What’s On profiles running clubs in Abu Dhabi, including Striders, A2R2, Abu Dhabi Island Hash House Harriers, Reem Island Runners.

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For plenty of runners, time spent pounding the pavements is a chance to de-stress, decompress and be alone with their thoughts. But the benefits of taking a more sociable approach are not to be sniffed at. Just ask Yanikk Lewis, who moved from New York to the capital last year and began Reem Island Runners.

“It’s good to be part of a running club because you are surrounded by people with the same interests,” he explains. “It’s great to meet new people, especially in Abu Dhabi which is such a transient environment.”

The club has more than 100 members and sees around 25 regulars attending their weekly meet-ups.

“We run a couple of kilometres around the island. Asides from the health benefits, there’s a social aspect. You get motivation from other runners.”

Lewis ran his first half-marathon on Yas Island last year and says he has seen members with no prior experience run their first 10Ks, while others have formed strong friendships that carry on outside of the club.

meetup.com/Reem-Island-Runners

MORE RUNNING CLUBS

ABU DHABI STRIDERS
Established in 1984, Abu Dhabi Striders is quite active on the race circuit and hosts plenty of 5K and 10K races at Zayed Sports City that are open to the community.

abudhabistriders.com

ABU DHABI ISLAND HASH HOUSE HARRIERS
Tag, you’re it! Follow your nose as a chosen runner (hounds) or lead the group (hare) on a run through the city’s streets. The Abu Dhabi chapter of this international club is as much about socialising afterwards as it is about running.

auh4.org

A2R2
This group meets on Sundays and Thursdays in front of Danat Hotel Al Ain and runs either a 7.5km or 5.5km loop that involve both paved and unpaved roads.

facebook: Al Ain Road Runners (A2R2) Danat Hotel