The Netherlands is a great country to find endless places to run, what with its famously flat terrain and an abundance of parks and scenic paths alongside the canals. Running has become increasingly popular: of course it’s amazing for your physical health, but it’s also a great activity for your mental wellbeing.
If you’re up for it, you can choose to lace up your running shoes and run anytime, anywhere, however, there’s something extra motivating in joining a group of other runners for moral support, running tips and some fun camaraderie.
We've made a selection of different running clubs in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht that cater to expats. Some are completely for free, most are in English and many are led by experienced marathon-running trainers. Some of these running groups tick all the boxes! Others are purely for fun and fresh air!
Here are some running groups ideal for expats in the Randstad cities:
Fancy an urban run after work? Well, then why not join Om Runners, an initiative by lululemon Amsterdam Runclub, every Thursday until August 29. The trainer is an experienced marathon runner who will be sure to put you on the right path.
Meet up in your running gear at the lululemon store at Hartenstraat 13 in Amsterdam at 6.30pm. It’s completely for free, but registration is required.
The social running group ‘Dam Runners has its stomping ground at Vondelpark. Every Wednesday evening at 7pm, they do one lap of the Vondelpark, which takes approximately 45 minutes. On Saturday mornings, they take on a longer run of about 8,3 kilometres.
It’s open to runners of different levels and experience, and rather than being competitive, its regarded as a social way to keep fit and meet others. There’s even a tradition of going for a coffee afterwards! Gezellig!
If you aspire to run marathons, or if you simply want to improve your technique, check the impressive running courses with I Love Supersport Utrecht. Training takes place at Wilhelminapark, Oog in Al Park, Griftpark and Beatrixpark, with expat running coaches who are seasoned marathon finishers.
The instructors help runners with safe and correct running technique, general physical preparedness and recovery, so you’ll be in good hands.
With a clubhouse located between Clingendael Park and the Wassenaar dunes, The Hague Road Runners (HRR) is one of the largest running clubs in The Hague. With 800 members, it caters to runners of all ages (from 16 and over) and levels, whether you’re aiming to run your first 5k or up your game for your next full marathon.
The club is super expat-friendly: the membership is on a yearly basis, but if you are planning on living in The Hague short term, then they’ll arrange your membership fee accordingly.
If you’re up for a city run in Rotterdam, then you’re in for a treat. Let’s run in Rotterdam! kicks off from the Wilhelminaplein metro station. A typical run takes you across the Erasmus Bridge, towards Willem’s Bridge and back again. Sometimes, a slightly longer distance is added by taking in Noordereiland.
For the longest distance, the group runs all the way to the Euromast Park or around the Kralingse Plas. So, no matter where you go, you’ll be on a scenic route! Join Let’s run in Rotterdam! on Monday evenings and Sunday mornings / afternoons.
Put on your running gear, inhale the fresh air and join a club! If you would like to keep fit, but running is not exactly what you're looking for, why not browse our list of gyms, personal trainers and fitness classes in the Netherlands?