Dlamini BlessingJohannesburg boasts a thriving running community, with clubs catering to everyone from absolute beginners to elite athletes chasing Comrades glory. Whether you are looking for structured coaching, social runs, or a supportive community to help you achieve your fitness goals, these clubs offer excellent options.
Here are the top running clubs to consider:
Top 10 Running Clubs in Johannesburg (2026)
1. Nedbank Running Club Central Gauteng (Johannesburg)
The Nedbank Running Club Central Gauteng is an ideal club for the more social runner. It has a relaxed and friendly character, and while faster runners are welcome, the bulk of its members are social runners with serious goals .
Key Highlights: The club is one of the most affordable in Johannesburg and offers members access to other Nedbank Clubs across South Africa . The trendy green club colours are a feature at races nationwide. The club hosts several social events including prize-giving functions, Comrades pasta parties, and Comrades talks . Both novice and experienced runners have the opportunity to gain training advice and written training programmes .
Time Trials and Club Runs:
– Modderfontein: Every Tuesday night at 5:15 PM from the Flamingo Shopping Mall parking lot (5km and 8km)
– Poplar on Park: Once a month on Wednesday nights at 5:15 PM (5km and 8km)
– Optional runs are also done on Saturday mornings
Membership Fees for 2026:
– Seniors: R600 per year
– Nedbank Employees: R550 per year
– Juniors and Pensioners: R350 per year (requires copy of ID)
Contact: For more information, email [email protected] .
2. Bedfordview Athletics Club (Bedfordview)
Bedfordview Athletics Club offers a comprehensive running experience with a professional coaching programme and a strong sense of community. Club runs are planned six days a week, including quality sessions for all abilities .
Key Highlights: The club’s clubhouse is conveniently based at Virgin Active Bedfordview with secure parking, providing access to the club track, sports grounds, squash and tennis courts . Members receive complete start-to-finish support for major races like Comrades, with catering at most main races and a safe place for kitbags . Regular social events include coffee meets after weekend runs and an annual Prize Giving .
Club Facilities:
– Training based on a professional coaching programme with runs 6 days a week
– School captains present and approachable for advice at all levels
– Safe training environment with supportive fellow runners
– Triathletes swim and cycle together on a regular basis
– Full club and training kit available at reasonable prices
– Performance squad with regular podium finishes
– Development squad trained to achieve performance status
Hosted Events: The club hosts the popular Biogen 21.1km race in Johannesburg .
Membership Fees for 2026:
– Youth Members (19-23 years): R1,499 (includes main club fee, athletics admin fee, and CGA license fee)
– Retired Members (60+): R1,499 (includes same components)
Contact: Join via their website at bedfordviewathletics.co.za .
3. Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club
The Johannesburg Harriers Athletics Club is one of the city’s premier running clubs, with a proud history and active race calendar. They are the organisers of the annual Johannesburg City Marathon .
Key Highlights: The club hosts the Johannesburg City Marathon, a key Comrades qualifier event held annually in March . The 2026 edition took place on 22 March at the Klipriviersberg Recreation Centre in Kibler Park, featuring 42.2km, 21.1km, and 10km distances . All finishers within the cut-off receive medals, and prize money is awarded to top performers.
Recent Events:
– Johannesburg City Marathon 2026: 22 March 2026
– Distances: 42.2km (R390), 21.1km (R290), 10km (R190)
– Grandmaster categories available at reduced rates
Contact: For inquiries, WhatsApp 072 679 0874 or email [email protected] .
4. Urithi Athletics Club
Urithi Athletics Club is a development-focused club formed in 2019 with a vision to prepare future champions, not only for their club but for the broader running community .
Key Highlights: The club hosts the annual Urithi Legacy Race, now in its third edition. The 2026 race took place on 1 March at the prestigious Ruimsig Stadium, featuring 21km, 10km, and 5km distances . The club is deeply committed to community development, offering coaching clinics and providing training gear for learners at Lesego Primary School in Diepsloot, as well as supporting the Krugersdorp Teddy Bear Foundation . Total prize money for the 2026 race was R110,000, a 10% increase from 2025 .
