want to check out HoliFit.

Runners meet most Saturdays at Boston Brew Cafe in Morningside at 6:30am for 7am (unless otherwise stated). To stay updated on their next 5km run, check out their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/holifit_sa/

Take note all clubs mentioned above offer more of a social value, than an official running club. For something more competitive, check out The Social Runners Club where 2025 Membership will cost you R450 including an Athletics South Africa (ASA) License. Also see The Nedbank Running Club, The Stella Athletics Club, The Crusaders Running Club, The Hollywood Athletics Club and others.

Written By Lex LaFoy