This article is part of FT Globetrotter’s guide to Hong Kong

A decade ago, when I moved to Hong Kong, I was astounded by the city’s vibrant fitness culture. People of all ages were involved in a wide-range of activities: soccer, cycling, tai chi, badminton and dragon boat racing, to name just a few. But strict Covid-19 restrictions curbed social and fitness activities for nearly three years, and the buzzing exercise scene went quiet. During that time, I, like much of the city, started to run.

When restrictions were lifted, running clubs (organised group runs) sprang up across the city, becoming hubs for Hongkongers looking to train with like-minded individuals. They’ve become so popular that these days you can find one to join almost every day of the week, each with its own angle: some are all about speed, best suited to runners striving to enhance their performance, while others are more social, aimed at making friends or dating.

The trend extends beyond Hong Kong: according to a recent report by Strava, the fitness app, global run-club participation increased by 59 per cent in 2024, and the majority of respondents said they had made new friends via fitness groups.

“Having moved to Hong Kong just five weeks ago from London,” says Kelly, a new member of the women’s running group, She Runs Collective, “I thought it would be good to meet women in the city, make friends and find purpose in the evenings through fitness, especially by discovering new routes.”

Whether you are new to the city or a longtime local, Hong Kong is endlessly enjoyable to take in on foot, no matter your aim. One moment, you’re passing historic temples on the busy streets of SoHo, and the next you’re on the waterfront, with gleaming skyscrapers reflecting off the harbour. If you love nature, a vast network of trails takes you up lush green hills to breathtaking views of the city. I’ve spent time with many of Hong Kong’s running clubs to compile this guide: one for almost every day and every need.

Monday: She Runs Collective (women only)

• When? Monday, 7.30pm 

• Where? The Station café, 18 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan (water, bag drop and changing facility available); Directions 

• Who is this run for? Women who want to start running with a supportive community

• Distances: 2km, 4km and 6km — all paces welcome. There’s also a walking group

• Cost and sign-up: Free, no sign-ups required

• FYI: They also host regular pre-run talks centred on fitness, women’s health and navigating other challenges

• Contact: @she.runs.collective

She Runs Collective, a women-only running club, was established in 2024 by Onside Sports Group, a female-focused sports initiative in Hong Kong. It was launched as an alternative to mixed running groups, which can be dating-oriented and make some women runners uncomfortable. It has rapidly evolved into a female running community that connects women across generations, from teenagers to retirees.

The club’s inclusive ethos also attracts a wide range of running levels, from first-timers to marathoners. The runs vary in length, with participants choosing whether to complete 2km, 4km or 6km, and all paces are welcome (even walking). Amy George, one of the co-founders, says it has also inspired many women to start racing: “A lot of women have started running competitively — 5km, 10km races — because of joining the club. It’s exciting to see people discovering their potential.”

My first run with them was just before Christmas, when nearly 80 women showed up in festive gear for a relaxed and welcoming run that also felt like a full-out celebration. It started at The Station coffee shop (more below), and those of us who opted for a 6km run ventured to the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and back. Club captains were spread throughout the pack, ensuring that everyone stayed on course and no one was left behind.

What stood out to me most were the support and camaraderie. Whether it was words of encouragement, shared laughter or simply running side by side, it felt less like a running club and more like a team.

Wednesday morning: Supernatural⁺ Run Club

• When? Wednesday, 7.15am

• Where? Aberdeen Sports Ground, 108 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen (water, bag drop, showers and changing facilities available); Directions

• Who is this run for? Anyone looking for structured training to improve their pace and overall fitness

• Distance: Different every week

• Cost and sign-up: Free, no sign-ups required

• FYI: Supernatural⁺ also specialises in performance hydration products, which are provided during its weekly track sessions. This session is also usually on Tuesday mornings, but at the time of publication it has been temporarily rescheduled to Wednesdays due to track availability, so do check in advance before attending

• Contact: supernaturalplus.com and @supernatural.plus

Supernatural⁺ Run Club is a track-based group offering weekly sessions with varied distances, paces and programmes suitable for all experience levels. If you’re motivated by structured training programs and clear pathways to improvement, this could be the club for you — it’s designed to help runners build speed and strength. Sessions take place on the track at Aberdeen Sports Ground, near Ocean Park, with a beautiful backdrop of cable cars and the famous Brick Hill.

