Better Run Together: Running Groups in and Around Innsbruck

My favorite hobby? Besides eating and sleeping, it’s definitely running! Something I used to hate is now really important to me, and I really try to go for a run three or four times a week. Headphones on, running shoes on, clear my mind, and off I go. I love it! That said, it can get a little boring sometimes, and it’s nice to be able to chat with like-minded people. But what if your own friends don’t enjoy running too? Or what if you’re new to the city and don’t know anyone yet? Then I’ve got the solution for you! Because there are lots of wonderful running groups in and around Innsbruck—and there’s guaranteed to be something for everyone. No matter what pace you want to run at, whether uphill or through the city: Everyone can find the right running group here. My fellow blogger Leon tried out Parkrun. I’ll introduce a few other running initiatives to you below. 

morningruns_ Kicking off the new week with a sporty vibe

There are probably two types of people: larks and owls—that is, those who have the most energy in the morning and those who really hit their stride in the evening. For all those who belong to the first group, I have the perfect running meetup: morningruns_. The name says it all: Instead of hitting the snooze button on Monday morning and rolling over in bed one more time, you slip on your running shoes and meet up with other running enthusiasts and early risers at the market square. The run covers about seven to eight kilometers at a pace of roughly 5:45 min/km. You don’t need to sign up, and there are no other special requirements—everyone is welcome! What’s especially convenient: The run takes place all year round, rain or shine. So yes, I admit it sounds tough to start the week this way, but one thing is certain: It’s worth it, and the feeling after the run is simply always unbeatable!

Laufwerkstatt: Run Together, Get Stronger Together

If you’re a passionate runner who wants to improve your form—rather than just taking it easy on your runs—or maybe you’re even interested in competing, then you should Laufwerkstatt definitely check this out. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced runner—everyone is welcome here. There are different classes: On Mondays, for example, speed training is on the schedule, and on Wednesdays, we hit the trails. The classes are free if you’re a member of the Laufwerkstatt —you can find all the details here.

Women only. Side by side. Every Tuesday.

But I’d especially like to highlight the Women Bird Frauenlaufthat takes place every Tuesday. Because this running group is open to all women free of charge. And honestly: Of course we enjoy running with men, but sometimes it’s just more relaxing to stick with our own kind. True to the motto: Women only. Side by side. Every Tuesday.

I thought the “ Women Bird ” Women’s Run was super cool! Even though I was the only newcomer in the group, I was immediately welcomed with open arms. Mirjam, the running coach, places great importance on keeping the sessions varied. It was exactly this variety that I especially enjoyed. “I’m always coming up with something new—sometimes we do the running ABCs, other times stair training,” says Mirjam. During my visit, for example, we went to Huttererpark, where we combined strength and endurance training: two minutes on the machines, then running about a kilometer and back to the machines. So if you’re in the mood for a varied running workout in a relaxed women’s group, you should definitely check out the Women Bird Women’s Run. You can sign up up to Heylo-App up to 24 hours before the run. The event takes place with a minimum of two participants.

DNA Trails: Trail Running for Everyone

Even though I absolutely love running on the road—for example, along the Inn River—a little variety never hurts. And that’s wheretrail running comes in . The term is derived from the English word “trail,” meaning “path” or “track,” and basically just means you’re not running on paved roads. But since we live in Tyrol, that means one thing above all else: uphill. For all trail runners and those who want to become one, I have the perfect running group: DNA Trails. The group meets every Thursday at Bierstindl and everyone is truly welcome, no matter how long they’ve been training. Since this summer, there have been three different groups. In the“Snail Group,” trail running newbies or anyone who wants to take it a bit easier can let loose over six kilometers. We walk uphill and run downhill. Those looking for a bit more of a challenge can join the“Discovery Run,”which is about nine kilometers, or the“Advanced Run,”which is about 13 kilometers. Before the start, the different groups are explained, and after the run, everyone heads over to the [/notrans]Bierstindl[/notrans] for a drink together.

Just join in and try something new

Not sure if trail running is right for you and don’t want to invest in expensive shoes right away? No problem— DNA Trails provides trail running shoes in all sizes for you to try out. Plus, communication at DNA Trails is in English, so international runners feel welcome right away. In the winter and throughout the year, there are also various special events, ranging from weekend coffee runs to free courses on downhill technique or how to use trekking poles, as well as avalanche and cross-country skiing courses. By the way, you should now pack a headlamp for the Thursday runs—if you don’t have one yet, DNA Trails also has a few available to borrow.

