Joining a running club is a fantastic way to stay fit, meet new people, and get out of the house. It’s a fun and free community based activity that brings friendly, like-minded people together to motivate and inspire one another. We want to help find the right run club for you so we have compiled a list of our favourite running clubs in Galway. Check them out here and we’ll see you at the start line!
The social run clubs in Galway are always happy to welcome new members of all fitness levels. No matter if you are new to Galway, want to spend some time with friends that doesn’t involve a night out, or simply want to meet new people - these run clubs will help you find your tribe, stay active and have some craic along the way.
As a little bonus we’ve added a list of the parkruns which take place weekly across Galway county. So no excuses. If you want to start putting your best foot forward, here is where to do just that!
Connexions Run Club
When: weekly - Tuesdays at 7.30pm and Saturdays at 10.30am
Where: meeting point and running route varies
Check out their Instagram page and join the club!
DM them on Instagram to join their Whatsapp group
Connexions Run Club set out to create a fun social club where people could come together, meet new people, get outdoors and of course try the best coffee spots that Galway has to offer. All levels of fitness are welcome as their 5k runs are all at an easy conversational pace ensuring that no one gets left behind. Not just a run club, Connexions is a community of the soundest people you’ll ever meet and whether you're a local, new to the area, or just looking for a new hobby, you'll be welcomed with open arms and made feel right at home! After the run is finished, all are invited to join them for post-run coffee and treats at a local coffee shop.
above: Connexions
Running on Beans Run Club
When: weekly - Saturday mornings
Where: new route every week
Check out their Instagram page and join the club!
Join their Whatsapp group via the link here
Taking on new routes every week, Running on Beans Run Club is a beginner-friendly running club that loves coffee almost as much as they love running. Starting and finishing at different cafés/coffee shops each week, joining Running on Beans Run Club is a fantastic way to get your steps in and sample new brews. Their runs always take place on Saturday morning so it’s a lovely way to begin your weekend here in Galway amongst a brilliant group of people. There is no obligation to go every week so feel free to go on weekends that best suit you.
Galway Bay Brewery Running Club
When: monthly - second Sunday of every month and last Monday of the month
Where: meetups on Sundays at Salt House and on Mondays at Oslo Bar
Check out their Instagram page and join the club!
A self-proclaimed beer club with a running problem. Galway Bay Brewery Running Club set off on either 5k, 8k, or 10k routes and then finish up at the pub for well-deserved post-run pints. Essentially, you run the distance you are comfortable running and then reunite with the rest of the club at the bar afterwards! For all participants there is a free Galway Bay Brewery beer waiting for you at the bar on your return. Dogs are welcome to join runners for the event and both pubs are dog-friendly, so they can also join you for refreshments post-run too!
above: Galway Bay Brewery Running Club
Top Shelf Coffee Bar Running Club
When: weekly - Sundays at 10.30am
Where: meeting at Top Shelf Coffee Bar
Check out their Instagram page and join the club!
Join their club on Strava Club so you don’t miss any updates
It began as a couch to 5k challenge for beginners who wanted to start running and needed the motivation of a run club. Nowadays, Top Shelf Coffee Bar Running Club welcomes runners of all fitness levels on an easy paced circular route, starting and ending at Top Shelf Coffee Bar. This run club comprises a friendly group of people, who encourage and motivate one another to crush their fitness goals. After the run, the club gathers at Top Shelf Coffee Bar for some well-earned coffee and treats, (all participants can enjoy 10% off on their coffee too).
Galway Sanctuary Runners
When: weekly - Saturdays at 9.30am
Where: University of Galway parkrun
Check out their Instagram page and join the club!
DM them on Instagram to join their Whatsapp group
Galway Sanctuary Runners is a community run club that invites people of all backgrounds; asylum seekers, migrants and Irish citizens to come together and run as one. They regularly organise couch to 5k programmes to help new runners get back into their stride. These are free to join and all information regarding these can be found via their Instagram. Galway Sanctuary Runners is a supportive group who are happy to welcome and run with people of all fitness levels. Post-run they often meet up for coffee/tea and take part in local, national and global fitness as a group.
Read & Run Galway
When: approximately every three weeks - Saturdays from 10am
Where: new café and route every time
Check out their Instagram page and join the club!
Read & Run is Galway’s first club that brings together a love of reading and running. At each meeting they kick things off with a book discussion followed by a run through some of Galway’s most scenic spots. The club was born out of a love of running and reading, and since its creation it has brought friends together, introduced participants to new books, and given people the motivation to start running again. If you’re feeling lonely, or just looking for a new hobby, they’d love to have you join them. All bookworms and runners welcome!
Parkruns;
Parkruns are free, community events that you can walk, run, jog, volunteer or simply spectate. Taking place in locations nationwide, they are a great way to keep track of your personal bests while also running with a group of like minded people. While parkruns are free, all participants are invited to register (you only need to do this once), and then bring a scannable copy of your barcode to receive your parkrun time. If you have any questions you can contact the volunteer team at your nearest parkrun location via the relevant link below..
Oranmore Parkrun
Where: Renville Park, Oranmore
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A fun community run, every week participants can get together afterwards for a coffee/tea at the nearby Americano Ice Cream and Coffee Shop. They offer coffee/tea at a discounted price of €3 to all parkrun participants so it’s a fun way to begin your weekend.
Coole Park Parkrun
Where: Coole Park, Gort
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A fun community 5k run, every week participants get together afterwards for a coffee/tea at the Coole Park Visitor Centre Tea Rooms. All are welcome and it is a great way to make new friends and meet new people.
Oughterard Parkrun
Where: Corribdale Park, Oughterard
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A fun community 5k run, every week participants get together afterwards for a post parkrun coffee/tea at Powers’ Thatch. All are welcome and it is a great way to meet new people.
Portumna Parkrun
Where: Portumna Forest Park, 6 St Joseph's Rd, Portumna Demesne, Portumna
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A fun community run, every week participants can get together afterwards for a coffee/tea at the nearby Blas in Portumna. It’s a great way for all parkrun participants to mingle and chat so it’s a brilliant way to start your weekend.
above: Portumna Parkrun
Mountbellew Forest Parkrun
Where: Mountbellew Forest, The Old Forge, The Demesne, Mountbellew
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A community 5k run, every week participants get together afterwards for a coffee/tea at The Bus Stop. All are welcome and it is a great way to make new friends. They would be delighted to have you join in!
Clonbur Woods Parkrun
Where: Clonbur Woods, Clonbur
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A fun community 5k run, every week participants get together afterwards for a coffee/tea at a local café. All are welcome to join and it is a great way to make new friends. They would be delighted to have you run with them!
Inis Meáin Parkrun
Where: Inis Meáin Community Hall, Ceathrú an Teampaill, Inis Meáin
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A fun community 5k run, every week participants get together afterwards for a coffee/tea at the Community Hall. All are welcome and it is a great way to meet new people.
University of Galway Parkrun
Where: University of Galway (Park & Ride Car Park)
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A fun community 5k run, every week participants get together afterwards for a coffee/tea at Dangan House Garden Centre Tea Rooms. All are welcome and it is a great way to make new friends and meet new people.
Knocknacarra Parkrun
Where: Knocknacarra Community Centre/Cappagh Park, Cappagh Road, Knocknacarra
When: weekly, Saturday mornings at 9.30am
register here
A community 5k run, all are welcome and it is a great way to make new friends. They would be delighted to have you join them!
