The boom of the run club era continues! Every week we’re hearing about a new run club that has popped up. One that you can now join at your work, on your way to work, on your way home from work, at home even. They’re everywhere right now! But why? 
 
In preparation for this year's Real Insurance Harbour 10 event, one of Sydney’s premier running events that takes in all the beauty of Sydney, we’ve looked into some of the main reasons why this ‘running fascination’ is taking place around Australia and why you should get involved if you’re not already getting in on the run club action!



1. Find your tribe
Community, community, community! This has to be the number one word used when it comes to run clubs right now. It’s all about the community and it’s easy to see why. Run clubs are one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to meet new people and socialise. With the rise of technology people are seeking out creative ways to disconnect from the digital world and connect with the real world, and running clubs offer a perfect opportunity to do this. Did we mention it’s also proven to be a good dating strategy for people who want to meet people IRL!
 
2. Boost your mental health
It may sound simple, and it is, but it’s something we often take for granted. Any type of exercise releases endorphins (your brain’s feel-good chemicals), which help combat anxiety and depression and running is one the easiest and best ways to exercise. This is often called the “runner’s high.” When done consistently, it can lead to long-term improvements in mood and emotional resilience. Run clubs are also held outdoors so you reap the benefits of fresh air and soaking up nature.
 
3. Get primed for success
Run clubs serve as a great way of keeping you accountable and training to achieve your personal goals. Whether that be getting the best shape of your life or completing a running event that you’ve always wanted to tick-off (hello Harbour 10). Run clubs often encourage their members to sign up to events together, which means you have a date you need to be ready by and people relying on you to turn up. Run clubs can keep you motivated and literally ‘on track’ with your life.
 
4. Constantly improve
Progression is very satisfying and running is one of the best ways to tangibly see and experience this for yourself. Shaving just a few seconds off your run club circuit will have to feeling, deservingly, proud of yourself. This can have a ripple effect into other areas of your day-to-day activities and life including your career and personal world.
 
5. Learn structure and routine
Some of us work better when we have a time and date in our diary, and we show up every week, no matter what. If your run club meets at 6am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, you need to be there at that time. Whereas if you just have a plan to run “at some point” in the day, there is a good chance you will keep pushing it back and forgo the run
 
6. Have fun! 
Run clubs have become so much more than just running. They often have post-run coffee catch-ups or poke bowls or might even come with a theme with feel-good music pumping. They’re an experience you can look forward to and have a whole lot of fun being a part of. Speaking of fun, if you’re ready to join the new era of running you can put your strides to good use and join us in Sydney on Sunday, July 27for the Real Insurance Harbour 10!
 
Ready to reap all the benefits of being part of a run club? Discover local run clubs here on our What’s On page.