Who: Benchwarmers Runners Club | When: Every Wednesday 5.30pm (run starts 5.45pm) | Where: Benchwarmers Sports Bar, 2 Bolton Road, Rosebank | Distances: 5km run, 3km walk/run | Community Curators: Ruan du Toit and Sinéad Farrell | Website: www.benchwarmersrunnersclub.co.za

Benchwarmers has a vibe difficult to find in Johannesburg with a mishmash of hundreds of personalities wearing their best, and somewhat unnecessary gear (were the carbons a requirement?), gathering religiously at a bar to meet this week’s love of their life, drink one too many beers for a Wednesday, and, of course, slot in a quick 5km to make it all seem Instagram worthy.

…once you attend, you will be hard-pressed not to find yourself there every Wednesday…

That said, once you attend, you will be hard-pressed not to find yourself there every Wednesday indefinitely. The sheer number of people overflowing from the bar when you arrive is enough to make a bouncer cry. You are met by a steady buzz of chatter and laughter, Brads comparing their Strava PBs to Chad’s, and some of Jozi’s biggest running weapons.

The group truly brings together runners of every kind. From beginners tackling their first 3km walk/run (yes, there is a walking option), to athletes pushing for a sharper 5km. Brad and Chad race every week; nobody is sure why. Britney remains unmoved. What makes this club a must-try is the people. This is not a club focused on getting a training run done and calling it a day; this is a club built for community.

The Philosophy
“Inclusivity isn’t a tagline, it’s our culture,” is their tagline. Benchwarmers was created with one intention: to build a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels welcome. It’s a club where runners of all levels share the road, the laughs, and the post-run celebrations. “Running is better when it’s social. It’s not just kilometres; it’s connection, belonging, and showing up for each other,” says founder Marc Cronje.

The Clubhouse
Post-run, the real magic begins. The run starts and finishes at the lively, vibey Benchwarmers Sports Bar in the heart of Rosebank – the club’s beloved clubhouse. Jack Black fuels the post-run festivities while the club’s official partner, Nike, frequently joins the action with exciting gear drops, collaborations, and activations.

The Members
Here’s the best part: It’s completely free. In staying true to their mission of accessibility and inclusion, there are no sign-up fees and no monthly commitments. Just show up, move your body, and be part of something bigger. Benchwarmers Runners Club has grown from a small local group into a thriving community that now draws hundreds of runners every Wednesday.

Next Up? Want your running group to feature? Mail Rachel at clubs@qbf-agency.co.za

READ MORE ON: Running clubs running community