Adopting healthier habits is viewed by many as a vital but strenuous goal. Even a simple run requires the effort of getting dressed and leaving the house. After a few laps, the exhaustion starts seeping in. For these reasons, many people give up after a week or two. But who says exercising can’t be fun? This is what run clubs in different areas in Cairo are proving.
Inspiration Behind Run Clubs
Friends living in the same compound started running together to encourage each other. Now, they’ve built full running communities.
“Outrunners started as a spontaneous Friday morning run between friends. We were just looking for a way to move, feel good and reconnect with sports. When the energy caught on and more people started showing up, we realised we had something bigger: a community that runs not just for fitness but for joy and connection,” said Adam Elebiary, a member of Outrunners team, a running club in Rehab.
Fun Activities
These run clubs allow people to form friendships and enjoy creative ways to get fit. The most exciting of these was “The Big Friday” in which 200 people participated.
It started with a scavenger hunt all across Rehab. Different teams competed to solve the clues and find the treasure first. Afterwards came a post-run party at Yatta Café with 5 DJs setting the mood. Many videos were posted on social media showing people dancing and singing at the café with the caption “2 pm is the new 2 am”.
“Our goal is simple: to make running something people want to do, not have to do. We want to create unforgettable experiences around movement — ones that stay with you long after the run is done,” explained Elebiary.
Outrunners isn’t the only club trying to break the stigma. JAthletes, in Hyde Park, is also encouraging people to get on their feet. They give loyalty cards to members on their first run. Every time they join a run, they get a sticker. After collecting 10 stickers, they get a prize. Who wouldn’t want to burn calories and earn a free goodie? Spicing up their runs by wearing glow in the dark sticks as bracelets and glasses is another unique idea of theirs.
Partnerships
Since the main goal is to become healthier together, JAthletes has created partnerships that focus on the wellbeing of their members. For example, they partnered with a rehabilitation and injury prevention clinic, to offer exclusive perks to its members.
“We want to offer partnerships that add to our members’ athletic journeys, no matter their level and commitment whether it’s through sports equipment, education, trying something new or even meeting different like-minded people,” pointed out Ram Habib, a member of the JAthletes team.
Running for a Cause
One of the club’s priorities is also contributing to a bigger purpose by planning running for a cause events. On May 2nd, they organized Wings for Life’s prep session run in collaboration with Cairo Adidas Runners. Over 700 runners showed up, and the contributions went to support spinal cord injury research.
During Ramadan, they worked with Helping Hands to organize a run, where all the contributions would go to funding 300 iftar and suhoor meals at a cost of 120 EGP each. They also went the extra mile by going themselves to pack the meals.
Even if you are not into running, these activities would definitely encourage you to scrape the dust off your running shoes and start moving. If you are always on the hunt for something entertaining to do without the need for a screen, clubs that accept all fitness levels, organize hangouts, and give back to the community are the perfect fit.