Run clubs on the Central Coast

Whatever your goals, one thing is true, run clubs are becoming very popular because they have put a new spin on running. It’s more than just pounding the pavements at first light in the morning on your own, run clubs bring the community together. They ignite the fun in fitness and what's more, it's about having a chat while you run, grabbing a coffee afterwards to debrief and meeting new friends with similar interests or even finding romance, yes run club have also been penned as the 'new' dating app!

With the scenic pathways along our waterways, bush trails and coastal tracks along the coastline, the Central Coast is the perfect location to run, or walk. With regular meet ups, most of them are free, there are plenty of run clubs around the Coast. You don't need to be a runner to join, all you need is a pair of runners and be ready for some fun.

To help you get started, we've asked Central Coast locals to tell us about run clubs on the Central Coast and here's what they told us.

Slow Boy Run Club

Local eyewear designer Our Furore, has the runner in mind for their range of sunglasses, ranging in various sleek and modern styles and colours. With their warehouse in Tuggerah, Furore's eyewear is a must for those series on outdoor fitness.  And what's more they have a run club too! Slow Boy Run Club meets at difficult locations around the Coast. It's best to contact them directly to find out when their next run is. 

CC Mums Run Club

A 5km run club just for women and mums to run, walk and talk together each Sunday morning at 6:30am at The Entrance. The CC Mums Run Club is a chance for women to come together to do some exercise and socialise while enjoying the early morning fresh air before the demands of the family start! Whether you are pushing a pram, carrying a baby, just out to meet a few likeminded women or are ready to run, do it together is a safe space. Meet in the park opposite Albies coffee, run along the path past The Entrance Surf Club, turn around the meet at Albies coffee afterwards. 

Central Coast Cross Country

On Saturday afternoon between April and August, Central Coast Cross Country runners meet up at  several locations across the coast to participate in a 2km, 4km and 6km run. From South Tacoma, Patonga, Kincumber Mountain, Canton Beach, Central Mangrove, the locations offer a great opportunity to see different areas of the Coast and meet new friends while getting fit. 

Rub Club Toukley 

Rise early and meet the friendy faces of Run Club Toukley at Tyre Power on Toukley's Main Road for a 5km run to start your morning. There are signs to where to turn as you make your way back to the start line. Pop across the road to Blackfinn Espresso for a refreshing steaming hot coffee and a catch up with other runners.

Terrigal Trotters

Formed in 1983, the Terrigal Trotters meet at the Terrigal Surf Club at 6am for an early morning run or walk every Saturday morning, rain, hail or shine. You don’t need to a runner to join, getter fitter and meet new friends is what it’s all about. With an average of 150 runners each Saturday morning, runners of all abilities are welcome to run the 10-18km route. There are shortcuts available for those starting out. The cost is $2 each Saturday you run which goes towards drinks at the end, maybe even a slice of cake and after 10 runs you become a member. There are also many runs to participate in on differnt days including Six at Six, 6km run starting at 6pm at Gosford, track sessions at Terrigal at 6am on selected dates, a road run through Matcham at 6am with various distances between 8.3km-14.7km and a 6:30am trail run through Killcare starting at Hardys Bay running on fire trails, roads, single tracks and beaches.

Woy Woy Runners

Started to meet others and build a local community of like-minded people to share experiences and create relationships, Woy Woy Runners has been established since 2021. Running all over the Coast because the region is just full of running options, the run club runs at the Bay to Bay Running Festival,  weekly Saturday morning runs and have even participated at events in the Mid-North, North Sydney, Newcastle and even as far as London. The club welcomes all abilities from fast runners to steady walkers. Woy Woy Runners has also expanded to support other groups like Achilles Australis who are a group of blind and low vison athletes who are guided along the Woy Woy Park Run course by Woy Woy Runners every Saturday morning. Some runs include the Davistown waterfront, 7km to 7am on Saturday morning with a coffee at Pip and Frankies afterwards.

