May's plethora of bank holidays combined with a spree of good weather meant Luxembourg's running clubs were out in full force recently. Running clubs have been a staple in big cities over the past decade, but in the last few years Luxembourg's communities have been steadily growing – both in size and numbers.
Although there are numerous options to choose from when deciding which community to join, two running communities have been creating a buzz on social media are D.Ekipp, based in town, and SauerBeen, who operate in the north. Both of which emphasise that any type of runner is welcome, no matter their running ability or experience.
"People are not just coming to run, they're coming to connect", exclaimed Wei from d'Ekipp. "A run club creates a space where people can meet new people, reconnect with others, and be active together in a relaxed and welcoming environment."
The argument is backed by science: A 2023 study found that participation in running clubs has a positive effect on social capital (the value derived from positive social networks), which could be the reason for the spike in popularity.
SauerBeen pointed to the lack of running communities – especially in the north – as an inspiration to commence their project. They started two years ago and offer weekly running session along the Sûre river (Sauer in Luxembourgish) and although they started with three members, they now host around 20–50 runners every week.
Their spokesperson emphasised running's simplicity, accessibility and that "it is also a great way to socialise".
The social aspects of these groups are the core of their mission, "it's about being part of a community, not running alone but together, and improving together", SauerBeen said. Wei went a step further, saying "d’Ekipp is not just a run club – it's a lifestyle. We focus on creating good vibes, motivating people, and encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone."
People will come for the run but might also stay longer to socialise.
D'Ekipp's latest escapade, the community run on 10 May, not only shows how these running clubs are growing but also the impact social media has in mobilising masses. D'Ekipp has a total following of just over 7,000 people, yet an estimated 1,000 were present on that day. They collaborated with various local businesses to enhance the run's experience, providing food and drink on site.
"For us, this turnout clearly highlights the growing demand for community-driven sports and lifestyle events in Luxembourg", they elaborated.
Luxembourg's biggest marathon is set to take place on 16 May and these communities are not only aiding individuals find a sense of belonging but also preparing them in the latter stages of their race day program. D'Ekipp are hosting a yoga session at the Geesseknäppchen Campus on 14 May, then a community shake out run on 15 May followed by a carb-loading event. "The goal of the entire program is to create a shared experience around the marathon – not just the race itself, but everything that comes with it."
This year a record number of 18,000 runners have registered for the 19th edition of the race, which shows how the attraction of pushing your limits, be it alone or in a group, is still on the up.
