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The best run clubs aren’t elite squads gatekeeping the pavement. They’re communities bursting with inclusivity and diversity that have undoubtedly become the new ‘third space’ – that electric gap between work and home where people come to move, switch off, laugh, and find connection.
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As the founder of one of Sydney's biggest run clubs, the question I get asked the most isn't about marathon prep, carbon plates, or how to crack a sub-20 5K.
It's this:
"I'm worried I'm not fast enough / I'm not fit enough / I can't run far enough. Can I still join your club?"
If that sounds familiar, here's the first thing you need to know: your fear is completely normal. The second? Thinking you need to be "good" to belong is the biggest myth the running world has ever sold us.
Being a runner isn't defined by a certain pace or number on your watch. It's simply the act of putting one foot in front of the other. And while social run clubs can look intimidating from the outside, with their synchronised Stravas and matching singlets, the reality is very different.
The best run clubs aren't elite squads gatekeeping the pavement. They're communities bursting with inclusivity and diversity that have undoubtedly become the new ‘third space' – that electric gap between work and home where people come to move, switch off, laugh, and find connection.
That's why run clubs have been popping up on every corner across the country. Sure, people come for the fitness, but they stay for the feeling. There's something completely magnetic about a group of strangers lacing up together, sharing a laugh between strides, grabbing coffee afterwards and leaving a session feeling like you've gained more than just kilometres under your belt.
But I don't want you to just take my word for it, so I spoke to the heads of three iconic clubs across the country – Ryan Guilfoyle from Tribal Run Club in Sydney, Erin La Barbera from Adelaide's I Don't Run Club, and Roxy Visser at Perth Run Collective – to hear their advice for taking the leap.
Step 1: Flip the script on your mindset
For some, school conditioned us to think two things about running: one, that running is a punishment, and two, that coming last is a failure. Both are totally incorrect. In run club culture, "slow" is just a speed, and every speed is worth celebrating.
"All welcome, always!" is the signature slogan at Perth Run Collective. Founded in 2016, it's one of the city's oldest running communities. "No matter where you're at on your running journey, there's no such thing as too slow, or not far enough," Run Organiser Roxy Visser tells me. "It's about building confidence on your feet and making new friends to chase bigger goals with."
Step 2: Find the right club for you
The best thing about the run club boom is that there is genuinely a community out there for everyone, no matter what you're chasing.
Tribal Run Club moves three times a week, mainly through Centennial Park with longer efforts through the Sydney CBD. Founder Ryan Guilfoyle says inclusivity is built into every workout.
"Our track sessions and long runs all have different pace and distance options, so no one feels isolated," he says. "From October to April, we focus on social running and gradually building kilometres. In Winter, we shift towards more structured race training while helping people understand the value of balance, progression and not going all out all year round."
Meanwhile, Perth Run Collective hosts Track Tuesday at Subiaco Oval and a Sunday Social in Trigg, with multiple pace groups and Run Leads spread throughout the pack.
"We make sure everyone feels supported and nobody gets left behind," Roxy says.
Over in Adelaide, the I Don't Run Club keeps things deliberately low pressure with two 30-minute runs a week. Founder Erin La Barbera says the club is as much about connection as cardio.
"Our weekly runs are a fun, free reason to get out of the house, decompress from a big day, and make new friends," she says. "We always meet 15 minutes before we run to chat, and we love group dinners or coffees after our runs too. Everyone who comes to the club is friendly and looking for a connection, so be prepared for a laugh."
Step 3: Leave the nerves at the door
That anxious feeling before your first club run? Completely universal.
But here's the secret: every confident regular was once the awkward first-timer standing alone on the curb wondering if they should turn around and go home.
"If you're nervous about joining a run club, just remember; everyone was once in your shoes – even me, and I started a club," says Ryan from Tribal. "Once you come down, you'll realise that no one cares about your pace or how ‘good' you are. They care that you show up and give it a go."
He believes there's magic that lies in run clubs.
"Running can look like an individual, isolated sport. But when you step into a community, you'll see ordinary people doing incredible things – inspiring each other every single week – and it will take you to places you never even thought you'd go."
Step 4: Don't skip the intro chat
The easiest mistake first-timers make is in hanging back.
The pre-run briefing is where the ice gets broken, introductions happen and the tone of the session is set.
"We make a conscious effort to give every first timer a warm welcome at the start of each run," Ryan says. "Before we set off, we check in with anyone new, introduce ourselves, and make sure they feel acknowledged rather than anonymous."
At the I Don't Run Club, Erin even has a tradition called the "debut photo" – a rite of passage that instantly turns newcomers into part of the crew. "I always made an effort to meet new people, introduce myself and the other regulars, and remind them that we welcome all runners and walkers at all fitness levels!"
