We've rounded up a whole list of running clubs, from running clubs for people who like to drink (yep), to those wanting to get chiseled by waking up before the butt crack of down (for fitness!)... we got you covered (we had no idea there was such a diversity in running clubs).
Read past the fold for a quick round-up on running clubs detailing their backgrounds, how much they cost (if any), who runs with them and how to get in touch ith them!
shanghai hash house harriers
In A Nutshell
The Shanghai Hash House Harriers (H3) call themselves "a drinking club with a running problem", and any brief intro to their ceremonies and initiations, their expletive-laced songs, might make them sound like a cult. But they are just a group of really nice people who love to run and love to drink beer.
Every Sunday at 2.30 pm, typhoon or blazing heat, H3 does a walk/run in a new Shanghai location.
Then they have circle time, but not like in kindergarten. The hashers stand together, bring out crates of beer, and that week's Grand Master asks, "What did you think of today's run?" The hashers complain about a terrible route, then in unison declare, "It was the best hash ever." First-timers are immediately welcomed to introduce themselves. Circle time continues with plenty of offensive songs and excuses for getting everyone to chug beer from a bucket. Excuses can range from "That person stopped to smell the trash" to "I'm Taiwanese, so all Taiwanese drink." This lasts for roughly an hour, but after the first 15 minutes, many are buzzing and dripping with beer. It's a very "come as you are," all-inclusive atmosphere with good vibes.
Background
The first Hash club started in 1938 in Malaysia, when a group of British colonial officers began meeting for Monday runs to make up for weekend partying. The run was fashioned in the style of hounds chasing hares, and they'd end the night with beer and cigs. After World War II, the runs saw a revival in Singapore and spread through expat communities in Asia. Now, it is a completely global social club with local chapters in almost every major city.
Shanghai has four Hash clubs doing weekly or bimonthly runs: The Distinguished Overseas Gentlemen of Shanghai (D.O.G.S.), Posh Hash House Harriets, Drunken Dragon Hash House Harriers (D2H3), and the Hash House Harriers (H3). The way the community works is that once you're a Hasher in one club, you're a Hasher everywhere, in any city. If you're traveling or moving to a new city, you already know that you've got a group of people ready to welcome you in.
Who's Running
A mix of expats and locals from age 17-70 of many nationalities, but most are expats in their late 20s -- outgoing people with a high tolerance for profanity. Someone who won't be offended by the song, "Incest Time in Texas," sung to the melody of Yellow Rose of Texas. If this makes you uncomfortable, just chug your Tsingtao until it feels okay...
When / Where They Run
Every week, H3 runs through a different path, exploring back alleyways and neighborhoods on the edges of Shanghai.
What Else They Do
Every year they throw large themed runs, like the Red Dress Run, Christmas Run, Chinese New Year Run, etc. You might have seen them running through Yongkang Lu from time to time in costumes. There's also an annual All China Hash, in which hash clubs from all over China and beyond fly in for a huge run. The 2023 All China Hash just happened in September in Hainan. This year the 2024 All China Hashwill be in Hong Kong. They also do some charity work!
Costs
For those who prefer not to drink beer, the run costs 20rmb. However, for an additional 20rmb, you can enjoy free-flow beer, bringing the total to 40rmb. Newcomers, affectionately termed [Run] virgins, are offered the first drinks. Following roughly an hour of communal beer chugging, participants gather for a substantial Chinese dinner, complemented, of course, by more beer. The entire experience, encompassing the run, unlimited beer, and dinner, is priced at 140rmb.
Contact Info
To receive weekly updates about the locations of the next runs, you can follow their WeChat Public Account (ID: SH_hash), Facebook (Shanghai Sunday Hash House Harriers), and Xiaohongshu (Shanghai H3 2.0). For any other questions, you can reach out to info@shanghai-h3.com. They always post run details on their website, too.
fitfam
In A Nutshell
FitFam is a fitness community that thrives on the commitment of each person, providing free and consistent access to quality fitness, wellness, and an active lifestyle.
Background
FitFam began its journey in Shanghai in 2015, initiated by six friends who simply wished to remain active during the lengthy, chilly winter.
It has evolved into a community anchored in trust, accountability, and inclusivity. Its goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health and fitness while fostering confidence in communication and leadership, both personally and professionally.
As a social enterprise, FitFam does not aim to generate profit. Instead, any revenue derived from events organized and executed by volunteers, or from apparel designed and sourced by them, is allocated towards the maintenance and development of technology. This sustains and expands their community, allowing them to provide free fitness opportunities to people throughout China and beyond.
Who's Running?
Participants include triathletes, cyclists, yogis, newcomers who have never been to a gym before, college athletes, Spartans, marathon runners, and dancers.
Their workouts predominantly follow a High-Intensity Interval Training/Bodyweight strength and conditioning philosophy. This approach involves alternating between intense bursts of activity using your body weight and fixed periods of active rest. The workouts are designed to be accessible to everyone; they require no equipment and no previous experience.
When / Where They Run
FitFam currently holds workouts across APAC, North America, and Europe (coming soon!). To find the location nearest you, visit their website here.
What Else They Do
In addition to their weekly workouts, they host various events such as a Chinese New Year run themed around the zodiac, a one-week spring challenge, a two-week summer challenge, a special FitFam birthday workout, the Huangpu Halloween Hustle, and other impromptu events.
