Cool Runnings Recreational Club: The Cape Town "Drinking Crew with a Running Problem"
In December 2015, a new idea was born in Cape Town. Heinrich and nine of his friends, many of whom came from team sports backgrounds, wanted to bring that same social culture to running while also adding the energy of street culture. From this, the Cool Runnings Recreational Club was founded—a social run group that allows runners to meet like-minded people while gaining physical, mental, and social benefits.
The philosophy of the Cool Runnings Recreational Club is clear in its name. It's a playful twist on the movie title, highlighting that this crew is recreational in every sense. They offer a space for runners to set goals and grow personally, but the main focus is on fun and friendship. This has earned them the affectionate nickname of a "drinking crew with a running problem." To its members, however, CRRC is more than just a running group; they are a family.
What truly sets the crew apart is its remarkable versatility. They have built a community that supports members running everything from a 5km fun run to a 100km ultra-marathon—and they are just as comfortable on the road as they are on trails. This refusal to be limited by stereotypes or boundaries has made it a home for a wide range of dedicated athletes.
CRRC’s culture revolves around a steady and social weekly schedule. The crew gathers for a sunrise run on Tuesdays at 5:45 a.m. at Point Virgin Active, and for an after-work run on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. from the popular El Burro restaurant in Green Point. While open to everyone, the crew also offers paid memberships. This fee grants members access to exclusive partner benefits, including generous discounts from reputable brands like Saucony, Jack Black Beer, Oakley, and Bootlegger Coffee.
The Cool Runnings Recreational Club warmly invites everyone—including non-members—to join their weekly runs. Their inclusive approach and focus on fun and friendship make them a unique and valuable part of Cape Town’s running community. Anyone looking for a social group to share miles with is encouraged to connect via their official social media channels.
Cape Town’s Running Scene
CRRC is a key part of the vibrant and diverse running scene in Cape Town. The "Mother City" hosts many other groups, including trail runners from Must Love Hills, the inclusive Community Track Club, and The Nine Four, a crew with a strong social mission. This rich ecosystem of groups ensures there’s a welcoming space for every kind of runner. Cape Town, where I currently reside, is a runner's paradise with stunning natural beauty and varied terrain. With iconic Table Mountain as a backdrop, runners can enjoy beautiful views along the coast and across the endless trails of the surrounding mountains. From their base in Green Point, the crew has direct access to the famous Sea Point Promenade. The city hosts world-renowned races like the Two Oceans Marathon, a 56km ultramarathon, and the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon, an Abbott World Marathon Major candidate.