My Love-Hate Relationship: Interval Training

When I first started running, my goal was to run 5 kilometers without dying. Eventually, I managed to do that, and I kept setting my goals a little higher: first, running 10 kilometers straight through, then a half-marathon. And little by little, I wanted to get faster, too—and (unfortunately!) that’s not possible without interval training! I can’t think of anything—really, nothing at all—that’s as exhausting as running intervals, and it’s really hard for me to motivate myself to do it.

KRAFT Runners: Intervals without the pressure to perform

Maybe it would be easier for me if I joined a running group that does exactly that! The KRAFT Runners , we meet every Thursday at 7 p. m. at the Bar SixtyTwenty and run intervals together for 25 minutes. Don’t worry if you’re like me and think, “I’m way too slow for that!” Because pace doesn’t matter here. After a quick warm-up, you run back and forth so that everyone can set their own pace and still no one gets left behind. After a cool-down, you can all grab a drink together at SixtyTwenty and wind down the evening in a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone is welcome at KRAFT Runners, too. They run all year round—just show up; no registration required. Participation is free. If you’d like to know which intervals are on the schedule for that day, you can join the WhatsApp group.

The perfect way to start your Sunday?

A run, coffee, and absolutely no stress—if that sounds like your kind of thing, then loop.spoorts Runclub Tirol in Telfs. Every Sunday, we meet at 10 a.m. at the Weissenbach Bar and then run about five kilometers through Telfs together at a relaxed 6:30 pace. “We always adjust to the pace of the slowest runner,” says Elisa, who founded the loop.spoorts Runclub Tirol about a year ago, in October 2025, together with her boyfriend Hans. Their goal: to motivate people to take up running and lace up their running shoes together—without any pressure to perform. “Last year we ran all year round, even through the winter,” says Hans. If the weather cooperates, they plan to do the same this year—but it’s best to stay updated on loop’s Instagram page.

loop: Run first, then coffee

And now comes the best part: After the run, we don’t just go our separate ways—instead, we enjoy a cozy get-together at the “Weissenbach Bar ” over a delicious cup of coffee —and it’s even on the house! It’s the perfect opportunity to chat with the other runners, catch up a bit, and start your Sunday off on a relaxed note. So the “ loop.spoorts Runclub Tirol ” is the perfect running meetup for anyone who prioritizes a relaxed get-together over performance—and, of course, for anyone who loves really good coffee!

No more excuses!

I know it’s hard to fight that inner slacker, and sometimes it takes a lot of willpower to get off the couch and lace up your running shoes. But honestly: It’s worth it. Always! And if you join one of the many running groups in and around Innsbruck, your motivation will be even greater. I think it’s absolutely amazing what our Alpine metropolis has to offer athletes and how many great, free opportunities there really are for everyone. So: no more excuses! Let’s go for a run!

Everything at a Glance

morningruns_
When: Monday, 7:00 a.m.
Where: Market Square, Innsbruck
Route: approx. 7–8 km Pace: approx. 5:45 min/km
Special features: Year-round, rain or shine, no registration required

Women Bird Women’s Run
When: Tuesday at 6:15 p.m.
Where: Varies by session
Distance/Pace: Varies
Details: Free, for women only; register via the Heylo app at least 24 hours before the run

DNA Trails
When: Thursday, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Bierstindl, Innsbruck
Distance: approx. 6–13 km
Pace: Varies by group
Details: Three groups—Snail, Discovery, and Advanced; trail running shoes and headlamps available for rent; no registration required

KRAFT Runners
When: Thursday, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Bar SixtyTwenty
Route: 25-minute intervals
Pace: Your own pace
Details: Free, no registration required, year-round

loop.spoorts Runclub Tirol
When: Sunday, 10:00 a.m.
Where: Weissenbach Bar, Telfs
Route: approx. 5 km
Pace: approx. 6:30 min/km
Special features: No pressure to perform; pace is adjusted to the slowest runner; followed by coffee at the Weissenbach Bar