Supernatural⁺ posts session details on Instagram a day or two before runs. I joined the half- and full-marathon training programme to prepare for a race, and as an average runner I wasn’t sure what to expect. I quickly saw that runners of all levels, from beginners to seasoned marathoners, were there to push themselves at their own speed. So while everyone turned up for the same workout, we each did the session at our own pace, and naturally formed groups with others based on speed.

Founder Josh Anstey launched the club over a year ago, initially as a companion to training for the Hyrox fitness competition, which has also surged in popularity in Hong Kong in recent years, but its mission quickly evolved to cater to more people. One club member, Clare Cheung, tells me that training alongside competitive athletes has pushed her to reach new personal milestones. That was the goal of Anstey, who explains that track running can be some of the best ways to build endurance. “When you’re on the track,” he says, “you’re always in front of someone — it’s all relative.”

Wednesday evening: Harbour Runners

• When? Wednesday, 7.45PM

• Where? Pier 7 on Victoria Harbour, under the bridge (bag drop available); Directions 

• Who is this run for? Anyone looking for a relaxed, post-work run along Victoria Harbour

• Distance: Different every week

• Cost and sign-up: Free, no sign-ups required 

• FYI: Harbour Runners is part of an international network of running groups called Bridge the Gap

• Contact: @harbourrunners

In Hong Kong’s busy running scene, Harbour Runners stands out as one of its pioneering crews. Established in 2010, it began as an outlet for a few friends looking to change their running routines and has since evolved into a thriving community.

On a busy Wednesday evening, I joined Harbour Runners alongside about 50 runners. What I found was groups of friends catching up, laughing and chatting through the warm-up. I expected to blend into the crowd, but people came up regularly to introduce themselves, welcoming me like I was already part of the community. Captains spoke both in English and Cantonese, which is a rarity, and it was clear that this was more than just a workout; it was a welcoming midweek ritual. 

For many members, the appeal lies in the social aspect. “[I joined] mostly to meet new people and to socialise,” says Scott Lau, a new runner, adding that he decided to take it up after one too many soccer injuries. This inclusive ethos is reinforced by the group’s captains, who ensure that everyone, regardless of age, pace, or fitness level, feels welcome. “Harbour Runners is a social running crew, it’s more about a midweek relaxation, mingling and networking,” says Dawn Chan, one of the captains. “Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced runner, you’re welcome to join us.”

The group divides into pace groups, with captains ensuring that no one is left behind. The routes are beautiful: some run along Hong Kong Island’s iconic waterfront, some pass Kowloon’s scenic landmarks and others explore lesser-known parts of Hong Kong.

Thursday: Midnight Runners

• When? Thursday, 7.30pm 

• Where? AIA Vitality Hub, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central (bag drop and changing facility available); Directions

• Who is this run for? People who want a run with a party vibe

• Distance: 7-9km with three or four exercise stops; all paces welcome

• Cost and sign-up: Free on the Heylo mobile application

• FYI: Midnight Runners clubs can be found in 18 cities around the world

• Contact: @midnightrunnershk

Midnight Runners began a decade ago in London as a group of friends running with music. Today, it’s a global volunteer-led non-profit with communities in 18 cities, including New York, Sydney and Hong Kong. It’s known for high-energy runs that feature exercise stops and music along Victoria Harbour, and its motto says it all: “Fun over Fitness.” It’s one of the most well-known groups for bringing locals and expats together for weekly Thursday-evening runs from Central.

For David Constantine, one of the club captains, Midnight Runners was a lifeline during difficult times. “I found Midnight Runners during a low point in the Covid-19 lockdowns in New York City. It was my main source of socialising.” Moving to Hong Kong in 2022, he experienced the same warmth: “It felt like I made 100 friends in two weeks.

“It’s hard to meet people as an adult in a big city,” he adds. “[Midnight Runners] provides a space to build friendships, share career insights or just connect over common interests while staying active.” 

