Looking for a running group in Hanover?

MORE ABOUT RUNNING IN HANOVER

Hanover has one of Europe's largest urban forests, the Eilenriede, right on its doorstep — with the Maschsee lake right in the middle of it all. We Up brings the city's running groups, run clubs, and meetups together in one place, from a relaxed lake loop to an ambitious group.

The classic is the roughly six-kilometer loop around the Maschsee. But the real running paradise is the Eilenriede, spanning about 640 hectares with more than 80 kilometers of paths — forest right in the middle of the city. For wide-open running, head to the Herrenhausen Gardens and the Georgengarten, or take the flat banks of the Leine and Ihme rivers. The Ricklinger Kiesteiche in the south offer routes of any length you like, the Mittellandkanal delivers long, straight kilometers, and the Tiergarten in Kirchrode combines forest loops with a wildlife park.

Groups meet in almost every neighborhood — in List, Linden, the Nordstadt and Südstadt, in Vahrenwald, or Kleefeld. Every group shows the day, time, meeting point, and pace in advance. Most meetups are free and beginner-friendly, with no pressure at all. Just how much Hanover runs shows in the ADAC Marathon, which set a registration record in 2026 with 33,857 participants across all distances.

A group in your neighborhood is quick to find, and the next event is quick to book. The best part of running in Hanover isn't the marathon finish time — it's the regular loop through the Eilenriede with people who stick around at the Maschsee afterward. Find your group and join the run.

22 running groups in Hanover on We Up

Running in Hanover — good to know

Is this suitable for beginners too?
Yes, explicitly. Many running groups in Hanover 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 Hanover are free. You just come by and run along – no registration, membership or fee.
Where do running groups meet in Hanover?
All across the city — Maschsee, Eilenriede, Herrenhäuser Gärten / Georgengarten, Leineufer / Ihmeufer, Ricklinger Kiesteiche and Tiergarten Kirchrode are among the most popular meeting points. Every group on We Up shows its exact meeting point.
Where do I find run meetups in Hanover?
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 Hanover?
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 · marathon-hannover.de · spoferan.com · stadtreporter.de · hannoverlife.de · hannover.de