Woy Woy Park Run

Woy Woy Park Run is a free and friendly 5km community run, that happens weekly. Starting at Lion Park, Brick Wharf Road, Woy Woy every Saturday at 8am enjoy running alongside Brisbane Water, taking in the sparkling water as you breath in the early morning fresh air. You’ll need to register to get your run result, but it won’t cost you anything. Stay afterwards and grab a coffee at Sharpey’s Love Shack Coffee Shop.

Mt Penang Park Run

Another free parkrun is at Mt Penang every Saturday at 8am. The 5km run takes you through the Penang Gardens surrounded with stunning native plants and within an environment teeming with wildlife. The course is 2.5 laps and at the end of lap two you will cross the finish line at the bridge where you started. Enjoy a post run and well-deserved coffee afterwards at the Waterfall Cafe, Mt Penang Parklands with new found friends.

The Entrance Park Run

Further north, meet at Picnic Point Reverse, The Entrance, at 7am every Saturday for a 5km park run. Participate at your own pace, as you go along a mixture of concrete paths and grass heading along the Long Jetty foreshore. Marshalls will be dotted along the relatively flat course with signs along the run course. Bring your friends, family or visitors and afterwards reward yourself with a hot drink and debrief at The Entrance, Lake House.

Sam Remo Park Run

Every Saturday morning at 8am, meet a group of fun and enthusiastic walkers and runners, start at the carpark of Edgewater Park, San Remo, heading north following the path next to the lake and return back to the start line to total 5km. Stay afterwards for a post run coffee to chat to other partipcants.

Bay to Bay Running Festival

Each year, the Bay to Bay Running Festival includes a 5km, 12km fun run, and 21km half marathon from Woy Woy waterfront to Industree Group Stadium in Gosford. The course takes in the stunning Brisbane Waters with the half marathon 12km run starting at The Boulevard in Woy Woy, the 5km run from Adcock Park in Gosford and the kids races starting at Industree Stadium. The annual run donates proceedings to local Central Coast charities.

RunFest Central Coast

Starting underneath the iconic Entrance Bridge and finishing at Memorial Park at The Entrance, RunFest Central Coast consists of a half marathon taking in the scenic route of Chittaway Bay following the cycle path. There are also short races including a 19km, 5km family run and kids 3km race. A great day out for runners, walkers and spectators.

Bouddi Coastal Run

At the beginning of Summer each year, the Bouddi Coastal Run attract over 800 seasoned athletes and runners. The trail run takes your breath away, literally, as you run alongside some of the regions some spectacular coastline. Don’t underestimate the 14km and 21km trail within Bouddi National Park. Test your skills running on a variety of terrain from cliff tops, sandy beaches to rocky landscapes. Bring the family because there is a kids 1km beach run.

Run Dip Sip

For those who want more than a run, Run Dip Sip is a great way to run and cool off with a swim before wrapping up and sipping on a coffee at Mr Sha Sha’s. Meeting at The Entrance Surf Club, every Saturday at 6am, the morning activities total 5km. Encouraging everyone who shows up to have a g even in the winter months, you can run, sprint and or walk. Reward your hard work with a coffee and chat afterwards, where new friendships are made, and a lifelong love of exercise is born. Keep an eye on their social pages as they change up their routes to keep the challenge alive.

Social Swim Squad 

As the sun rises, start your Saturday the right way with an early morning run, walk and swim in picturesque Terrigal. Social Swim Squad meets at 6:30am at Terrigal Surf Club and choose a run or swim. With like minded friends to motivate you as you run at your own pace from the surf club across the board walk, through the dog park and below the Skillon and back. Or if you prefer, swim out to the gold and red buoys and back, testing yourself in the Winter! Gather back for a coffee, juice or smoothie where warm smiles and encouraging cheers greet you.  

Niagara Park Walk and Talk Walking Groups

A dog friendly walking club, which combines exercise with socialising by connecting with the community in a safe environment. The club meets on Mondays, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30am for an hour at Yallambee Avenue, West Gosford (Wednesday) and Washington Avenue at Niagara Park on Monday and Friday. The Niagara Park Walk and Talk walking group is organised by National Heart Foundation of Australia to get more people walking to keep optimal health and a healthy heart.

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