Looking for a running group in Dortmund?

MORE ABOUT RUNNING IN DORTMUND

Dortmund's running scene reaches well beyond the stadium: from Phoenix-See in the old Hörde steelworks district to the Westfalenpark, there are routes for every pace. We Up brings the city's running clubs, running groups, and run crews together in one place, from relaxed loops to ambitious tempo groups.

The quiet star is Phoenix-See in Hörde, built on the site of the old Hermannshütte steelworks: the paved lakeside loop measures a bit over three kilometers, so three laps add up to ten. Right in the city center, the sprawling Westfalenpark with its Florianturm tower and the tranquil Rombergpark with its botanical garden both draw runners. If you like it long and hilly, head south around Hohensyburg and Hengsteysee, or run the dead-straight towpath along the Dortmund-Ems Canal.

Groups meet in nearly every district — in Hörde, in the Nordstadt around Borsigplatz, in Dorstfeld, Brackel, or Aplerbeck. Every group lists its meeting point, day, time, and pace in advance. A large share of sessions are free and explicitly welcome beginners — no pressure on pace. Just how much Dortmund loves to run shows in the Sparkassen-Phoenix-Halbmarathon, which set a record with 6,000 runners at Phoenix-See in 2025.

Pick a group in your district and be at the start line for the next event. The best thing about running in Dortmund isn't a half-marathon time — it's the regular lakeside run with people you'd otherwise never have met. Join the next run, and you're part of it.

18 running groups in Dortmund on We Up

Running in Dortmund — good to know

Is this suitable for beginners too?
Yes, explicitly. Many running groups in Dortmund are beginner-friendly and deliberately run slowly — often with walk breaks. You need no experience, just the will to start.
Am I too slow for a running group?
No. There's a group for almost every pace – from very easy to fast. Pick one whose pace fits you; nobody gets left behind.
Can I come alone?
Sure, most people come alone to their first run. That's exactly what running groups are for: meeting new people and running together. Message the group beforehand and you'll recognise each other at the meeting point.
What if I can't keep up?
No problem. Many groups wait at crossings, run in pace groups or take walk breaks. And if it gets too fast, you simply drop out – that’s completely fine.
What does it cost?
The vast majority of run meetups and running groups in Dortmund are free. You just come by and run along – no registration, membership or fee.
Where do running groups meet in Dortmund?
All across the city — Phoenix-See, Westfalenpark, Rombergpark, Fredenbaumpark, Hoeschpark and Hohensyburg & Hengsteysee are among the most popular meeting points. Every group on We Up shows its exact meeting point.
Where do I find run meetups in Dortmund?
Right here on this page: We Up lists the city's run meetups, running groups and run clubs in one place, with day, time, pace and meeting point. Follow a group or see its next runs.
Are there free running groups in Dortmund?
Yes, most are free. Social run clubs and open meetups live off running together, not off fees – just come along.
Which running group fits my pace?
From a relaxed 5-kilometre beginner run to a tempo group under 5:00/km, there is everything. Check each group’s pace and feel free to try several until it fits.
When do the running groups meet?
Mostly weekday evenings and weekend mornings – many have fixed weekly slots. You’ll find the exact times for each group and run right here on the page.

Last updated 13 July 2026

Sources: de.wikipedia.org · flvw-dortmund.de · flvw-dortmund.de · ruhrnachrichten.de · sparkassen-phoenix-halbmarathon.de · aktiv-laufen.de · coolibri.de · en.wikipedia.org