Club Vision:
– Rewarding excellence through prize money for elite runners
– Engaging the community with goodie bags and enhanced race experiences
– Empowering runners from disadvantaged backgrounds
– Supporting local schools and children’s charities
Contact: Email [email protected] or call Brenda at 082 325 7999 .
5. Waterfall Athletic Club (Midrand)
Waterfall Athletic Club is a prominent running club in the Midrand area, known for its active membership and community engagement. They hosted the Johannesburg Central Comrades Roadshow on 5 February 2026 .
Key Highlights: As a host club for official Comrades Marathon roadshows, Waterfall AC plays an important role in preparing runners for South Africa’s most iconic ultra-marathon. The club offers structured training programmes and a supportive community for runners of all levels.
Contact: For membership inquiries, attend one of their club runs or check their social media channels.
6. Run Zone Athletic Club (Johannesburg North)
Run Zone AC is an established club serving the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. They hosted the Johannesburg North Comrades Roadshow on 10 February 2026 .
Key Highlights: The club’s involvement in hosting Comrades roadshows demonstrates its commitment to supporting runners through their marathon and ultra-marathon journeys. They provide training guidance, group runs, and a strong sense of community.
Contact: Look for their club runs in the Johannesburg North area or follow them on social media for updates.
7. Jeppe Quondam Athletics Club (Edenvale)
The Jeppe Quondam Club was founded in 1907 as an old boys’ sports club for the famous Johannesburg school. The athletics section was established in 1976 and has grown into one of the finest running clubs in the country .
Key Highlights: Jeppe has become a strong social club catering for all types of runners, from walkers to elite athletes. A unique feature is its “schools” system, where runners are grouped by pace and ability, allowing beginners to progress comfortably through the levels . The club’s ethos is one of camaraderie and family, with a rich tradition of giving back to the community.
Club Events:
– Jeppe Marathon: 20 September 2026
– Johnson Crane Hire Marathon: 25 January 2026
8. Huddle parkrun (Linksfield)
While not a traditional running club, Huddle parkrun offers a free, weekly community running event that serves as an excellent entry point for runners of all standards .
Key Highlights: This free weekly 5k event takes place every Saturday at 8:00 AM in Huddle Park, Linksfield . It offers an opportunity for the entire local community to come together regularly to enjoy the outdoors and get physically active. The event is truly open to all—walkers, joggers, and runners are equally welcome, and it’s completely free .
What to Expect:
– Register once at parkrun.co.za for a lifetime barcode
– Timed 5k event every Saturday at 8:00 AM
– Post-run coffee at the Huddle paddle arena restaurant
– Supportive, non-competitive atmosphere perfect for beginners
Location: Huddle Park, 121 Club St, Linksfield, Johannesburg, 2192 .
9. Golden City Rollers (Turffontein)
For something completely different, the Golden City Rollers offer a unique athletic experience that combines running, skating, and team sport. They are Johannesburg’s internationally ranked roller derby league and Africa’s Number 1 Roller Derby League .
Key Highlights: Often described as “rugby on wheels,” roller derby combines speed, strength, endurance, tactical awareness, and teamwork . The league is open-gender and welcomes athletes of all identities over 18 who are interested in competitive play. Previous skating experience isn’t required—just a willingness to embrace sweat, bruising, and physicality .
Club Achievements:
– Members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association
– Travelled internationally to compete in Mexico, the US, Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark
– Several league members represented Team South Africa at the 2025 Roller Derby World Cup in Innsbruck
Training: The team trains twice weekly in Johannesburg .
10. Hollywood Athletics Club (Gauteng Region)
Hollywood Athletics Club has grown into a major force in South African athletics, boasting elite athletes like Gerda Steyn (three-time Comrades Marathon champion) and Irvette van Zyl . The club is registered in multiple regions including Gauteng.
