Edinburgh, on the Run

Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or lacing up for your first 5K, Edinburgh’s run clubs are taking the city by storm, blurring the line between fitness and social scene, writes Adrianne Webster.

In case you hadn’t noticed, run clubs have taken the world by storm. A social signifier that has taken over from more traditional, solitary wellness practices like yoga and Pilates, running has quietly become one of the city’s most visible social rituals, combining early starts, well-trodden routes that take runners from leafy parks to urban roads, and carefully chosen kit that signals to those in-the-know that they’re part of the club.

These gatherings, often organised around the city’s expanding network of sought-after cafes, coffee spots, barber shops and private members’ spaces, have become less about PBs and more about community-building. In the process, they’ve also become something else: the city’s most low-stakes way to meet someone. Where dating apps once dominated the small-talk economy, run clubs now offer a more analogue alternative.

Someone who knows this more than anyone is Andy Butchart, a double Olympian for Team GB, running coach and the lead of Gleneagles Townhouse’s very own Run Club. “I think running is just so much more enjoyable as a group,” he explains. “In the past, it maybe seemed quite elitist, but now, run clubs are becoming more popular and becoming quite cool. You’re seeing a lot of new brands come into play with clubs based around coffee shops, which brings in more of a community feel.”

In the age of increasing individualism and divisiveness on social media, that sense of true community built around a common focus is what is striking a chord with run club members. “For me, run clubs have become about building a sense of community at a time when it feels increasingly difficult to form real connections, especially with the rise of social media,” agrees Andy Foote, photographer and founder of creative production studio Dreaded Path (dreadedpath.com), who has worked with names like Merrell and Kestin.

Indeed, fashion is inherent to the appeal of the modern-day run club, with the boundaries between athleticism and style increasingly blurred. What began as a pursuit of health and community has evolved into a way to channel self-expression, with personal identity playing a pivotal role. The rise of stylish, functional running gear has opened a new space where fashion meets function, where kit isn’t just about performance, but about making a statement.

“From my perspective working in the fashion industry, there’s been a huge growth in independent running brands that have quickly become household names, alongside a renewed energy from the bigger brands in running apparel and footwear,” shares Foote.

“In the same way that people put thought into what they wear when meeting friends at a bar, there’s a similar mindset when turning up to a run club. I’ve also found that motivation plays a big role in running; when you’re wearing clothes and shoes designed to help you perform, it genuinely makes long runs feel more enjoyable. That idea of ‘look good, feel good’ definitely applies to running as much as it does to everyday life.”

While aesthetics are definitely a major factor in the modern running club, style isn’t taken so seriously that it becomes pretentious or exclusionary to newbies. “Something I’ve loved seeing is humour and personality being injected into highly technical garments for serious runners,” shares Foote. “Whether it’s funny slogans printed on singlets or shorts that are digitally printed to look like denim, it’s refreshing to see brands not taking themselves too seriously. It feels like a genuine reflection of the running community.”

Perhaps that’s the most important takeaway: at the end of the day, these clubs are all about fun. While there’ll always be some who are deadset on performing at the best of their ability every run, the vibe for most is about enjoying exercise, with a group of likeminded people, who also enjoy good food, good style and good humour.

Interested in getting involved? Here are some tips from Gleneagles Townhouse Run Club’s Andy Butchart on how to get started.

“My best tip is to firstly, try and find a run club that’s local to you, if not, see if you’ve got any friends or work colleagues that can meet up and start your own run club.

“And remember to have fun with it; whether that’s by yourself or with a run club. Keep it simple. The hardest part is putting your shoes on, so if you can get that right, you’re good to go. It doesn’t have to always be about targets and aims, but if you get a race in the diary, it’ll always give you a reason to go out and run with friends and with some purpose.”

Just visiting? You can still join in

Please ask at reception whether our Townhouse Run Club is on during your stay. If not, Holyrood parkrun at Holyrood Park is an easy way to tap into the city’s running scene without needing to know anyone or commit to a club. Held every Saturday morning, the free, timed 5K loops around Arthur’s Seat with panoramic views across the city – equal parts sightseeing tour and social spin. Visitors are warmly welcomed, and post-run coffees nearby are very much part of the ritual.

Local legends 

The best cafe spots around Edinburgh for refuelling post run. 

Cult Coffee Roasters

Home to the Cult Running Club, this contemporary cafe is one of the best spots for coffee in the city, thanks to their commitment to welcoming vibes, friendly, knowledgeable staff and excellent quality ingredients (they roast their very own beans at their Newbridge roastery). If the coffee doesn’t give you enough of a post-run buzz, the cinnamon buns will certainly provide a pick-me-up.

104 Buccleuch Street, @cultcoffeeroasters.

Traade

Part homeware and fashion retailer and part coffee shop, Traade in Edinburgh’s beachy Portobello ticks all the boxes. Acting as the base of Good Time Running’s Sunday Run Club, the cool spot is the perfect place for a brew and pastry, followed by some much-needed weekend retail therapy.

188 Portobello High Street, @traade_space

Hata

Hata’s mission statement is to the point: “Making the simple awesome”. And that’s exactly what they do well, dishing up great-tasting granola bowls, soups, sandwiches and porridge. You know, hearty fare that you might be craving after a big run around the city.

5 Rodney Street, @hata_edinburgh

Kul

A recent addition to Edinburgh’s line-up of design-led coffee spots, Kul sits on Elm Row, perfect for popping into if you take part in the weekly parkrun around the corner at Holyrood. The peaceful interiors with plaster walls and minimalist design make it the perfect place to rest.

15 Elm Row, @kulcoffee_