Costs
All their events are free, except for some challenges where they charge a small amount to cover costs. However, participants in these challenges receive a complimentary gift, such as a bag.
Contact Info
For questions or inquiries, contact them at hello@wefitfam.com, or visit their WeChat Public Account (ID: FitFamChina) and their WeChat Mini-Program "FitFam".
runnershai
In A Nutshell
RunnersHai is a community of runners based in Shanghai. They host free social runs and tailored training sessions with a certified coach every week, all set against the picturesque backdrop of the West Bund. Additionally, they organize various races of differing distances throughout the year.
If you appreciate the concept of running but find yourself losing interest quickly, RunnersHai might be the perfect fit. This running club ventures beyond the city to organize unconventional races in unique settings such as organic farms and islands. While some runners may concern themselves with minor distance discrepancies, RunnersHai prioritizes the discovery of intriguing courses.
Their offerings include marathon training and weekly runs, as well as more inventive races like the Farmer's Run and the Tortoise and Hare Run.
Background
Two guys met in a shared office space in Jing'an in 2012. Both happened to be Danish and into running, so they started running together and formed this non-profit club. The club went from 3-4 people running once a week to 30-50 people, where they then started doing events almost every month.
They have organized events in central Shanghai, Sheshan, Chongming Island, and Dishui Lake, as well as further afield in Jiangsu Province and Anhui Province.
Who's Running
Mostly expats 30-35 years old. The female-to-male ratio is 70:30. About 15% of the runners are Chinese and they're looking to increase that number.
When/Where They Run
They hold social runs on Tuesday evenings and training sessions on Thursday evenings.
What Else They Do
A lot. They have a race where people run over ten historic bridges in Shanghai. Their "Farmers Run" happens on an organic farm on Chongming Island. They also do marathon training.
Costs
Their Tuesday night runs are free. Special events, such as scavenger hunts and larger in-town events like the 10-bridge Half Marathon, range from 80 to 150rmb, depending on the race. For events held out of town, an additional 50rmb is charged to cover bus expenses. Therefore, a running trip to Chongming Island or Yangcheng Lake would total 200rmb. Additionally, they organize affordable post-run lunches and beer-drinking sessions. The weekly Tuesday run begins and ends at Charlie's Greenland Mall store, offering reasonably priced post-run beers and burgers. They also offer merchandise, such as T-shirts and singlets, available for purchase twice a year.
Contact Info
Visit their Instagram account "runnershai_sh", WeChat Public Account "RunnersHai" and WeChat Mini-Program "RunnersHai Club" to learn more info and join their runs.
trash running
In A Nutshell
Trash Running, also known as "plogging," involves jogging while picking up litter. Originating in Sweden in 2016 and recently spreading to other countries, Trash Running has been dubbed the "sports trend of the year" in 2018. It addresses the dual concerns of our era: combating the global environmental crisis that threatens future generations' habitability of our world and, of course, maintaining fitness.
In Shanghai, an idealistic community of runners, known as Trash Running China, has emerged. These individuals metaphorically wear their heart monitors on their sleeves. The group, established just a few months ago, is gaining popularity among expats and locals eager to positively impact their immediate surroundings.
Trash Running China is dedicated to contributing to society and the environment while promoting active lifestyles.
Background
The group was initiated by two runners, Kate Sogor and Celina Eisenring. Kate relocated here just over a year ago, while Celina moved in 2016. The concept of Trash Running China was conceived shortly before CNY, during discussions about organizing outdoor running trips (which they conduct), but they also resolved to foster a community of fitness-oriented altruists within the city. The group convenes weekly at one of three designated meeting spots to embark on a 6K loop charted by either Celina or Kate.
Who's Running
The group is made up of both locals and foreigners. A Shanghainese Trash Runner who goes by Simba, says he was one of the original runners and was attracted to the group because he felt he was a ‘lone outdoor sports enthusiast' in the city and was looking for places to practice English. Two birds. Among the runners, there's an intensity spectrum, with some in sneakers and athletic gear, and others dressed as they've come straight from the office. The run is what you make of it, you can run/jog/walk, but good vibes are universal.
When/Where They Run
They host weekly events in Shanghai, Changchun, Chongqing, Wuhan, and Beijing, occurring at least four times a month. There are seasonal-themed events at least once every three months.
In Shanghai, there's a regular schedule six days a week: Monday at Madang Lu; Tuesday at Ruihong Tiandi; Wednesday at Yuyuan Lu; Thursday at Shiji Dadao; Friday at Baoshan Gaojing; and Sunday at Qibao. All events start at 7 pm.
What Else They Do
Regarding special events, they follow a yearly schedule, but the specific timing and details are posted on their WeChat public account and WeChat mini-program because each location varies. Their upcoming Christmas event and a New Year's Day mountain cleanup are on the horizon. Their largest event, Line4thon, takes place in September.
Costs
Regular events are free of charge, but certain special events, such as mountain or beach cleanups, may have a registration fee to cover expenses like transportation and insurance.
Contact Info
To get more information about them, search for their WeChat public account (ID: trashrunning) or visit their WeChat Mini-Program "trashrunning." You can find all their events there and join them.
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