Midnight Runners is pure fun. The day I went the turnout was huge — more than 100 (mostly young) people. Other runners quickly approached me when they noticed I was new, and workouts were partner-based, which made it easy to meet others (they also do solo or group exercises). Captain crews are positioned throughout the group, each running at different paces and carrying speakers that keep the music flowing and the energy high, while ensuring that everyone can follow their preferred pace.

Saturday: Wazup Running Club — Breakfast Run

• When? Saturday, 7.30am

• Where? The Station, 18 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan (water, bag drop and changing facility available); Directions 

• Who is this run for? People who like to rise early at the weekend, and anyone looking to really explore Hong Kong

• Distance: 5–10km, all paces welcome

• Cost and sign-up: Free, no sign-ups required

• FYI: It also hosts runs on Wednesdays at 7.30pm, longer ones on Sundays and occasional holiday-themed events

• Contact: @wazuprunning

Wazup Running Club initially started as casual Wednesday-night and Saturday-morning runs for friends and family. Today, more than 100 runners regularly join its sessions, which are held throughout the week and are suitable for all levels. “Running is transformative,” founder Andrew Wong says. “It’s not just physical — it’s mental, emotional, and deeply personal. I wanted to share that journey with others.”

Four regular runs anchor the club’s calendar, including social midweek and weekend runs, long-distance Sunday training and also scenic trail adventures. Wazup Running Club also organises “Heritage Runs”, blending fitness with cultural and historical exploration. One of these took participants to a relic from the Battle of Hong Kong in 1941, when Japanese forces launched an all-out assault on the city. 

I joined one of Wazup’s Saturday breakfast runs, which was a perfect blend of flat and uphill routes. We gradually left behind the narrow streets and towering buildings of Mid Levels, making our way up to Bowen Road. The relaxed pace made it perfect for chatting with both regular members and visitors exploring Hong Kong. It ended at the above-mentioned The Station, a coffee shop Wong opened in 2023 where runners across the city and from different clubs regularly get together.

Sunday: Shelter Athletics’ Sunday Service

• When? Sunday, 8am

• Where? AIA Vitality Hub, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central (water, bag drop and changing facility available); Directions

• Who is this run for: Sunrise-seekers who want a relaxed run on the waterfront

• Distance: 10km, all paces welcome; during race season, the group occasionally offers 15–20km runs

• Cost and sign-up: Free, no sign-ups required (except sometimes for one-off events)

• FYI: They host multiple runs weekly: Shelter Girls Night (Mondays, 7pm, women-only) and Shelter Run Kowloon (every other Thursday, 7.15pm)

• Contact: @shelterathletics

Shelter Athletics, a Hong Kong club dedicated to building community through running, active engagement and philanthropy, is one of the most welcoming running groups in Hong Kong. On my first visit, I was greeted with such warmth from members with backgrounds as diverse as chefs, social workers, homemakers, lawyers and parents with college-aged children that I found myself returning week after week.

This group is also not just about logging miles, but giving back too: founded by Jason Lam in winter 2022 to bring people together after the pandemic, it has raised more than HK$400,000 (£42,000) for charities and organisations in need across Hong Kong, including Movember, Room To Read, The New Normal, More Good, Edit Academy and Harmony House, Hong Kong’s first shelter for women and children affected by domestic violence. It has also organised free running workshops for the shelter’s residents and staff in preparation for the 2025 Standard Chartered Marathon.

For one of the members, Vicky Tsang, running with Shelter Athletics is more than just a workout; it fosters discipline and creates a sense of connection. “The vibe is what keeps me coming back,” she says. “I want to run with people I can be friends with, and you do become friends here.”

There’s also something particularly special about running in Hong Kong at sunrise — even for those who aren’t natural early-risers, like me. The views alone are worth it, but you also start your Sunday on a high. And the best part? The post-run tradition: fresh oranges at the finish, and sometimes homemade cakes, prepared by members.

What’s your favourite run in Hong Kong? Tell us in the comments below. And follow FT Globetrotter on Instagram at @FTGlobetrotter

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