Key Highlights: By joining the Hollywood Athletics Club, members become part of the “Purple Team” and enjoy benefits including a running license, high-quality club vest or t-shirt, and access to club gazebos at selected races with complimentary refreshments and snacks .
Membership Fees for 2026:
– New membership: R570 (includes club vest and annual license)
– Renewal membership: R290
– Junior and pensioner membership: R470
The club has a dedicated Elite Team Manager for scouting and managing top talent .
What to Expect at Running Clubs in Johannesburg
Club Culture and Atmosphere
Johannesburg’s running clubs cater to diverse needs. Some, like Nedbank Running Club, focus on social runners with serious goals . Others, like Bedfordview Athletics, offer professional coaching programmes and structured training six days a week . Development-focused clubs like Urithi Athletics prioritise community engagement and supporting runners from disadvantaged backgrounds .
Training and Support
Most clubs offer:
– Regular weekly time trials and club runs
– Professional coaching and training advice
– Race-day support with gazebos, kitbag storage, and refreshments
– Social events including prize-givings and Comrades pasta parties
– Written training programmes for novices and experienced runners
Membership Benefits
Joining a club typically includes:
– Annual license number for road races
– Access to club colours
– Discounts on race entries
– Community support and camaraderie
– Opportunities to qualify for major races like Comrades
Frequently Asked Questions About Running Clubs in Johannesburg
1. How much does it cost to join a running club in Johannesburg?
Costs vary by club. Nedbank Running Club charges R600 for seniors (2026) . Bedfordview Athletics charges R1,499 for youth and retired members . Hollywood Athletics offers new membership at R570 including a club vest . Some clubs offer discounted rates for juniors, pensioners, and students.
2. Do I need to be an experienced runner to join?
Not at all. Most clubs welcome runners of all levels. Nedbank Running Club is described as “ideal for the more social runner” . Bedfordview Athletics has school captains approachable for advice “no matter your level of running” . Huddle parkrun is specifically designed for participants of all standards, from complete novices to experienced athletes .
3. What are the benefits of joining a running club?
Benefits include structured training programmes, expert coaching, race-day support, social events, access to club facilities, and the motivation of running with others . Research cited in running club guides suggests 90% of club members report improved running technique, 85% stay more motivated, and 95% report improved mental and physical health .
4. Can beginners join competitive clubs?
Yes, many competitive clubs have development squads specifically designed to nurture new talent. Bedfordview Athletics has both a performance squad and a development squad trained to achieve performance status . Urithi Athletics is specifically focused on “preparing future champs” and empowering runners from disadvantaged backgrounds .
5. Are there free running options in Johannesburg?
Yes. Huddle parkrun offers a free, timed 5k event every Saturday at 8:00 AM . It’s open to walkers, joggers, and runners of all abilities, and you only need to register once for a lifetime barcode .
6. Do running clubs help with Comrades qualification and preparation?
Absolutely. Many clubs offer specific Comrades support, including pasta parties, Comrades talks, and training advice . The Johannesburg City Marathon, hosted by Johannesburg Harriers, is an essential Comrades qualifier . Several clubs host official Comrades roadshows, including Waterfall AC and Run Zone AC .
7. What should I bring to a club run or time trial?
Essential items include comfortable running gear, appropriate shoes, a water bottle, and your timing chip if applicable. For evening runs, bring reflective gear or a headlamp. Many clubs have water available at their gazebos during major races .
8. Are there running clubs for specific communities or interests?
Yes. Hollywood Athletics is a major force with elite athletes . Golden City Rollers offers a unique roller derby experience and is open-gender, welcoming athletes of all identities . Several clubs focus on specific geographic areas, making it easy to find training partners near you.
By exploring these clubs and finding the right fit for your running goals, you can become part of Johannesburg’s passionate and growing running community in 2026.