RUNNING GROUPS
IN LIMA
Find a running group in Lima to join
6th Aug 2024 | 5-min read
These are just the running groups I know of or have run with in Lima. Of course, there must be many more groups to run with. Since Lima is such a big city, there will be running groups for specific districts. Have a look on Facebook.
But for now …
RUNNING
RUNNING is actually just the name of one of the WhatsApp groups in the Lima Community (an assortment of WhatsApp groups originally created by expats in Lima).
It is not an actual running club, and it is not a particularly active WhatsApp group, but there is sometimes talk of people meeting up to run, typically along the malecón in Miraflores. Upcoming races are sometimes shared here.
To be honest, I’d say this WhatsApp group could just be a good place to ask about actual running groups in Lima!
UPDATE: This WhatsApp group is now called RUNNING & TREKKING, which may mean there is even less running chat!
Make sure you join Lima Community on WhatsApp!
Hash House Harriers
You don’t know who the hash house harriers? You’re missing out! I’m a hasher and to you readers who know what “hashing” is, I’m 5 Kuai Head.
What is hashing?
Look up hash house harriers online, and the websites of the various “kennels” (clubs) around the world will explain what hashing is. The much-quoted tagline is “a drinking club with a running problem,” but that can give the wrong impression. That said, there is beer (although not everyone will be drinking), and there is running (or walking, if you prefer).
Basically, the “hare,” will lay a running trail with flour or chalk that will lead the “pack” of hashers - people who do hashing - to a beer stop and back to the start or a new end point where there will be more beer! Special markings (which won’t mean anything to a non-hasher) should ensure that the runners - regardless of their speed - never get too far away from each other. Of course, there is more to hashing than this, but I don’t want to spoil your first experience with hashing.
Why should I start hashing?
If you are a runner who likes the idea of getting off the beaten path (very much literally), but more importantly, if there’s still a kid in you somewhere and you don’t take things too seriously, definitely check out a hash wherever in the world you are. Hashing is also a great way to meet people, practice a foreign language and explore alternative parts of a city and its surroundings.
But as for specifically hashing in Lima …
Lima Extra Miércoles Hash House Harriers
Lima Extra Miércoles Hash House Harriers organises a monthly hash. There will be walkers and runners and a mix of locals and gringos. Expect a trail to last around 4 miles (6.5 km). Typically, the trail will start and end at the same bar. A lot of the trails have been in Miraflores, but hopefully, the trail locations will branch out to other parts of Lima as the kennel grows.
When: Last Wednesday of every month
Time: 7pm
Cost: S/10 (to cover your beer)
Lima Hash House Harriers
The original Lima hash, and because of this, this is the hash you are likely to come across if you were searching for a Lima hash online. However, this hash may leave you frustrated if you’re a long-term hasher from elsewhere or a runner.
There are usually only walkers and the hashers are much older. (And for you hashers, there is no circle at the end!) Spanish is the principal language of this hash.
When: Every other Saturday
Time: 2:30pm (but meet times will depend on the hare)
Cost: S/30 (includes beer and meal)
Numbers may be low, but if you want the true hashing experience, check out Lima Extra Miércoles.
Beer Run Perú
Beer, running: another hash? Not quite. This running group is completely unrelated to the hash house harriers although there are obvious similarities.
Beer Run Perú (also in Arequipa) follows the very simple concept of running along a predetermined 5 km route before finishing in a bar. This is a well-established and organised group. There were 40-50 people at the one Beer Run I did!
Beer Run Perú takes place every Thursday, starting at 8:30pm. The exact route will be shared online each week. Miraflores and the malecón are popular locations, but there will be runs all across the city. San Isidro, San Borja and La Molina were all recent locations, for example. There is also a Saturday run at 4:30pm twice a month.
There will be a slow group and a fast group who will each follow behind one of the organisers, but just bear in mind that the “fast” group will do a 30-minute 5 k! Perhaps there are usually faster groups than this speed. Runners are then encouraged to drink and socialise in the finishing bar afterwards, which will have promotions for the Beer Runners.
Expect to only see Peruvians, so this is a great way to practice your Spanish.
When: Every Thursday and two Saturdays a month
Time: 8:30pm (Thursdays)/4:30pm (Saturdays)
Cost: S/10
Who do you run with in Lima?
Do you want to share your running group?
What sport do you want to play?