Newbies receive a round of applause at the Perth Run Collective while Run Leads always circle back after the session to speak with first-timers. "We do a pulse check on their experience and invite them back to our next session," Roxy explains.
Step 5: Understand that it's not a race
Social running clubs are structured so that you don't have to stress about "keeping up". Running together is about collective energy, not competition or the clock.
At the I Don't Run Club, every run is based on time rather than distance. "Each run is a 30-minute loop, which allows all fitness levels to join without the pressure of being ‘left ‘behind' because everyone finishes at the same time," Erin says.
At Tribal, Ryan uses a staggered approach so beginners and advanced runners can train together, without being divided by pace or distance. "On Wednesdays, we offer a 3K, 5K and 8K option with multiple pace groups," he says. "We start the longer and faster groups first, and the shorter, more relaxed groups last so everyone roughly finishes together. No one really knows what distance other people run. What matters is that you show up and run the distance that works for you."
Step 6: Trust the run leads
Run Leads aren't just there to keep the pace and shout "stay left"; they're there to welcome newbies and make sure you're having a good time.
"Their role isn't just pacing, it's connecting," Ryan explains. "They chat to new members, welcome them to the community, meet them where they're at in terms of experience and confidence, and introduce them to others. This helps break down any perceived barriers or cliques, and ensures no one is on the outside looking in.
"From the first hello to the post-run coffee, the goal is simple: no one should feel like they're alone in a crowd."
Step 7: Come exactly as you are
"Ego gets left at the start line," says Roxy, and that sentiment was echoed across every club I spoke to.
"There are no egos here," Ryan adds. "We're all showing up for the same reason, whether you're running 3K or 30K, it doesn't matter.
While Erin says the clue is in the name. "We're called the I Don't Run Club for a reason," she explains. "We encourage a no judgement and non-competitive zone."
Step 8: Follow the unspoken etiquette
The golden rule of run club? Say hello.
It sounds simple but it changes everything.
"We see ourselves as a family and a home-away-from-home," says Irishman Ryan, who launched Tribal Run Club in 2023 to bring fellow Irish expats together through movement and community. "So say hello to the person on your left and right when you arrive. That one small act creates a domino effect of hellos and instant welcomes, and it sets the tone for the whole run."
Step 9: Stay for the post-run hang
The run might get you there, but the post-run social is what keeps people coming back.
"The coffee has to be one of the best parts," says Ryan. "That's where we really connect, share stories, and inspire each other to chase big goals.
"We always say, ‘Tribal won't be the reason you move to Sydney, but we hope it'll be the reason you call it home'. Seeing that come to life over coffee and watching people laughing and connecting is pretty special because those chats are where strangers become training partners, training partners become friends, and friends become family."
In Perth, the ritual looks a little different: post-track beers at the pub on a Tuesday and ocean dips and long coffee catch-ups by the beach on Sundays.
"Conversations are inspired, wholesome and engaging," Roxy says. "We're a community of like-minded people from all walks of life, countries near and far, and running is simply the catalyst that brings us together as strangers who become friends.
Step 10: Be brave enough to start
By now, you've probably realised that joining a run club isn't really about running at all.
It's about having the courage to walk into something completely unfamiliar. It's about backing yourself enough to introduce yourself to a stranger and knowing that you deserve a spot in the pack – even if your inner critic is telling you you're not "fit enough" or "fast enough."
So if you need one final push to get you off the fence and into your running shoes, take it from the people who live and breathe this culture every single week:
"My best advice? Just put your shoes on, come down and say hello," Ryan urges. "The hardest part is the first step. After that, it starts to feel less like a run club and more like a family: a group of people who genuinely care about your growth and will cheer you on louder than you ever imagined. And trust me – your future self will thank you."
"Being nervous is completely understandable but after you've come once, you'll see it's a very relaxed, fun group of people who are all there for a similar reason," Erin explains. "The I Don't Run Club is a space for people to get their 30 minutes of movement in, make connections and bring anyone they like."
"All welcome, always!" insists Roxy. "The Perth Run Collective is all-inclusive, no matter where you're at on your running journey, and our community ethic stands at the forefront of what we do."
So, in a world where there's no such thing as too slow or not far enough – what are you waiting for?
Tie your laces, take a deep breath, and show up exactly as you are. Your tribe is waiting for you, and the only run you'll ever regret is the one you don't go for.
Looking to join a run club?
rebel RUN club is a monthly free 5K community run for all levels, focused on movement and good vibes – starting from rebel Bondi Junction in Sydney and rebel Emporium in Melbourne. Follow rebel on social media for all event details.
For more expert advice and running tips, head to rebel RUN.
Looking for more? Check out rebel RUN and level up your running game.
